Uxmal Planning Your Visit
ADVICE
The best time of day to visit Uxmal is right when the site opens in the morning. The four main reasons for this are:
There are fewer people.
The air is fresher and cooler allowing easier walking, hiking and climbing.
The mornings are usually rain-free. Monsoon rains usually hit in the afternoon.
Additionally from a photographer’s point of view, the morning light can produce a very nice creamy morning glow to your masterpieces.
Planning the Length of Your Visit
A visit to Uxmal will likely take 3 to 5 hours or more of a moderately challenging walk. If you plan on returning for the light show expect another 1 and a half hours of touring.
GETTING THERE
Determine how you will get to the site. You will be clear about the various Mexican Challenges regarding transportation!
Driving
Driving from Merida is relatively easy and the directions are well signed. Note that the sharing the road with crazy Mexican drivers is challenging and complicated by very aggressive drivers.
It takes approximately 1 to 1 ½ hours to drive the 82 KMs (51 miles) to Uxmal. There is paid parking onsite for a minimal charge of $2.50USD
Taxi
Taking a taxi from Oaxaca is relatively expensive; approximately 1000 pesos return. A better alternative is to renting a car for the day.
Tours and Tour Busses
Your best bet is to select a tour bus from your hotel because there will be a business connection and possible recourse if something doesn’t work out. Try to select one that guarantees bilingual tours if this is what you require. Uxmal is enough for one day so don’t try to see all the sights in the area in one day.
Consider that tour companies often will spend a lot of your time promoting specific vendors and stores.
Cost varies considerably. $45 to $70USD depending on what is included.
Bus
There are Busses to Uxmal on Calle 69 between Calle 68 and Calle 70 (Tel 924-0830)
ACCOMMODATION
HOTELS & APARTMENTS
There are a few hotels at or near the site and if they fit into your budget they are a fine option. We find them expensive.
We suggest you search the internet for the best price and quality of Hotel you prefer in Merida. There are ample online resources to do this. We also suggest searching for apartments for stays more than a week. Search the internet and make sure to include Craig’s List and www. yucatanbestliving.com (Lilian speaks perfect English)
RV PARKS AND CAMPING
The Rainbow Park in Merida is in desperate need of repairs and tends to be overpriced. It is on the outer Periférico on the Northern side next to the exit to Progresso.
See More Here
WHAT TO WEAR
Leave your stilettos at home! It is important to wear good, comfortable, non-skid footwear. The stairs of the pyramids and temples are rock and can get very slippery. The walk will likely take two to four hours so you will need shoes that are comfy and practical.
Take a backpack that can store a bottle of water to keep you hydrated and also to store extra layers of clothes, your wallet or purse and camera. It is particularly important to have your hands free if you are going to climb the pyramids.
The mornings are coolest and in the summer afternoons it can get hot and very humid. Monsoon rains are common May to October especially for 2 to 3 hours in the evenings. Determine what time of year you are going and time of day and plan accordingly. In the winter evenings, wear a light jacket and layered top or shirt. You can always take off or put on more layers. Long light pants or jeans are practical for the hike. Shorts are acceptable and they too could be packed in a backpack. Clothes that breathe are important and cotton is best.
Wear a hat.
Additional
The sun can get quite hot so pack accordingly. Avoid dehydration and pack water. Sunscreen, sunglasses and insect repellant are a must. Pack your camera of course.
WEATHER AND CLIMATE