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How to book your tour
There are a few options available when booking an Uxmal Tour. Most likely, you’ll be staying in the capital city of Merida. Luckily, there’s a boatload of tour options there. There are the basic tours, which just cover the entrance fee and transportation to and from the ruins. Then there are the more comprehensive ones that included additional activities like a visit to the nearby town of Kabah or exploring the Sayil Mayan Ruins. Depending on your time and budget, choose what works for you. I opted for the comprehensive option however.
I booked my tour through a local tour office I found while strolling around Merida, but there are also options to book online or through the visitor center at the ruins. It’s important to make sure the tour includes the option to hire a licensed guide inside the ruins. After all, they provide so much insight into the history and culture of the site.
How to prepare
Alright, so you’ve decided on a tour to take! Let me tell you, you’ll absolutely love it! But before you embark on this adventure, there are a few things you need to do to prepare for the Uxmal tour. First things first, make sure to pack comfortable walking shoes, because you’re going to be doing a lot of exploring and climbing. It’s also a good idea to bring plenty of water as the tour can be quite long and you’ll want to stay hydrated and energized.
Don’t forget to bring sunscreen and a hat, as the sun can be quite intense in this region. And lastly, it’s a good idea to brush up on your Mayan history before the tour, so you can fully appreciate the significance of the ruins and the incredible structures you’ll be encountering. With all of that in mind, you’ll be well prepared to take on the Uxmal tour and soak in all the history and beauty that this ancient site has to offer.
Cenote Sambula
So, once your guide shows up to round you up like cattle, the fun really begins! Least that’s how it was for me! We didn’t start with Uxmal right away though. No, we had to wake up of course. And naturally, that means diving into a cenote! None other than Cenote Sambula in fact. A trademark feature of the Yucatan peninsula, this cenote is a natural wonder that holds both historical and geological significance.
One of the most striking features of Cenote Sambula is its crystal-clear, turquoise waters surrounded by lush green vegetation and limestone rocks. The cenote holds great historical importance, as it was believed to be a sacred place for the ancient Mayans, who used it for rituals and ceremonies. Additionally, the geological aspect of the cenote is fascinating, as it is a result of the collapse of the limestone bedrock, creating a natural pool.
Accessibility to Cenote Sambula is convenient, with well-maintained pathways and facilities for visitors. Some notable attractions for visitors include the opportunity to swim in the refreshing waters of the cenote, as well as guided tours that provide insight into its historical significance. For the more adventurous visitors, activities like snorkeling and diving are also available to explore the underwater beauty of Cenote Sambula.Though, naturally, the tour I booked had no times for such luxuries.
Ruins of Kabah
While Cenote Sambula was the first thing on the list during my tour it was not alone. Before making our way to the Uxmal ruins, we stopped at the nearby Kabah archaeological site, another significant site in Mayan culture.
Kabah is renowned for its impressive buildings and monuments, showcasing the intricate and advanced architecture of the ancient Mayan civilization. The site holds great historical and cultural relevance, offering a glimpse into the past and the way of life of the Mayan people.
Exploring Kabah, we were in awe of the intricate stone carvings and the grandeur of the structures. The Palace of the Masks was particularly fascinating, with its detailed stone masks adorning the facade. The Codz Poop, or the Palace of the Stelae, also stood out with its numerous carved stelae depicting important figures and events in Mayan history.
Overall, the visit to Kabah was an enriching experience, providing insight into the Mayan culture and their architectural achievements. It was a perfect precursor to the main event – the Uxmal ruins – and I highly recommend including it in any tour of the Yucatan Peninsula.
Ruins of Uxmal
On to the grand prize, Uxmal itself! Uxmal is an ancient Maya city located on the Puuc route in the Yucatan, and let me tell you, it’s full of history and culture. The Uxmal ruins are one of the most impressive and well-preserved in Mexico, and you can really feel the ancient vibes as you walk through the site.
This ancient city was once a thriving hub of culture and trade during its peak between 600 and 1000 AD. Its name translates to “Built Three Times,” reflecting the incredible architectural prowess showcased through its massive pyramids, intricate stone carvings, and grand plazas. Uxmal’s unique Puuc architectural style, characterized by intricate mosaic facades and ornate geometric motifs, sets it apart from other Mayan sites. Today, Uxmal stands as a testament to the remarkable achievements of the Mayan people and attracts visitors from all over the world who come to admire its beauty and learn about its rich history.
During its height, Uxmal was one of the most powerful cities in the region, serving as a political and economic center. It was home to approximately 25,000 inhabitants and played a crucial role in trade routes that connected different Mayan cities. The city’s rulers, known as the Puhuyan kings, were highly regarded for their governance and leadership.
Enjoying Uxmal
One of the top sights you shouldn’t miss at Uxmal is the ancient pyramid. I mean, it’s pretty challenging to climb those steps, but once you make it to the top, you get this incredible view that’s just breathtaking. You can seriously see for miles, and it’s definitely worth the climb.
The decline of Uxmal, as our guide explained, was due to a combination of factors such as drought, overpopulation, and political conflict. Despite its decline, Uxmal still holds the title of the jewel of the Puuc Route due to its breathtaking structures, intricate carvings, and the iconic Pyramid of the Magician. Walking through the Nunnery Quadrangle, the Governor’s Palace, and the Great Pyramid, I was amazed at the craftsmanship of the Maya and the significance of each structure. The intricate details and the stories behind them truly made the history come alive.
Overall, the guide did an amazing job explaining the gravitas of the city and its sights, as well as the importance it held in Mayan culture and religious beliefs. It would have been easier for me to enjoy had it not been for these two elderly Canadian tourists. These grannies seemingly made it their life’s mission to challenge any aspect of Mayan culture that was the least bit odd to Western sensibilities, constantly bantering back and forth with the guide. God that was annoying! But, uh, oh yeah, back to the tour…
Choco-Story Museum & Ecopark
After we finished exploring the massive complex at Uxmal itself, the tour was still far from over! On the road back to Merida, we stopped at an expansive museum and Ecopark called… Choco Museum & Ecopark (translated into English of course). Why Choco? Well, because the park provided detailed history and demonstrations about making chocolate!
The museum portion was no slouch either. Filled with maps, diagrams and relics alike, it supplements the rich sites seen before in the tour. Together, they tell the full story of the Mayan cultures that dominated the region. The museum not only offers insight into the food, agriculture and infrastructure of the Maya but also cultural events as well. The tour offers a dance based religious ceremony reenactment. However, keep in mind the people performing will ask for tips for their time. The performance is proud and elegant so I wouldn’t dissuade one from leaving a tip for them.
Nevertheless, the highlight of the Ecopark section of the Uxmal Tour is a showing of how chocolate was made. We see the ancient Mayan techniques and receive a tasting of what their, unfiltered, unsweetened chocolate we’re used to. It takes a few minutes, you get to sit back and watch from a major theater-like area and it’s just overall a good time.
After the Tour
After the Uxmal tour, I felt like I had gained a deeper understanding of Mayan history and culture. As for the cost, I believe it was worth the extra expense. Having a knowledgeable guide and transportation included made the day hassle-free and informative. Plus, the additional activities added value to the tour.
In terms of areas for improvement, I really had no complaints for the tour itself. The only negative attribute I could name specifically was due to the annoying tourists themselves, nothing controllable by the tour itself.
While not included in the Uxmal tour itself, upon the trip’s finish, the Uxmal tour guide led us to a park in Merida where reenactments of the ancient Mayan ball game are done. We got to witness a demonstration of this historic sport. The guide explained the rules and significance of the game, and it was fascinating to see how it was played thousands of years ago.
As the demonstration began, I was captivated by the skilled players and the intensity of the game. The sound of the ball hitting the stone walls and the players’ strategic moves made for an exciting spectacle. It was an incredible opportunity to witness a tradition that has been passed down through generations.
The game may have been hard to follow, may have looked wicked from afar but was nonetheless an amazing experience. Picture flames blazing and bodies moving gracefully in the dark. It’s all a surreal time and one that caps off the magic of seeing this ancient sport firsthand.
Conclusion
After experiencing the Uxmal tour, I can confidently say that it was an unforgettable journey. The tour guide did a fantastic job of providing us with all the historical background and cultural significance of the Mayan ruins. The tour zoomed by with great pacing, so we explored the ruins at our own leisure. The intricate details of the carvings and architecture were truly mesmerizing. The guide shared captivating stories of the Mayan civilization, giving us a deeper appreciation for their ingenuity and advanced knowledge.
The impressive engineering feats and the spiritual significance of the structures left a lasting impression on me. It was a fascinating glimpse into the ancient Mayan world. The tour provided a unique opportunity to connect with history and witness firsthand the remarkable achievements of this ancient civilization.
In conclusion, the Uxmal tour was a truly enriching experience that left me with a newfound understanding and appreciation for the Mayan culture. I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in history and archaeology.
uxmal tour is the best of the best.
Yes, definitely of the best out there!