Uxmal

The archaeological site of Uxmal was once one of the largest cities in the Yucatan.

It's centerpiece, The Pyramid of the Magician, was built in five layers or stages.

At one time, visitors were allowed to enter the inside through the lower door and also at the temple on the top.

Over 25,000 Maya lived here from 600-900 AD.  This site also presided over the nearby cities of Kabah, Sayil and Labna, with several sacbe's or white roads connecting these sites.

This area, known as the Puuc Route, has architecture with several predominant features.

                     Vaulted archways that are not usually seen at other Mayan sites.

Buildings often have plain lower sections and richly decorated upper sections.

Carvings  often contain serpents, lattice work and masks of the god Chac, the god of rain.

                            A double jaguar in front of one of the best examples of a Mayan arch way.