The Ruta Puuc The Path of the Gods

The famous Ruta Puuc is a Mayan treasure located in South Yucatan amid lush jungles, vast lowlands and a few little hills that can be spotted here and there during the trip. The word “puuc” means “hill” or “group of hills” in Mayan language and the route derives its name from these small hills scattered on the plains.

 Following the Ruta Puuc The Path of the Gods is like walking an interesting trail into the ancient Mayan history and culture. The circuit covers six major archeological sites: the cities of Uxmal, Labna, Xlapac, Sayil and Kabah; and the beautiful Grutas de Loltun (Loltun Caves). Many of the archeological sites that compose the trip are not located on the main routes and there is no public transport to the area; so the best way to do this tour is either in your own car or in one of the organized trips that leave from Campeche or Merida. At the entrance of each city you will find toilets and basic snacks. It is important to wear comfortable shoes, a cap, and biodegradable sunscreen for the tour. 

Let’s get our tour started:

The Puuc architectural style features buildings made of short plain walls with highly ornamented frieze at the top, representing two-headed serpents;  feathered serpents with wide-open mouths from where humans emerge; masks of Chaac (the God of Rain) with large eyes, a long, curved, elephant-like nose and large fangs. Other common features are the decorated cornices, rows of half and full columns, and rooftop combs. The different towns were interconnected by “sacbés”- paths that were slightly elevated from the ground and paved in stone. Being an area of little rain, the ornaments honoring Chaac and signs of dofferent rites and cults are visible in all the sites.

·         Uxmal, meaning “the one that was created three times” or “the fore coming”, is one of the most important archeological sites in the Mayan history. Presumably founded in the 7^th century and declared World Heritage by the UNESCO, Uxmal is impressive and attractive. The highest and most magnificent construction is La Casa del Adivino (The Pyramid of the Magician). The legend states that this pyramid, built upon an oval base and featuring more than 35 meters tall, was constructed in one single day by a dwarf. Other interesting buildings are “El Convento” (The Nunnery Quadrangle) which is a large and highly ornamented construction that may have served as a school for healers and priests; “La Casa del Gobernador” (The Governor’s Palace) which sets on a platform and stands almost 100 meters long; “La Gran Pirámide” (The Great Pyraid) standing 32 meters high and featuring a crowning temple with incredible birds carved in the interior and exterior. 

Uxmal Mayans developed the “chultunes” (cisterns), an advanced hydraulic system to collect fresh water.

·         Labna, meaning “old or abandoned house”, is located 42km Southeast of Uxmal. It is well-known for its impressive arch, “El Arco Triunfal”, which boasts refined perfection and nice ornamentation. Its façade includes the representation of serpents and Mayan huts. The vestiges of “El Gran Palacio” (The great Palace) are the first ruins visible when you reach the site. This palace was more than 393 feet long and featured more than 70 chambers distributed on two levels and decorated with figures of Chaac and serpents’ heads. Also interesting are “el Mirador” (The Watchtower) and “El Edificio de las Columnillas” (The Pillar Building).

·         Xlapac, meaning “old walls”, is located 38 kilometers Southeast of Uxmal. This archeological site is divided into two groups: The first group is where you can find “El Palacio” (the Palace). It features nine rooms distributed in three rows of three rooms each; and has a total of eight entrances adorned with masks of Chaac, and circle, star and snake motifs. In the second Group, there is a construction similar to El Palacio but offering a different ornamentation with pillars and stones known as “cien pies” (centipede).

·         Sayil, meaning “the ants’ site”, is located 33km Southeast of Uxmal in Yucatan. Among its constructions we find the impressive “El Gran Palacio” (The Palace). Also known as “The Chultun Palace”, this construction features three levels and 85 chambers. Archeologists believe that it may have been the building from where the city was administered. The construction is impressive. The second storey is carved with columns and Chaac masks. “El Mirador” (The Watchtower) and the chultun by the Palace are also interesting constructions to visit in Sayil. 

·         Kabah, meaning “the Lord of powerful hand”, it is located 23km Southeast of Uxmal. Most of the buildings date from 7^th to 11^th centuries.  Three important architectural sites form the urban nucleus: El Codz Poop, El Palacio de Teocalli (Teocalli Palace) and La Gran Pirámide (The Great Pyramid).

·         Grutas de Loltun (Loltun Caves), meaning “the Stone Flower”, these caves were used by the Mayans to get clay and to hide. The walls are covered by paintings of hands, faces and animals. The main hall presents a dome where light and shade play games with your eyes in a marvelous sight.

The Ruta Puuc, The Path of the Gods is an amazing one-day trip that you cannot miss if you travel to Yucatan. Get an insight into the Mayan amazing culture by travelling the Ruta Puuc.

Cecilia Vittori