Chichén Itzá vs Uxmal: Which Mayan Ruin Should You Visit If You Only Have Time for One?
- Pája Polanská
- Sep 29
- 6 min read
Updated: Sep 29
One of the most common dilemmas for travelers in Yucatán is deciding whether to visit Chichén Itzá or Uxmal. Both are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, both were once powerful Mayan cities, and both offer incredible architecture and history. But if you only have a limited amount of time, you might not be able to see both — so which one should you choose?
The Story of Uxmal
Uxmal, founded by the Xiú dynasty, became one of the most important cities of the Puuc region. Its peak was between 600 and 1000 AD, when it had around 20,000 inhabitants. Unlike other Maya cities, Uxmal had no cenotes nearby, so the people built more than 160 chultunes (cisterns) to collect rainwater. This water system was essential for agriculture and daily life, and it is one of the reasons the city was able to thrive.
Religion and politics were tightly connected. The ruling elite positioned themselves as intermediaries between humans and the gods, which gave them control over the city’s economy and rituals. Over time, Uxmal became a regional capital, dominating nearby smaller settlements.
The architecture of Uxmal is what makes it unique. Palaces and ceremonial buildings were laid out around large courtyards and decorated with mosaics of finely cut stones. Highlights include:
Pyramid of the Magician: built in five stages, tied to legends of a dwarf who supposedly raised it in one night.
Nunnery Quadrangle: richly decorated with masks of the rain god Chaac, animals, and geometric patterns.
Governor’s Palace: 100 meters wide, with carvings of Chaac, serpents, and astrological symbols. It is often considered one of the most beautiful buildings in Mesoamerica.
House of the Turtles: a smaller but elegant structure decorated with carved turtles along the cornice.
Uxmal was eventually abandoned around 1080 AD, probably after social unrest or changes in power. Today, visitors also experience a light and sound show at the site, where Maya legends are retold in the ruins.
The Story of Chichén Itzá
Chichén Itzá was founded by the Itzá Maya in the 9th century. Later, around the 10th century, it was strongly influenced by the arrival of the Toltecs, a warrior culture from central Mexico. This mix of Maya and Toltec traditions made Chichén Itzá the most powerful city in Yucatán, covering around 25 km² and hosting between 50,000 and 100,000 people.
The city had both religious and political importance. The Sacred Cenote was central to its rituals, with offerings of gold, jade, textiles, and even human sacrifices made to the rain god Chaac. The urban layout shows a blend of Maya traditions and Toltec elements, particularly the worship of the feathered serpent deity Kukulkán.
Key structures include:
Temple of Kukulkán (El Castillo): a pyramid with 365 steps, one for each day of the solar year. During the equinox, the shadow of a serpent appears to descend the staircase.
Great Ball Court: the largest in Mesoamerica, used for ceremonial games.
Temple of the Warriors: decorated with images of warriors and the Chac Mool statue.
The Caracol Observatory: a round tower aligned with astronomical events.
The city declined around 1250 AD, but remained a pilgrimage site even centuries later. Its importance was such that Francisco de Montejo, founder of Mérida, even considered establishing his colonial capital there in the 1500s. Today, Chichén Itzá is not only a UNESCO World Heritage Site but also one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Practical Comparison: Uxmal vs. Chichén Itzá
Location & Accessibility
Uxmal: About 80 km (1 hour) southwest of Mérida. Difficult to visit from Valladolid or Riviera Maya in a single day. Best suited for travelers based in Mérida or heading toward Campeche.
Chichén Itzá: 120 km (2 hours) from Mérida, 45 minutes from Valladolid, and 2.5 hours from Cancún or Playa del Carmen. Much more accessible for visitors staying on the Riviera Maya.
Size & Scale
Uxmal: The site is compact and straightforward to explore. Most visitors spend around 2 hours, which is enough to see the main highlights without feeling rushed.
Chichén Itzá: While the site is larger overall, most travelers also spend about 2–2.5 hours here. The main difference is that some areas, like the Sacred Cenote, require a bit of extra walking, but not everyone includes them. Both sites are big enough to feel significant, yet manageable within half a day.
Visitor Experience & Atmosphere
Uxmal offers a calmer experience. The site is rarely overcrowded, even in high season, and vendors are not allowed inside, which keeps the focus on the ruins themselves. Paths are shaded in many areas, making it more comfortable to explore, especially in the heat. The atmosphere feels more authentic and less commercialized.
Chichén Itzá, by contrast, is busy and commercial. Vendors line many of the main walkways, and the number of visitors can be overwhelming during peak hours. However, there’s a way to make the experience smoother: arriving right at 8 AM when the gates open. At this time, vendors are still setting up and the large tour buses haven’t arrived yet, so you can explore the main structures in relative peace. By 9 AM, crowds start building quickly.
Logistics: Getting There
Your choice often depends on where you’re based.
Chichén Itzá: From Valladolid, it’s very easy to reach. You can hop on public colectivos, join affordable group tours, or even hire a taxi. If you prefer more comfort and flexibility, a private driver or a private tour is the best way to explore at your own pace. From Riviera Maya and Mérida, the most common way are day group tours or like from Valladolid, you can hire a private driver or a private tour.
Uxmal: Transport is trickier. There are few public options, so most visitors either book a shared tour or go with a private tour. Shared tours often combine Uxmal with other popular stops, while private tours give you the freedom to choose your own itinerary and avoid the more touristy extras.
Convenience, Extras & Surroundings
The ticket price itself doesn’t differ much: Chichén Itzá costs 648 MXN, while Uxmal is 581 MXN for international visitors.
The real difference is in the surroundings and overall convenience.
Chichén Itzá: Easy to reach from Valladolid and along the Cancún–Mérida route, it’s the most convenient stop for travelers on the Riviera Maya. Day trips often combine the ruins with a cenote swim, or sometimes with Ek Balam or Valladolid. Meals are almost always at big buffet-style restaurants near the site, designed for large tour groups. While they’re quick and practical, the food can feel repetitive and less authentic.
Uxmal: A bit more off the beaten path, Uxmal is usually combined with other stops on the Ruta Puuc, like Kabah or Labná, or with attractions such as the Choco-Story museum and Santa Elena village. Food options are fewer than at Chichén Itzá, but the restaurants here tend to be smaller, more local, and authentic — offering a very different experience compared to the crowded buffets in Pisté
Final Thoughts: Chichén Itzá or Uxmal?
If you have the chance, both Chichén Itzá and Uxmal are worth visiting — each offers a unique perspective on the ancient Maya world. But when time is limited, the choice depends on your location, interests, and travel style.
Choose Chichén Itzá if you’re based in Valladolid, Cancún, or the Riviera Maya. It’s easier to reach, world-famous, and packed with iconic structures like the Temple of Kukulkán. Just be ready for crowds and a more commercial atmosphere.
Choose Uxmal if you’re staying in Mérida or heading toward Campeche. It’s quieter, more relaxed, and its Puuc-style architecture is some of the finest in Mesoamerica. The lack of vendors inside and the surrounding Ruta Puuc sites make it a deeper cultural experience.
In the end, it’s less about which site is “better” and more about what fits into your trip. Both will leave you with an unforgettable glimpse into the grandeur of the Maya civilization.
If you want to explore at your own pace, away from the big groups, we offer private tours to Uxmal from Mérida where you stay in control of your itinerary. We can also suggest additional stops like cenotes, haciendas, or nearby villages to enrich the day.
For Chichén Itzá, we organize fully custom private tours from Mérida, tailored to your schedule and preferences. This way you can combine the site with other highlights without being rushed.
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