An Uxmal day trip from Mérida takes you to an archaeological zone in the municipality of Santa Elena, Yucatán. Uxmal is known for its Puuc architecture, including the Pyramid of the Magician and the Nunnery Quadrangle, and its road approach runs along Federal Highway 261 toward Santa Elena.
- Location: Santa Elena, Yucatán.
- Road approach: Federal Highway 261 toward Santa Elena.
- Typical hours: Daily, 08:00–16:00; last entry at 15:00.
- Admission: MXN 105, with additional state charges.
How do you get from Mérida to Uxmal?
From Mérida, take Federal Highway 261 toward Santa Elena to reach Uxmal. The site is in the municipality of Santa Elena, so use that destination when planning the road leg of your day trip.
Public transport also reaches the site. If you plan to travel this way, confirm the operator, route, schedule and arrival arrangements before setting out.
Choosing transport for the day trip
Driving gives you the named highway approach; public transport is another stated way to reach Uxmal, though its arrangements need checking separately. Parking is available at the archaeological zone.
For a city day before or after the archaeological site, this Mérida itinerary from the historic centre to Paseo de Montejo covers a different kind of outing.
Tickets, hours, and site access
INAH gives Uxmal’s hours as daily from 08:00 to 16:00, with last entry at 15:00. Hours and prices can change, so check the official site before you go.
Admission is MXN 105 for Mexican nationals and foreign visitors. Additional CULTUR charges are MXN 157 for nationals and MXN 461 for foreign visitors; Yucatán residents are exempt from those charges. The state government’s additional fee is paid at the archaeological-zone ticket office and is separate from the admission price.
Discounts are available for Mexican students and teachers, and for Mexican senior citizens. The site museum is open daily from 08:00 to 17:00. Its admission is MXN 210, or MXN 105 for Mexican nationals and foreign visitors resident in Mexico.
A practical visit sequence
Start with the Pyramid of the Magician, then include the Nunnery Quadrangle and the Great Platform of the Governor’s Palace if you are following the accessible route. The ramp-based route takes approximately 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes.
The Pyramid of the Magician, the Nunnery Quadrangle and the House of the Doves are representative buildings. Uxmal’s Puuc architecture features masks of Chac, the rain god, geometric designs, hieroglyphic panels and high roof combs.
Its main chronological period was the Late Classic, 600–900 CE. The name appears in early colonial documents; its etymology is uncertain, though a traditional interpretation is “three times built.”
Site services include accessibility, medical assistance, an information module, guided tours, a snack bar and a shop.
What to prepare before leaving
Keep the entry rules in mind: smoking, bringing food into the site and bringing pets are not allowed. Parking, a snack bar and medical assistance are available at Uxmal.
Hacienda Santa Cruz Merida is a five-star hotel in Mérida. You can review the hotel’s available rooms when arranging your stay.
FAQs
Where is Uxmal?
Uxmal is an archaeological zone in the municipality of Santa Elena, Yucatán.
What are Uxmal’s opening hours?
Hours are daily from 08:00 to 16:00, with last entry at 15:00.
Is there an accessible route at Uxmal?
A ramp-based route takes approximately 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes. It includes the Pyramid of the Magician, the Nunnery Quadrangle and the Great Platform of the Governor’s Palace.
Can you reach Uxmal by public transport?
Public transport reaches the site, but confirm the operator, route, schedule and arrival arrangements before your trip.