Uxmal

A quick 1 hour bus ride, which with a normal driver would take closer to 2 hours, from Merida is Uxmal, another Mayan site of historical significance. Thought to have been the "mother" of Chichen Itza, Uxmal is a site where a greater amount of restoration has taken place. If Chichen Itza is spectacular, higher superlatives need to be reserved for Uxmal. From the massive Governors Palace to the House of the Turtles, and then the Temple of the Magician, there is just so much to see.

You can't help yourself stopping to catch your breath at some of these buildings, especially the Temple of the Magician. With unique rounded sides, this temple is well worth the steep climb to the top. Whilst catching my breath once I reached the summit, I was somewhat embarrassed to be passed by a sprightly old lady who would have been close to 80 years old, eyes gleaming with excitement.

As with practically all such Mayan historical sites, there are plenty of opportunities to fall off this temple, and absolutely no sign of ropes or safety barriers. That reminds me, wear shoes that have a bit of grip left in the soles and don't try and emulate the Japanese tourists who arrived just as we were leaving. How the women expected to climb pyramids wearing high healed shoes is beyond me. When in Mexico, do as the Mexicans do!

There's no need to hire a local guide here at Uxmal, just a copy of The Lonely Planet or Lets Go Mexico will see you right.

Speaking later to a local guide, we learnt there is no record of accidents at Uxmal. Although tempted to stay for the nightly Light and Sound Show, our time was limited so that is on the itinerary for the next visit.