We liked Chichén Itzá but we liked Uxmal, another great Maya site, even better. Uxmal (pronounced oosh-MAL) lies south of Mérida and is even older than Chichén Itzá, with a pyramid that is taller. It also is free of the crowds and, most importantly, the vendors of Chichén Itzá. Lots of animal imagery in the beautiful stone carvings: serpents, turtles, birds; and many, many depictions of Chaac, the all-important rain god, with his oversized hooked nose. We stayed for the evening Light and Sound Show which featured dramatic colored lights flashing on the structures accompanied by overly dramatic music and dialog. It was all a bit silly, but didn't sour our taste for Uxmal.
The Uxmal Site
The Great Pyramid with Rounded Corners
The Misnamed Nunnery
Depiction of the Rain God Chaac with his Elongated Proboscis
Chaac again, with an even greater need for cosmetic surgery.
The Governor's House
Serpent
Full Serpent Illuminated during the Light and Sound Show
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