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Planning a trip to Uxmal? Then check out my complete guide with ticket prices, how to get there, what to see and top travel tips!
As I walked through a triangular tunnel with my son on my shoulders, he shouted: “daddy, where are we going? What’s that up ahead?” All of a sudden, this view of ancient pyramids hidden in the jungle unfolded before us. Off in the distance was the Governor’s Palace, a few people making the climb to the top in the baking sun. Then my son said: “daddy, can we climb to the top too? I want to see some lizards!”
Over the years I’ve ticked off a fair few pyramids travelling around the Yucatan and Quintana Roo. Uxmal might just be the best of them. Obviously everyone flocks to Chichen Itza, one of the ‘modern 7 wonders of the world’. Well, Uxmal beats Chichen Itza hands down. The whole site is so much better – and it’s not just down to the lack of tourists.
Yes, the fact that there are far fewer tourists here make a huge difference, but I loved the fact you can still climb some of the pyramids. Also, the view overlooking the Pyramid of the Magician surrounded by jungle is incredible. It’s very reminiscent of Tikal in Guatemala.
Uxmal might be a little out the way, but I would really recommend adding this attraction to your Yucatan itinerary. I promise you it’s worth it!
If you’re planning a trip here, then this is the ultimate guide to visiting Uxmal. This should give you a really good overview of everything you can do here.
Contents:
Where is Uxmal?
Uxmal is about 85km south of Merida in the Yucatan. Like a lot of Mayan sites, it is definitely off the beaten track in terms of location and accessibility. Being an hour away, Uxmal is the perfect day trip from Merida – that’s what we did.
Early one morning (mainly to beat the heat), we jumped in our hire car and drove south to Uxmal. The drive is very straightforward along the 261 highway. Once we left Merida, we saw hardly any other cars on the road.
When you get to Uxmal, you have to pay for parking (more on that below). There are a number of car parks claiming to be the “official parking”, but if you keep driving to Uxmal you’ll eventually come to a barrier for the main car park.
If you’re driving, you can check out my guide to driving in the Yucatan which is packed full of advice and info on what to do (and what not to do!)
If you’re travelling to Uxmal on a budget, the SUR bus is by far the easiest public transport option. There’s one key thing you really need to get right.
The bus leaves from the Terminal de Autobuses Noreste, not the main ADO/CAME terminal on Calle 70. This is a smaller, slightly under-the-radar station in central Mérida, and it’s where a lot of people come unstuck. Head to the wrong terminal and you’ll simply miss the bus – it’s that simple.
Once you’re at the right place, it’s very straightforward. Buses run a few times in the morning (usually around 6am, 8am and 10am), take about 1.5 hours, and cost roughly 65–80 MXN each way. On the way back, you’ll typically find return buses mid-afternoon (around 2pm, 4pm and 6pm).
Another way of getting to Uxmal is sharing a taxi between a group of you, or jumping on a tour bus. Tours like this one will include Uxmal, before visiting some of the nearby cenotes. Usually the tours offer pick-up from your hotel too which is handy.
How much are tickets at Uxmal?
The whole reason I wanted to write this article is because I found the ticket price so confusing. It’s staggering that a main tourist site like this doesn’t have clear information, so I’ll detail everything.
When you get to the ticket booth, first you’ll need to pay the tourist tax of $499 and get a ticket. Then you go to a separate booth, show that you’ve paid your tourist tax, then you’ll pay the entrance fee of $105. Then, with both tickets, you’ll have to show that to the guard at the entrance to get inside the ruins.
- Tourist tax – $499
- Entrance fee – $105
- Parking fee – $120
In total, the ticket costs $604 ($724 with parking). Tickets are basically £25/$US34 which seems a little on the high side, but it is definitely worth it as an activity.
One other thing to note is you have to pay in cash. There is an ATM within the complex, but sometimes this doesn’t work, so just make sure you’ve got cash on you.
As I said, it’s confusing. I just wish they packaged the ticket so you just paid one price. It would be much easier for tourists.
The ruins at Uxmal are open from 8:00 am and close at 5:00 pm, every day of the week, all year round. Last access is one hour before closing time.
The history of Uxmal ruins
I absolutely loved walking around Uxmal and immersing myself in the history of the place. As soon as you arrive and walk up to the Pyramid of the Magician, it transports you to a different time. It’s impossible not to imagine what life would’ve been like here over 1,000 years ago. What did people do? How did the city work? What was life actually like? It’s the one thing we constantly talked about while walking around.
What is known about Uxmal is it was once one of the most important Maya cities in the region. Uxmal dates back to around 700-1000 AD. What makes Uxmal different is its Puuc-style architecture – think intricate stone carvings, geometric patterns and seriously detailed facades.
Unlike some other sites, there’s still a bit of mystery here. No one knows exactly why the city was abandoned, which just adds to the intrigue. As you wander around, you can’t help but imagine what life was like here over 1,000 years ago.
One of my favourite facts about Uxmal is some of the buildings, including the Pyramid of the Magician, are thought to be aligned with celestial events like the rising and setting of the planet Venus. How crazy is that?
What to see at Uxmal
There’s a lot to pack into a visit to Uxmal, but these are the highlights you really shouldn’t miss:
The Pyramid of the Magician
This is the showstopper. The pyramid dominates the site with its unusual rounded shape – very different to the sharp-edged pyramids you’ll see at Chichen Itza or elsewhere in Mexico. It’s the first thing you’ll see as you walk in, and it feels properly dramatic, especially early in the morning before the crowds arrive.
While you can’t climb it anymore, it’s still awe-inspiring from the ground. The scale, the intricate stonework, and the way it rises above the surrounding ruins make it one of the most memorable sights in the Yucatán. For me, my favourite view of this pyramid was from the Governor’s Palace. Here, you really get to see the pyramid rising from the jungle. Just imagine what it would’ve been like discovering this place!
The Governor’s Palace
Perched on a raised platform, this is all about the view. The long façade is covered in detailed carvings – some of the finest at Uxmal – and you get a real sense of the skill involved in building here. From the platform, you can look out over the jungle and other ruins, which makes it feel like you’re seeing Uxmal in miniature.
It’s also a photographer’s dream. The sunlight hits the palace differently throughout the day, casting shadows across the carvings. Whether you’re into history or just love dramatic architecture, this is one of those “stop and stare” moments.
The Nunnery Quadrangle
One of my favourite spots at Uxmal. This enormous courtyard is surrounded by beautifully decorated buildings on all sides, each covered in intricate stone carvings. Look closely and you’ll see masks, geometric patterns, and symbolic figures that hint at the Maya’s incredible attention to detail.
The layout is clever too. It was probably an administrative or ceremonial hub, and walking through it gives you a real sense of the scale and organisation of the city. The symmetry is beautiful, and it’s a great spot to pause and soak in the architecture without feeling rushed.
Pok ta Pok Ball Court
Like most major Maya cities, Uxmal has its own ball court where the ritual game of Pok ta Pok was played. It’s smaller than some of the more famous courts, but that actually makes it easier to picture how the game worked. You can imagine the players running back and forth, trying to keep the ball in play using only their hips – the stakes were high, often ceremonial. As you may know, often the losers would be sacrificed afterwards to appease the gods. That is a game you would not want to lose…
The court is a quiet spot, which helps you picture the intensity of the game without being distracted by crowds. The surrounding structures add to the sense that this was an important public space, where ritual and daily life intersected.
The Pigeon Loft Complex
This area feels a little off the beaten path, which is why I liked it. There was hardly a soul around. The “pigeon lofts” are rows of stone structures with comb-like designs, and they really do look like giant pigeon houses. Historically, they were likely used to house pigeons or doves, which were important for food and maybe even ritual purposes.
It’s a calm spot where you can wander slowly, away from the main crowds. Perfect for a pause, a few photos, or just soaking up the atmosphere of Uxmal. I liked this area because it’s quirky, quiet, and gives you a sense of the day-to-day life in the city beyond the grand pyramids.
The House of Turtles
This building is a real gem, and it’s easy to miss if you’re not paying attention. Along the top, you’ll spot a line of stone turtles – small, quirky, and very charming. They’re thought to have symbolic meaning, possibly connected to the Maya’s beliefs about water, fertility, or the heavens.
It’s a reminder that the Maya loved little touches like this, adding character and meaning to their buildings. I always enjoy finding the turtles and watching other visitors notice them too. It’s like a tiny secret shared between you and the ruins.
How long do you need at Uxmal?
This depends on how much you love learning about history versus how hot it is. As a general benchmark, I would say 2 hours is a good amount of time here. That’s what we managed as a family of 4 in 35 degree heat. If you were in a rush and wanted to wizz around taking photos, you could do it in an hour. Conversely, if you had a tour guide and wanted to learn everything there is to learn about Uxmal, plan for 3 hours.
Do you need a tour guide?
You don’t need a guide when visiting Uxmal – you’re free to explore the ruins at your own pace, climb certain pyramids, and wander in and out of buildings without anyone escorting you. That’s what we did, and it was perfect as we had little ones (I’m not too sure a 3-year-old can manage a guided tour!)
That said, I’d definitely recommend getting a guide if you’re really interested in learning more about the history of Uxmal. A guide brings the place to life, explaining the history, symbolism and stories behind the structures.
In terms of cost, guides at Uxmal typically charge around 600-1,000 MXN (£25-£45) for a private guide, depending on group size and how long you want them for. If you’re travelling as a couple or small group, it’s actually pretty good value when you split the cost.
What to pack?
Uxmal can be seriously hot, so it pays to come prepared. Here’s what I’d recommend bringing with you to Uxmal:
- Plenty of water – there’s very little shade inside the ruins, so staying hydrated is key
- Hat & sunglasses – the sun here is intense, even early in the morning
- High-factor sunscreen – you’ll be exposed pretty much the whole time
- Comfortable shoes – you’ll be doing a fair bit of walking on uneven ground
- Snacks – especially handy if you’re visiting with kids or staying a few hours
- Cash (MXN) – you’ll need this for tickets, parking, and anything on-site
Where to stay near Uxmal?
Most people visit Uxmal as a day trip from Mérida, which is exactly what we did. There are loads of great hotels, restaurants and things to do there, so it makes a perfect base.
That said, if you want something a bit more special, staying near Uxmal is a great option. There are a couple of hotels right by the ruins, meaning you can beat the crowds and be one of the first people in when it opens. It’s also a really peaceful area, especially in the evenings once all the day-trippers have left – a completely different vibe to Mérida.
Hotel Mundo Maya Nuevo Uxmal
If you want to stay close to Uxmal, the Hotel Mundo Maya Nuevo Uxmal is a great option. Set in the jungle, it’s a modern, comfortable hotel with a pool, restaurant and even a free shuttle to the ruins – perfect for beating the crowds.
Saak Luúm Ruta Puuc
If you’re looking to save a bit of money, Saak Luúm Ruta Puuc is a great option. It’s a little further away (around 30 minutes from Uxmal), but it’s much cheaper and comes highly recommended by travellers. Set in a quiet village, it feels like a bit of an oasis with a pool, lush gardens and really friendly staff. Rooms are spacious and comfortable, and there’s even a restaurant on-site
Let me know if you have any questions about Uxmal in case I’ve missed anything. You can just pop a comment in the box below!
