Overview Book an LDS tour to Uxmal ruins and learn about the fascinating civilization that once developed this incredible Mayan capital. Our expert LDS tour guide will bring the city to life as they explain the history of people and discuss the architecture and religious ceremonies practiced at the site. Enjoy a wonderful meal and delight your taste buds with traditional Yucatan cuisine. After, we continue our journey to visit the historical center of Merida to feast our eyes on the amazing colonial architecture that's survived the ages since the departure of the Spanish. Here we will ride on a horse carriage and stroll through the historic buildings and monuments of the city. Take a tour to side of Mexico you have never seen. Uxmal is only 1hr away from the city of Merida, capital of the Yucatan State, and 1.5hrs away from Progreso Port. So whether you are staying in Merida, or arriving on a cruise, this is the largest and most beautiful archaeological site near you that you absolutely cannot miss! Book your tour day with Alma's LDS Tours! Additional information: Uxmal Means “Thrice-built” in Mayan. It is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Mexico, artistically and architecturally. It has not required much restoration work since the temples are in excellent condition and were built magnificently. It was constructed around 500 AD. The name thrice-built refers to the construction of its highest structure, the Pyramid of the Magician. The Maya would often build a new temple over an existing one, and in this case, five stages of construction have actually been found. Uxmal was one of the largest cities of the Yucatan peninsula. At its peak, it was home to about 25,000 Mayans. Like the other "Puuc" sites, it flourished in the Late Classic period (around 600-900 AD). There are indications that its rulers also presided over the nearby settlements named Kabah, Labná, and Sayil, and there are several sacbeob (Mayan white road) connecting theses sites. The area is known as the RutaPuuc, or Puuc route, due to the nearby Uxmal architecture. "Puuc" architecture has several predominant features, most notably constructions with a clear lower section and a richly decorated upper section. The most commonly found carvings include serpents, lattice work, and masks of the god Chaac. Chaac was the god of rain, greatly revered by the Maya at Uxmal because of the lack of natural water supplies in the city. Although Yucatan has few surface rivers, most Mayan cities (including Chichen Itza) used cenotes to access underground water; there were no cenotes at Uxmal. Instead, it was necessary to collect water in chultun (cisterns) built on the ground. The legend of Pyramid of the Magician held that when a specific gong was sounded, the town of Uxmal would fall to a boy "not born of woman." One day, a dwarf, who had been born from an egg raised by a witch, sounded the gong which struck fear into the ruler of Uxmal, who responded by ordering the boy to be executed. The king promised that the kid’s life would be saved if he could perform three impossible tasks, one of which was to build a giant pyramid in a single night. The boy achieved all the tasks and became the new ruler. Availability This tour is available from Monday to Saturday. To choose a date and request information about availability, please click on “inquire” to receive more details. Itinerary • 6:00AM Pick-up at your hotel or resort’s front lobby (times may vary depending on your location). Pick-up times are scheduled one day before departure. If you are arriving on a cruise, your pick-up will be as soon as you have left the ship. • Drive to Uxmal ruins. 4hr drive if you are staying in Cancun area. 1hr to 1.5hrs drive if you are arriving on cruise to Progreso or if you are staying in Merida, • 8:00AM -10:00AM Arrival at Uxmal and restroom break. • Enjoy a fascinating tour of the ruins for approximately 2.5hrs, free time included. • 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM Arrival at Restaurant for Lunch. • 1:00PM Arrival at Merida city for Downtown historic center sightseeing tour. • 3:00PM Return to hotel or cruiseship. * The order of the activities, times, and schedules shown above are for illustrative purposes only and may vary without prior notice. Inclusions Included • Transportation A/C VAN • Admission fees to archaeological sites • Horse carriage tour fee • Traditional Yucatan cuisine restaruant (1 or 2 meals depending on your hotel’s location) • Professional certified LDS tour guide • Liability road insurance, parking and toll road fees • Bottle of purified water & lunch Mexican traditional food. Not Included • Gratuities • Souvenirs Pricing Our prices vary depending on the number of participants and the dates you select. To offer you the best deal, please click on “Inquire” and fill out the booking form so we can send you a personalized quote that best meets your expectations. Terms & Conditions Terms and conditions information not available in source data.