Uxmal

Uxmal is one of the many Mayan ruins that are found in the Puuc Hills, a low range of hills in the southwest region of the Yucatan Peninsula.  The Mayans developed a magnificent style of architecture named Puuc, named after the hills in this region and characterized by immense palaces, pyramids, and temples decorated with three-dimensional mosaic stone friezes. Cities here were connected by roads called sacbes, which cut through the jungle and entered the towns through beautiful, vaulted archways, many of which can still be seen. The Puuc Hills are dotted with ruins (probably more than 200 are scattered in the area). Ruins carry the same name as the cities and towns with Uxmal being the largest and most impressive. Only a small portion of the massive site has been excavated and one wonders what is yet to come.