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Uxmal is one of the most well known of the Maya cities, and rated by many archeologists as the finest. In area the site is fairly compact, though you should allow at least half a day for a visit, after which you'll probably want to return to go over the site in more detail. Uxmal is about 300 miles from Akumal so you will want to either leave very early, or stay in Merida the night before. From Merida follow 261 in the direction of Campeche. The site is about 80 miles from Merida and should take about an hour by car. You can also take the option for a tour out of Merida.
The site is open between 8am and 5pm, with light and sound show in the evening - check times at entrance - There is an admission fee for site and a separate one for the show. Facilities at the entrance are excellent, with cafeterias, souvenir shops and toilet facilities. there is also a small museum and auditorium. If you arrive early, skip the museum and see the site first before the heat is too uncomfortable.
There has been much renovation work done and the grounds are well tended, but wear good shoes if you intend to do any climbing. It is permitted to climb the largest structure, the pyramid of the Magician, and the view from the top is well worth the effort, though the steps are extremely steep.
The name Uxmal means "thrice built" in Mayan, referring to the construction of its highest structure, the Pyramid of the Magician. The Maya would often build a new temple over an existing one, and in this case five stages of construction have actually been found. Uxmal was one of the largest cities of the Yucatan Peninsula, and at its height was home to about 25,000 Maya. Like other Puuc sites, it flourished in the Late Classic period ( around 600-900 A.D.). Indications are that its rulers presided also over the nearby settlements in Kabah, Labna, and Sayil, and there are several sacbeob connecting the sites. The area is known as the Ruta Puuc or Puuc route, from the nearby hills. Puuc architecture has several predominant features, most notably constructions with a plain lower section and a richly decorated upper section. Carvings most commonly found include serpents, lattice work and masks of the god Chac.
Chac was the god of rain, greatly revered by the Maya at Uxmal because the lack of natural water supplies in the city. Most Mayan cities used cenotes to access underground water, but Uxmal has no cenotes. Instead they had to collect water in chultunes or cisterns, built in the ground. Being close to the Puuc hills did mean that Uxmal was a very successful agriculturally from all rich top soil that would wash down off of the slopes during rainstorms.
The Pyramid of the Magician stands over 117 ft high and dominates your view as you enter the complex. Unusually built on an elliptical base, this pyramid is the result of five superimposed temples. Parts of the first temple can be seen when ascending the western staircase; the second and third are accessed by the eastern staircase, in an inner chamber at the second level. The fourth temple is clearly visible from the west side, a giant Chac mask marks the entrance and the mouth is the door. Climb to the top of the east stairs to reach the fifth temple and view the whole site.
The Nunnery Quadrangle is a collection of four buildings around a quadrangle was named "Casa de las Monjas" (The Nunnery) by the Spanish, because the 74 small rooms around the courtyard reminded them of nuns' quarters in a Spanish convent. Each of the four buildings has an ornate facade, and each is built on a different level.
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