Chichén Itzá is a Wonder of the Modern World, and for good reason. But for many travelers, the experience has become a test of endurance. Between the three-hour drive from Cancun, the oppressive heat, and the armies of vendors blowing jaguar whistles, the magic becomes a bit jaded.
But what if we told you there was another Maya city—older, greener, and arguably more beautiful—that offers the “Indiana Jones” experience you actually want?
Travelers in the know are skipping the Chichén Itzá crowds and heading west to Uxmal. Here is why this UNESCO World Heritage site is becoming an alternative for savvy vacationers.
The Puuc Aesthetic: Why It Looks Different
Chichén Itzá is martial and sharp. Uxmal is curvy and intricate. Built in the “Puuc” style, the architecture here is defined by smooth stones and detailed mosaics.
The main attraction, the Pyramid of the Magician, is unlike any other pyramid in Mexico. It has rounded corners and an oval base. Legend says it was built in a single night by a dwarf magician. While you can’t climb this specific pyramid anymore, the site allows you to get much closer to the structures than at Chichén Itzá.
Fewer Crowds, More Magic
The biggest selling point for Uxmal is the atmosphere. Because it’s located south of Mérida – further from the Cancún Hotel Zone than Chichén Itzá – it receives a fraction of the daily visitors.
There are no vendors inside the archaeological zone. Let us repeat that: No Vendors. You can walk through the Governor’s Palace or the Nunnery Quadrangle in silence, hearing only the birds and the wind. It feels abandoned and ancient in a way that the busier sites rarely do.
How To Get There
Getting to Uxmal used to be a haul, but it just got easier. The site is accessible via the new Calkiní station on the Maya Train route. From there, it is a short transfer to the ruins. This new connectivity is opening up the southern Yucatán to travelers who don’t want to rent a car.
The Verdict
If you want the “bucket list” photo, go to Chichén Itzá. But if you want to feel the history, escape the crowds, and see a pyramid that looks like it was dropped from another planet, go to Uxmal. It is worth the extra miles.
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