Atmospheric ruins emerge from the jungle at this UNESCO site, where markets hummed with activity and Mayan priests once gazed up toward glittering constellations.
Sayil is well-liked for its museums. If you'd like to do some sightseeing in and around the larger Santa Elena area, you might plan a trip to Eco Museum of Cacao.
Discover the most popular places to visit in Santa Elena
Uxmal Archaeological Site
9.8/10 (195 reviews)
Learn about the local history of Santa Elena when you take a trip to Uxmal Archaeological Site. While in this relaxing area, you can savor the local chocolate shops and restaurants.
Pyramid of the Magician
9.8/10 (101 reviews)
The tallest structure in the UNESCO city of Uxmal has interesting Mayan carvings and a mysterious legend of its ancient origin.
Governors Palace
9.6/10 (107 reviews)
Considered one of the finest surviving examples of Puuc architecture, this ornate building was once the seat of power for the ancient Mayan city of Uxmal.
Kabah
9.6/10 (14 reviews)
You can learn about the history of Santa Elena with a visit to Kabah. While in this relaxing area, you can enjoy the local chocolate shops.
House of the Turtles
10.0/10 (31 reviews)
Learn about the local history of Santa Elena when you spend time at House of the Turtles. While in this relaxing area, you can savor the local chocolate shops and restaurants.
Nunnery Quadrangle
8.0/10 (2 reviews)
You can find out about the history of Santa Elena with a trip to Nunnery Quadrangle. While you're in the area, find time to visit its shops.
Santa Elena Museum
8.0/10 (2 reviews)
You can study the exhibits at Santa Elena Museum, a museum with a storied past, during your trip to Santa Elena. While in this relaxing area, you can enjoy the local chocolate shops.
Choco-Story Museum Uxmal
You can spend an afternoon exploring the galleries in Choco-Story Museum Uxmal during your trip to Santa Elena. While in this relaxing area, you can savor the local chocolate shops and restaurants.
What to do in Santa Elena
Uxmal, two Amazing Cenotes & Local Food Tour from Mérida
"The staff was very helpful and courteous, five stars. The rooms were clean, the breakfast and dinner (a little on the pricey side) were ok. The location is excellent, less than a five minute walk to the Uxmal ruins. Overall, we had a very nice stay."
"Do NOT follow Google Maps directions to this hotel if you are driving on Highway #261. Coming from Merida/Muna direction, you will find the new road/driveway to the hotel on the right, just before the Uxmal site/Hotel Hacienda Uxmal Plantation. There is a new sign noting "Hotel"
This new hotel is fantastic!
It starts with the drive in, through the jungle, on the new road/bike path. Watch for animals on the road. We saw many deer, iguanas and a coati.
We were greeted at the front door and...
"Great breakfast to start the day. Jose is a great server and made the best limon margaritas we had on the trip. Restaurant menu was excellent balance of food we knew and with a Mayan twist. Owner Amy Jo was welcoming and on site to offer suggestions and support for the area.
Thank you"
"Room has windows on all sides, and mine had other rooms all around. Folks were walking around at night and early in the morning with lights. I didn’t sleep well. Breakfast was fine, but not great. "
"The uxmal ruins were way better than the Chichén Itzá. The staff were very good. The best part was seeing the ruins from our window. We had room 321 and got to see the sunrise over the ruins. Absolutely beautiful!!! Would come again!"
"This is a excellent, clean, and modern hotel with kind and helpful staff. However I had a major issue with booking on Expedia! Once I confirmed the booking (pay upon arrival) the hotel messaged me and demanded I issue them a 50% deposit outside of the Expedia app in order to hold the booking for me if I arrived any later then the 3PM check-in time. This is highly irregular behavior and totally unprofessional. I have never had any other hotel do this anywhere in the world."
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.