Travelers to Riviera Maya and Yucatan shouldn’t miss Uxmal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its decorative Puuc style of Maya architecture. Visit Uxmal independently or on a hassle-free day trip from Merida or Cancun with round-trip transport. Prebook skip-the-line admission tickets for ease, or visit in the afternoon and stay for the evening Uxmal Light and Sound Show. To see more ruins, take a combo tour that visits multiple Maya sites and includes transportation.
Avoid the long ticket lines when you prebook your Uxmal ruins admission.
Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces.
Bring sun protection and plenty of water, as there is little shade at the ruins.
Arrive early if you want to beat the crowds, especially during high season.
There are several ways to reach Uxmal, located on the Gulf of Mexico side of the Yucatan Peninsula. Buses depart from downtown Merida, or, if you're driving, Uxmal is off highway 261, south of Merida. Highway 261 travels along the Puuc Route (Ruta Puuc).
Uxmal archaeological site is open daily. Arrive early in the morning if you want to beat the crowds and avoid midday heat. Sunday is typically a busy day at the ruins, as admission is free for local residents.
Named for its Maya ruins, the Puuc Route runs along Highway 261 and links Uxmal with three other Puuc-style archaeological sites—Kabal, Sayil, and Labna. In addition to Maya ruins, you also find several small artisan villages, historic haciendas, and hidden cenotes along this well-traveled route that winds through a hilly area of the Yucatan Peninsula.