Worth a Journey

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The World’s 100 Best Archaeological Sites & Ruins

Uxmal

Santa Elena, Mexico

  1. THE WORLD’S BEST RUINS & SITES WORTH A JOURNEY · 2026 ✦ ✦ N° 9 2026

Top 10

Uxmal

A Maya archaeological site in the Puuc region near Santa Elena, Yucatán, set in forest. Visitors walk among large restored structures and climb some of the ruins.

Highlights

  • Pyramid of the Magician
  • Nunnery Quadrangle
  • Governor's Palace

Good to know

  • Two separate tickets, state and federal, paid at different windows
  • Allow two to three hours, bring water and a hat
  • Arrive around 8 or 9 am to avoid heat and crowds

Also in Mexico

  1. Calakmul N° 1 Calakmul Calakmul Ancient city
  2. Palenque N° 13 Palenque Palenque Ancient city
  3. Yaxchilán N° 18 Yaxchilán Frontera Corozal Ancient city
  4. Ek Balam N° 29 Ek Balam Temozón Ancient city
  5. Edzná N° 37 Edzná Campeche Ancient city
  6. Cantona N° 44 Cantona Tepeyahualco Ancient city