Move Over Chichen Itza: Travelers Are Raving About This Mayan Ruins

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We have all seen the photo. A traveler stands in front of the massive El Castillo pyramid, arms wide open, surrounded by… 4,000 other people holding umbrellas.

Chichen Itza is a Wonder of the World, and for good reason. But for many travelers, the experience has become a test of endurance. Between the three-hour drive from Cancun, the oppressive heat, and the armies of vendors blowing jaguar whistles, the magic can feel a little lost.

But what if we told you there was another Mayan city—older, greener, and arguably more beautiful—that offers the “Indiana Jones” experience you actually want?

Travelers in the know are skipping the Chichen Itza crowds and heading west to Uxmal. Here is why this UNESCO World Heritage site is becoming the top alternative for savvy vacationers.

The “Puuc” Aesthetic: Why It Looks Different

Chichen Itza is martial and sharp. Uxmal is curvy and intricate. Built in the “Puuc” style, the architecture here is defined by smooth stones and incredibly detailed mosaics.

The main attraction, the Pyramid of the Magician, is unlike any other pyramid in Mexico. It has rounded corners and an oval base. Legend says it was built in a single night by a dwarf magician. While you can’t climb this specific pyramid anymore, the site allows you to get much closer to the structures than at Chichen Itza.

Fewer Crowds, More Magic

The biggest selling point for Uxmal is the atmosphere. Because it is located south of Merida (further from the Cancun Hotel Zone than Chichen Itza), it receives a fraction of the daily visitors.

There are no vendors inside the archaeological zone. Let us repeat that: No vendors. You can walk through the Governor’s Palace or the Nunnery Quadrangle in silence, hearing only the birds and the wind. It feels abandoned and ancient in a way that the busier sites rarely do.

The “Climb” Factor

For years, the big draw of alternative ruins was the ability to climb them. While restrictions are tightening across Mexico for preservation, there are still spots where you can get some elevation.

As we noted in our guide to which ruins you can still climb, Coba and Ek Balam are the go-to spots for scaling pyramids. The Great Pyramid at Uxmal unfortunately was roped off in late 2025.

How To Get There (The Maya Train Upgrade)

Getting to Uxmal used to be a haul, but it just got easier. The site is accessible via the new Calkiní station on the Maya Train route. From there, it is a short transfer to the ruins. As we detailed in our breakdown of the top archeological stops on the train route, this new connectivity is opening up the southern Yucatan to travelers who don’t want to rent a car.

The Perfect Day Trip Pair: Merida

Uxmal is the perfect excuse to visit Merida, the colonial capital of the Yucatan. Unlike the tourist-built infrastructure of Cancun, Merida is a 500-year-old Spanish city with pastel mansions, incredible food, and a vibrant cultural scene. It is widely considered the safest city in Mexico.

Our insider’s guide to Merida recommends spending a night here. See the ruins in the morning when it is cool, then head back to Merida for cochinita pibil and a stroll along the Paseo de Montejo in the evening.

The Verdict

If you want the “bucket list” photo, go to Chichen Itza. But if you want to feel the history, escape the crowds, and see a pyramid that looks like it was dropped from another planet, go to Uxmal. It is worth the extra miles.

For a direct comparison of the logistics, check our analysis on whether the long drive to Chichen Itza is really worth it.

Happy Travels!