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Uxmal City

Uxmal in Mexico is a significant archaeological site that may be found on the western Yucatan Peninsula along the Ruta Puuc. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a stunning illustration of the distinctive architectural design—and consequently, culture—of this particular Mayan empire region.
Uxmal, which shares a network of sacbeob (prehistoric raised pathways) with other nearby Mayan civilizations like Chichen Itza, is distinguished by enormous structures covered in intricate carvings.
Uxmal translates as "three times built." The majority of its buildings date back to the period between 850 and 925 AD. It is believed to have had a partnership with Chichen Itza and was once the most significant metropolis in the western Yucatan.
The notorious Xiu family governed Uxmal for many decades. The city's apparent cessation of new development after 1200 is assumed to have been a result of the decline of its influential neighbor Chichen Itza. The Xiu family is thought to have moved their capital to Mani in the central Yucatan, which is thought to have caused a change in the balance of power in the area. Following this, Uxmal's population also decreased.
Colonial records imply that the city of Uxmal was still a populated area of some significance when the Spanish started conquering the Yucatan Peninsula in the early 16th century. 

Cuadrangle of the Monkeys 
 

The Cuadrangulo de las Monjas, also known as the Quadrangle of the Nuns, is a square bordered by lovely structures and was constructed between the years 900 and 1000 AD, making it one of the later complexes at Uxmal in Mexico. This is located immediately to the west of the Magician's Temple or Pyramid.
There are four different buildings here, each with a number of rooms. On the upper portions of their façade, they are known for having mosaic friezes. An exquisite array of decorations features intricate geometric patterns, Chaac masks, and floral patterns.
A hierarchy of importance for the structures and their residents is shown by the fact that each building is perched on a raised platform of varying heights. The steepest and most magnificent stairway is found in the northernmost structure, which is also the tallest. 
 

Tips  
 

Guided Tour
 

A guide is not required in order to visit the Uxmal Ruins. You are free to explore the remains, climb certain pyramids, and even enter a few of the old structures. A guide is not necessary to show you around. However, there are guidelines available, and it is advised to use one. A guide can really give you a greater understanding of Uxmal's history and culture. This implies that you will learn more about the structures' significance than just how stunning they are to the eye. It's likely that if you visit Uxmal in Mexico as part of a tour, you'll already have a guide who can show you and your party through the ruins. It is easiest to obtain a guide in this manner.
 

The Best Way To Tour the Uxmal Ruins
 

On foot is the obvious and simplest approach to discover Uxmal in Mexico. There is virtually little risk of getting lost because all of the largest structures have clearly indicated routes extending from the main gate. You won't require a bicitaxi or bicycle to go around because Uxmal is fairly small (unlike other Mayan ruins such as Coba). The fact that many of the structures can be climbed adds to the archaeological site's sense of adventure. 

 

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Short History

 

The Adivino is a stepped pyramid structure that is unique among Maya structures in that the outlines of its layers are oval or elliptical in shape, as opposed to the more typical rectilinear plan. It is also known as the Pyramid of the Magician or the Pyramid of the Dwarf. In Mesoamerica, it was standard practice to erect new temple pyramids on ancient ones, but in this case, the modeShort History 

The Adivino is a stepped pyramid structure that is unique among Maya structures in that the outlines of its layers are oval or elliptical in shape, as opposed to the more typical rectilinear plan. It is also known as the Pyramid of the Magician or the Pyramid of the Dwarf. In Mesoamerica, it was standard practice to erect new temple pyramids on ancient ones, but in this case, the modern pyramid was constructed slightly to the east of the older one, leaving the old temple atop the older pyramid intact on its western side.

The building is mentioned in "el enano del Uxmal" (the dwarf of Uxmal), one of the most well-known Yucatec Maya folktales, which also serves as the inspiration for the structure's common name.There are various accounts of this story. After John Lloyd Stephens' important 1841 book, Incidents of Travel in Central America, Chiapas, and Yucatan, which included one of these accounts, became widely read, it gained popularity. In Stephens' account, a dwarf was given a series of trials by the gobernador (ruler or monarch) of Uxmal, and as a result, the pyramid was magically constructed over night. The trial of strength and magic to compete against the monarch was organized by the dwarf's mother, a bruja or witch.

The Big Pyramid                                        

The Great Pyramid is Uxmal's crowning achievement, as it is with many other Mayan cities. The wide staircase on this towering monument is divided into nine segments, each of which is considered to represent one of the nine levels of the underworld according to Mayan mythology.

 

Chaac, the Mayan rain god, is shown in mask embellishments at the top. This Mayan pyramid can be climbed, in contrast to numerous others at similar sites. Beautiful views of the rest of the site, especially the Pyramid of the Magician, may be seen from this location.

The Executive Mansion

The Governor's Palace, a massive, low structure with steep sides, is perched atop the platform. This remarkable edifice, which is located close to the Great Pyramid, boasts the longest pre-Columbian Mesoamerican facade ever discovered.

This structure's décor, not its size, is one of its most striking features. 400 Venus symbols, which are intricately carved into the rain god Chaac's mask, are positioned on the facade. Venus, the planet, would have been visible barely over the north end of the palace when it was in its most northern position. This planetary event, which occurred precisely every eight years, would have marked the beginning of the rainy season for the prehistoric Maya civilisation.

You may actually enter this amazing structure and go around the platform it occupies. It may not be as tall as a pyramid, but it is incredibly beautiful, and it is especially incredible to be able to enter such an old structure.

The Magician's Pyramid

The so-called Pyramid of the Magician at Uxmal is the other magnificent pyramid there, standing at 115 feet (35 meters) high. The pyramid is made in the traditional Puuc style and is less ornamented at the base than it is at the summit.

Of all the historic Mayan buildings on the Yucatan Peninsula, it is one of the most remarkable. This is due to the pyramid's distinctive, rounded sides, unusually large elliptical base, and steep ascent to the peak. The oldest portion of this pyramid, which was constructed over three decades and in numerous phases, dates to the sixth century AD. Each of the buildings sits on a raised platform of differing heights, indicating a hierarchy of importance to the buildings and its occupants. rn pyramid was constructed slightly to the east of the older one, leaving the old temple atop the older pyramid intact on its western side.
The building is mentioned in "el enano del Uxmal" (the dwarf of Uxmal), one of the most well-known Yucatec Maya folktales, which also serves as the inspiration for the structure's common name.There are various accounts of this story. After John Lloyd Stephens' important 1841 book, Incidents of Travel in Central America, Chiapas, and Yucatan, which included one of these accounts, became widely read, it gained popularity. In Stephens' account, a dwarf was given a series of trials by the gobernador (ruler or monarch) of Uxmal, and as a result, the pyramid was magically constructed over night. The trial of strength and magic to compete against the monarch was organized by the dwarf's mother, a bruja or witch.
 

What To Bring With You To The Uxmal Ruins
 

Being organized is essential for any journey to this alluring location. Therefore, be careful not to forget any necessities at the hotel and make sure to bring at least the following essentials:
1. Leave your flip-flops at the hotel because you'll need strong shoes to explore this area and climb the pyramids (walking sandals or sneakers are fine).
2. Water bottle: it's important to stay hydrated (opt for a refillable water bottle with a filter).
3. Use sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to shield yourself from UV rays.
4. Use a comfortable daypack to store your maps, camera, and food.
5. Small sums of money — in addition to parking, admission costs, and mementos, there is a nearby restaurant where you might want to refuel before returning home.

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How to Tour the Uxmal Ruins Most 
 

The obvious and simplest way to discover Uxmal is on foot. Since all of the larger structures have well marked roads leading from the main gate, there is practically little possibility of getting lost.
Due to Uxmal's modest size, you won't need a bicycle or bicitaxi to get around (unlike other Mayan ruins such as Coba). The archaeological site's sense of adventure is heightened by the fact that many of the structures may be scaled. 
 

When to go to the Ruins of Uxmal

 

This amazing location is accessible year-round, but for the best views, you should take the weather into account. The rainy season, which lasts from May to October, can bring about severe downpours, especially later in the day. A trip in the morning can, of course, easily avoid these. But the wet season also brings with it oppressive heat and heavy humidity. Although the dry season, which lasts from November to April, is as hot, it doesn't have as many downpours or as much humidity. 

You should consider scheduling your trip to Uxmal earlier in the day if you want to go when it's best to go. When the site opens at 8:00 am, you can arrive early to beat the throng and essentially have the ancient monuments to yourself. After the first two hours of operation, tour groups and tourists start to come. You might also plan your visit during the afternoon when there won't be as many people around but it will likely be warmer. Your experience at the Uxmal ruins depends greatly depend on the day of the week you decide to go. For instance, Mexican tourists are permitted to visit Uxmal for free on Sundays, therefore enormous crowds are to be expected.

 

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