Magician's Pyramid and other Ruinas Uxmal, Mexico Things to Do Tips

As you enter the grounds at Uxmal, the first thing to come into view is the huge, imposing Magician's Pyramid, also called the Magician's House. Unlike most Mayan pyramids, this one has rounded edges, giving it an oval shape. We were told by our tour guide that the pyramid was constructed and reconstructed five times, with a new pyramid being built every 52 years (this period of time is considered to be an age of rebirth for the Maya). On the back side of the pyramid, steps lead up to a doorway providing entrance to a temple. Eyes and a nose were carved above the door. The door itself represents a mouth, and the steps are a long tongue reaching to the ground.

According to legend, the pyramid got its name when a witch found an egg that hatched into a dwarf. The dwarf, who was magical, built the temple in one day. Quite a feat!

Sadly, visitors are no longer allowed to climb this pyramid.

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Situated just behind the Magician's Pyramid is the Nun's Quadrangle (Cuadrangula de las Monjas), one of Uxmal's most impressive structures. The quadrangle is composed of four walls, each of which is intricately carved with figures of Chac, the rain god, serpents and other figures. The eastern wall is carved with 52 serpents: 6 pyramids are carved with 8 serpents each, 3 more are at the top of the wall, and the last one stretches across the wall. 52 is a sacred number for the Maya, hence the 52 snakes.

Climbing the steps at the northern side allows for good views of the quadrangle and of other structures at Uxmal.

Our tour guide indicated that, although the use of the Nun's Quandrangle isn't known, it may have housed Mayan royalty.

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The Great Pyramid (Gran Pyramide) is certainly great, although not quite as impressive as the larger Magician's Pyramid. For now, at least, you can climb to the top of the pyramid-- this seems to be an option less and less at Mayan sites throughout the Yucatan, in attempts to preserve the structures and prevent accidents. At the top of the pyramid are carvings of Chac, the rain god, birds and flowers. The steps up are somewhat steep, although certainly doable. Just be careful to walk sideways, and slowly, as you descend.

From the top of the pyramid you are privileged to wonderful views of Uxmal. Definitely worth the climb.

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As you leave the Nun's Quadrangle and head south toward the Great Pyramid you pass through the ancient ball court (Juego de Pelota). Stone rings are situated high upon the two walls of the court. It's unclear how the game was played, although getting the ball through the ring was the primary goal. According to our guide, the captain of the winning team was often sacrificed to the gods, which was considered a great honor. Records suggest that slaves may have been offered in the captain's place, however. No fun being a slave!

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El Palomar translates to the Pigeon House, appparently named because its honeycombed-shaped walls are reminiscent of pigeon houses in Spain. This structure was once part of a quadrangle, but it is all that remains of the structure. You can walk up to it or get a good view from above at the Great Pyramid.

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Although you can use guidebooks to get around Uxmal, a guided tour provides a lot more detail. There's also the added benefit of getting picked up at your hotel by your tour guide, rather than trekking to the bus station. Tours cost between 260 and 320 pesos. Admission (98 pesos in 2008) and lunch are not included. Ask about tours at the front desk of your hotel.

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