Sayil Archeological Zone

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NileGuide Expert tip:

After visiting Sayil, go see other Mayan ruins at Uxmal, Labna, Kabáh, Xlapak, and Mayapan.

Description:

Sayil, a Mayan archeology zone south of Merida near Uxmal, is a slightly less interesting Ruta Puuc site than either Kabah or Labná, except for the expansive North Palace. If you are pressed for time and already visiting those two more impressive pre-Columbian ruins you could skip Sayil (pronounced sigh-yeel).

A city of approximately 10,000 at its peak, Sayil, or Place of the Ants, was first settled around 800 AD and extended over 5 square kilometers. The city's existence was made possible by thousands of subterranean water storage chambers known as chultunes. Sayil's most stirring reconstructed building, the North Palace was likely the residence of Sayil's ruling family. A partially reconstructed, broad staircase leads to the uppermost of its three stories. Look for depictions of the "diving god," the same one seen at Tulum.

After visiting Sayil, go see other Mayan ruins at Uxmal, Labna, Kabáh, Xlapak, and Mayapan.

Location: Sayil is located 7 kilometers (4.3 mi) south of the archaeological sites of Kabah, 5 kilometers (3.1 mi) from Xlapak and 5 kilometers (3.1 mi) from Labná.

Open: Daily, 8:00am to 5:00pm
Price: MX$37/US$3.70 (Free on Sundays to Mexican citizens and permanent foreign residents). Cash only.
Services: Tickets are sold at the site's entrance building, which also contains restrooms and rest area. Free parking

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