Puuc, the Mayan name for the series of low lying hills in this
area, is the zone where you will find a unique cultural style and
influence. Uxmal is one of the best examples of this style, but
there are other areas nearby that have the same style and were important
Mayan sites. These include Sayil, Labna Xlapac and the Loltun caves.
Included:
Departure from your hotel at 9 am.
Transportation with A/C in either a bus or van.
Certified Guide.
Lunch.
Visit to Loltun, Sayil, Labna and Xlapac.
Drop-off at your hotel at approximately 5:30 pm.
Note: This trip requires a minimum of 4 passengers.
No Included:
Food.
Beverages.
Entrance fees to archaeological site.
Entrance fees into Loltun caves.
Prices:
Price per person: $450 pesos.
Children under 4 do not pay.
Children 5 – 10 years $350 pesos.
Children 11 years on pay full fare
PUCC ROUTE
Puuc is the Mayan name given to a series of low-lying hills with
a unique culture and style. Uxmal, a has already been mentioned,
is one of the best examples; however not far away are other delightful
places which were also, in their day, important Mayan centers.
Some characteristic elements of Pucc decoration include pyramids
finished with crest work, small, false columns embedded in the facades,
and drawing of stylized Mayan hunts. Repetitive geometrically-cut
stones and motifs are commonly used. Other figurative components
also appear, such as snakes and masks of the rain god Chacc, recognized
by his bulging eyes, large fangs and snout-like nose which curve
upwards like trumpet.
Several cisterns of chultunes in this area serve to collect rainwater.
These are the only source of storage for this vital liquid. The
reason why Chacc is held in such high esteem and representations
of him abound: The Mayan population worshipped Chaac to ensure sufficient
rain.
Loltún Caves
The tour starts at the entrance of Nahkab, or beehive, where the
famous bas-relief known as El guerrero de Loltún (the Loltun
warrior) is located, which seems to be emerging from the caves and
is believed to be the God of the underworld. Another attraction
of great interest is the cave paintings: in a wall one can see negatives
of hands, in another one there are more elaborated paintings representing
faces, animals and staggered greca patterns. In the diverse halls,
galleries and chambers - almost 60 m deep and extending over more
than 700 m - diverse archaeological pieces, ceramics, stone artifacts,
marine shells and petroglyphs have been found, corresponding to
the Mayan culture in its different stages of development.
UXMAL
Know as the “Three Times Build,” the architecture of
Uxmal is among the most majestic in Yucatan. Its beauty is characterized
by low, horizontal palaces placed around patios and quadrants richly
decorated with details sculptures. Thousands of tiny stones, each
polished and carefully positioned, from geometrics mosaics that
form perfection unequalled in the entire Mayan region.
Uxmal, enveloped by legends, myths and anecdotes, poetic by name
and by nature, is situated within a series of hills know as the
Pucc or “mountainous area” in Maya. The name was later
given to describe the architectural style of region.
It is said that Uxmal was founded by the tribe of the Xiues. During
the classic period between 600 and 900 AD the city flourished, with
a population of approximately 20,000 inhabitants.
The surrounding land allowed the fabrication of the chultunes, cisterns
ingeniously built by the Maya to store rainwater since cenotes don´t
exist in this area. Highly fertile terrain sustained the agricultural
activity necessary to support the ancient settlers. Worship of water,
the earth the sun and the Venus are all evident in the orientation
and decoration of its structures in Uxmal.
The city of Uxmal is made of 15 groups of buildings distributed
from north to south in an extension of about 2 Km. Among the most
noteworthy area the Pyramid of the Wizard, the Plaza of the Birds,
the Nunnery, the ball Court, the Governor´s palace, the Great
Pyramid, and the Pigeon House; from the northern group the old Woman´s
House, the Cemetery and the Temple of the Phalli. The wide variety
and quantity of buildings which exists speak of the social complexity
and political, economic and religious activities which one took
place here.
The most impressive structure, reaching a height of over 35 m is
the House of the Wizard. According to legend, this pyramid in Uxmal
was built in just one night by a dwarf. In reality it was built
in five stages, with the staircase facing west, towards the setting
sun in the summer solstices. The Convent was no named by the Spaniards
for its similarity to a European convent. It was probably used a
school for healers, astrologers and priests. The Governor´s
Palace is an excellent example of the rain god Chacc, serpents and
astrological symbols, and is considered the most beautiful construction
in Mesoamerica for its style and imposing proportions.
A group of four elongated buildings surrounding a patio is the Nunnery.
It is remarkable for its magnificent decoration which motifs, lattice
motifs; lattice-work and human figures alternate with serpents,
turtle heads, owls and masks of the good Chacc.
It is believed that the downfall or Uxmal was probably due to a
social revolt which put and ends to the governing elite. There´s
a certain refined air about Uxmal that touches visitors from outset.
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Contact: Mayan Ecotours
Calle 80 No. 561 X 13-1, Col. Residencial Pensiones 6a. Etapa
C.P. 97217 Mérida, Yucatán, México
Tel./fax (999)987 37 10, cel. (044 999) 243 14 89
E_mail: info@mayanecotours.com
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