Sights around Hotel Villa Uxmal

Uxmal

Set within a region that is rich in vegetation and abundant in bird life, the Uxmal archaeological site features the remains of one of the most important Mayan cities. Here, simplicity of form and rich decoration are elegantly combined. Uxmal is located 50 miles south of Merida, the capital of the state of Yucatan. Access is provided via Highway 261, and the typical drive time is approximately 1 hour.

Uxmal is translated as "three times", referring to the number of times the city was rebuilt or expanded with major constructions. The various building phases are reflected in the variety of architectural styles exhibited in the ruins. The designs of the buildings combine simple base structures with elaborate mosaics and detailed stone patterns in the upper sections. These designs indicate the religious and political significance of each building. The golden age of Mayan art took place between the seventh and eighth centuries, and Uxmal, in the heart of the Yucatan peninsula, is one of the period's most impressive accomplishments.

The "Oracle's Pyramid" is a key monument, striking both for the purity of its lines and its baroque appearance. Notably, it was created by the systematic repetition of the mask of Chac, the Rain God. Further a field the "Nuns' Quadrangle," the pelota (ball game) court, the "House of the Turtles" and the "Governor's Palace" - the most complete pre-Columbian construction still standing - inspire awe of masterful architecture. An impressive light & sound show delights visitors every night, enhancing the ruins' grandiose and mystic feel.

Entrance fee to the archaeological zone: approx. 110 pesos/person
The light & sound show is presented at 7 p.m. or 8 p.m. depending on the season (extra cover charge). Headphones with translation in German, French, English and Italian are available.

Santa Elena

The population of Santa Elena, belonging to the Municipality of the same name, is located 98 km to the south of the city of Mérida between the archaeological sites of Uxmal and Kabah. In the middle of the century XIX the community was called Nohcacab, a Mayan name meaning "Great Villa". Such a denomination can make reference to a place, a great town or be related to a specific type of ground, meaning then "fertile black land".

The Church

Built on a natural elevation, in which evidences of the laying of foundations of Hispanic constructions still exist, the church stands in the center of town. This temple of the Order of Saint Francis was apparently constructed in 1779, as the inscription in a stone embedded in the frontispiece of the temple says so. The vestibule and sacristy that are annexed to the church's flank complement the architectonic adjustment. The priest house was subsequently added towards the Northern flank, so that both constructions divide the space into two courtyards.

Kabah

The site of Kabah is located 23 km to the Southeast of Uxmal following highway 261, turning right at kilometer 16. It has been interpreted as "Gentleman of the strong or powerful hand". The city was always in the conscience of the Mayans, even after the Spanish conquest. It is also mentioned in old texts of the Chilam Balam and the Chumayel. For this reason it is assumed that Kabah was a site of importance similar to Uxmal in ancient times.

Labná

Located 42 km to the Southeast of Uxmal following highway 261 and turning left at km 30 into state highway 31. Labná, means "old or left house". This site has become famous due to its well known arch, for its remarkable perfection and fine ornamentation. It must have been the entrance to an enclosure dedicated to great events or celebrations. In its facade it includes streamlined representations of palm houses and serpents. Some details have been lost over they years, but the existing vestiges give its visitors an idea of the purity of the Puuc style, in which columns of stone constitute their seal of quality.

Sayil

Sayil is located 33 km to the Southeast of Uxmal following highway 261 and turning right at km 34. Literally "Sayil" means "Place of the labor ants". In the Mayan language, the word "say" is used to talk about to this species of insects that spends its days cutting and carrying around pieces of leaves. In contrast to most of the names known for pre-Hispanic sites, this one could have a true antiquity. Constructed in a long valley, surrounded by low, but sometimes steep hills, the location presents a difficult perspective for the human life, due to the complete absence of water on the surface. Because of this situation, the Mayans constructed a great amount of deposits or underground cisterns, known as "chultunes", in order to capture and to store rainwater.

Grottos of Loltún

"Loltun" in Mayan means "Stone Flower"; throughout the grotto there are shaped flowers in the walls. The grotto is located in the south of the State where evidence of men's existence as early as 400 to 700 years ago has been found. The Mayans used the grotto to provide themselves with clay, which they used to make their utensils, and also as a religious center and refuge. Another fact of much interest are the cave's paintings: in one wall hand imprints can be found, in another elaborated paintings are located, representing faces and animals.

Ticul "the Pearl of the South"

Ticul is a small city that is located 85 kilometers from Mérida on federal highway 184, between the villages of Muna and Oxkutzcab. Ticul comes from the Mayan word "Ti" which means "there" and "Culi" "to be based", therefore meaning "was based there". The geographic location of Ticul is very strategic since it is located within the "Puuc Route" which makes it the ideal city to make it one's base and to be able to explore the archaeological sites, natural wells, properties, and architectonic historical buildings that are to the south of the state of Yucatan. The city of Ticul is very famous in the state of Yucatan for its shoe manufacturing. Throughout the city you will be able to find factories where footwear for ladies, horsemen and children is made in an artisan form and with an excellent quality. Those who would like to take home a memory from Yucatan at an accessible price should not forget to visit some of the pottery factories located at the entrance to the town of Ticul, some factories specialize in replicas of Mayan utensils, other factories are specialized in modern designs like vases, small frogs, iguanas, flamingos, turtles, lights, etc.

Market of Oxkutzcab

The orchard of the State, Oxkutzcab is one of the more dynamic municipalities of Yucatan, thanks to its agricultural production and the fruit market which is a center of attraction in the region and an important characteristic of Oxkutzcab since colonial times. With an excellent geographic location it is the end of one tourist circuit, the Route of the Convents, and the beginning of another one, the Puuc Route. Nowadays the city has a sense of modern life, while at the same time conserving the main characteristics of all small towns in Yucatan, being good natured and traditional.

Mani

Perhaps the last and most important point of the Route of the Convents is Mani, where you will find an enormous church, a convent and a museum with explanations in Spanish, English, French and Mayan. It is here where Friar Diego de Landa ordered the burning and destruction of many documents and Mayan statues during the Franciscan movement to convert the Mayas from their native religion to Christianity. 5,000 idols, 13 altars, 27 parchments in skin of deer and 197 pots of different forms and sizes were destroyed. When noticing its great mistake, Friar Diego began writing down everything he could remember. This document is called "Relation of Things of Yucatan". Today, Mani is a religious site of great importance.