The Puuc Route

While the name sounds silly, The Puuc Route is an attraction showcasing the rich Mayan culture that needs to be on your vacation itinerary. This cherished route in the Yucatan is renowned for its series of low-lying hills and the unique style of buildings featuring elaborate stone mosaics. In 1996, The Puuc Route was recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

The term "Puuc", pronounced pook, translates to "hills" in the Mayan language, aptly describing the terrain that begins to rise in this region. The Puuc Route includes extraordinary cities such as Uxmal, Kabah, Sayil, Xlapak, and Labna. The Pyramid of the Magician in the Uxmal Archaeological Zone is one of the most prominent examples of Mayan architectural sophistication along this route.

The nearly 50-mile Puuc Route highlights the grandeur of Mayan cities that flourished in the zone between 600 - 1000 AD. The characteristic "Puuc" style includes long, filigree-detailed walls and smooth surfaces. A further example of this within the Kabah archaeological site is the Codz Poop structure, dating to around 800-1000 AD. It is adorned with over 260 stone masks representing Chaac, the Mayan rain god. The placement and repetition of Chaac's visage symbolize the people's reverence for water and its role in their rural lifestyle. 

After a day exploring The Puuc Route, discuss your discoveries over Yucatan cuisine at nearby eateries like Restaurante Halach Huinic. Here, the food, spices, and cold beverages will enhance your adventure by adding authentic fare that could be part of the Mayan diet.

Exploring The Puuc Route offers an unparalleled glimpse into the life, spirituality, and creativity of the Mayan people, making it an essential stop when vacationing in Mexico.

Fun Facts & Cool Features 

The Puuc Route stands out as it offers a serene and intimate exploration experience compared to the more tourist-heavy sites like Chichén Itzá. Several fascinating aspects enhance its attraction for visitors. For instance, Uxmal's Pyramid of the Magician’s oval shape is unusual amongst Mayan structures, making it a standout feature of the Puuc architecture.

As with the Kukulcan pyramid at Chichén Itzá, a fascinating feature of different structures along The Puuc Route is their alignment with astronomical events. The Mayans were known for their advanced understanding of astronomy, and researchers believe that the placement and orientation of different pyramids align with celestial occurrences. Events like solstices and equinoxes played a vital role in the Mayan calendar and agricultural cycles, so it's no wonder some of the buildings correspond with these. 

Some of the principal stops on The Puuc Route are near other Yucatan landmarks such as Museo Choco-Story Uxmal, so planning multiple visits is easy to coordinate. 

When vacationing in Merida, visiting The Puuc Route offers a deep dive into Mayan history and culture. Astonishing craftsmanship and historical and religious significance along the entire route offer an immersion into Mexico's vibrant past.

Getting There

Here are step-by-step driving directions to The Puuc Route from Merida:

• Start by heading southeast on Calle 62 toward Calle 63
• Continue straight onto Avenida Itzáes
• Merge onto the Carr. Costera del Golfo/México 180 via the ramp to Campeche
• Take the exit toward Mayapán/Maxcanú/Muna
• Merge onto Route 184 and follow it south to the Puuc Route signs
• The exact address is Uxmal, Yucatán, Mexico.

Cost

Here are the costs associated with visiting The Puuc Route:

• General Admission to each archaeological site ranges from $10 US up to approximately $60 US to the largest zone at Uxmal.
• Discounts for residents and Mexican nationals.

Prices are subject to change; check their website for updates.