Day 18- Uxmal, Mexico

Uxmal Ruins and the journey to get there (19/01/09)

We got up early to get a bus to go to the ruins of Uxmal. We already knew that we would have to get a bus from Ticul to another small town called Muna. We arrived in Muna about 7.30am without a problem but we soon realised there were no bus stops, nor anyone to help us. After standing on a corner for 45 minutes where we thought we were supposed to wait for the bus, a moto taxi appeared. As you can see this is a moped with a (mostly wooden) cart attatched to the back. With little other option we agreed to the 50 peso (about 2 pounds) charge for the 20km journey to the ruins.

Adam not looking so sure after looking down through the wooden slats and seeing the road through the gaps beneath him. Despite the fact we were probably only doing about 40 km per hour, we felt like we were doing about 80.



Liz looking suprisingly calm, I think she was just so impressed with the (absolutely useless) curtains.




One bumpy ride later we arrived at the ruins, but it was well worth the effort. The main temple.




This site was very different from the others that we have visited. It was much more ornately decorated and much better preserved. This carving looked quite amusing, like a man in a bird costume with a mohican.

More of the decorations, if you look closely you will see that the rattle snake in the centre has a man´s head in it´s mouth.

Once again we managed to get there very early to avoid the crowds. Adam always feels quite smug about having the place to ourselves.

We cannot decide whether this is father christmas or a garden gnome. Whichever it is it throws a new light on Mayan history.

Another large set of steps which we climbed, although only 88 this time.

The top of the steps.

More of the intricate geometric designs.

We have mixed feelings about climbing on the ruins. On hand it is great fun and allows you to really interact with the buildings. However constant crowds of tourists will gradually ruin the sites. It is likely that the management at Uxmal will soon follow suit with the other big sites and rope off all the ruins.

This Mayan stone reminded Liz of her brother-in-law, not sure why!

A double headed Jaguar statue. The Mayans feared and revered the Jaguar so what could be more scary than the big cat? Maybe one with two heads.

There were Iguanas everywhere. They were all over the ruins and in the undergrowth, this one was having his lunch, something that we had neglected to bring with us ourselves.

Adam getting close enough for a kiss.