The pyramid stands on top of a base that surrounds it. Construction began in the 6th century and the top level dates from the 10th century. The existing hieroglyphs have contributed to identify the different construction stages. In Temple I the explorers found a sculpture representing the head of a snake with a human being coming out of its fangs. 150 steps lead to the temple of level V. Legend has it that it was built in one single night by a dwarf who became the ruler after betting he could complete the feat.

Almost 100 meters long, 12 wide and 9 high, it has three parts, separated by Mayan arches. The main part has 14 rooms that are all accessible. The façade is adorned with friezes with masks of Chaac, huts, garlands and different characters, the main one wearing a beautiful feather headdress.

Around the inner part of the center, there is a great Chaac mask. On the top, the temple of macaws has bird’s patterns on the wall. An earlier construction, dating back to 250 to 500 A.D. was found inside

On the walls of the western building, there are representations of birds, such as parrots, macaws and hummingbirds. The structure dates back to the VIII to XII centuries A.D. The southern building has thirteen columns and four rooms.

It was named after the position of four constructions with chambers that overlook a common patio. On the corners there are masks of Chaac and snake heads. The lintels are adorned with geometrical patterns and snakes.

Adorned with patterns of turtles, it is made up of three rooms in the center and two on the sides.

Next to the Great Pyramid, one can see the typical crest of this structure that was most likely a residential complex from the late Puuc period of Uxmal. On one of the corners, there is a small pyramid with a temple on top of it.

There are several cities built on a low range of hills called Puuc (“hill” in Maya) that flourished during the Late Classic (600-1000 A.D.). In addition to the environment, they share their architectural style, with friezes and Chaac masks, for example the 250 masks found in the so called Codz Poop in Kabah. In Sayil, the Great Palace has three levels and 94 rooms. Xlapak is renowned for its adorned columns known as ”chimez” (centipedes) and Labna for its famous arch. In the Loltun caves (stone flower) there is evidence of prehistoric human settlements.

It is an ancient Mayan city of the classic period. Its name is said to derive from Oxmal, that means “built 3 times” in Maya language, most likely a reference to its age and the three times it had to be rebuilt. Its buildings are typical of the Puuc architectural style, with ornate friezes representing entwined snakes and masks of Chaac, the rain god.

The Light and Sound show at Uxmal tells the story and daily life of Uxmal, as it highlights its main buildings.

In 1573, Fray Diego de Landa visited the already abandoned city. In the 19th century, as a result of a growing interest for pre-Columbian archaeology, several persons made drawings and took photos to record the splendor of the site.

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