Uxmal: An Amazing Cruise with a DJ Mayan Ruin Experience [Photos]

Jaclyn and I are so pumped about Cruise with a DJ, which is coming up October 12th, 2015.  We are hosting a 5-night cruise aboard the Carnival Elation and visiting two amazing ports of call: Cozumel and Progreso, Mexico.  While a lot of folks aren't all that familiar with Progreso, there are truly some magnificent experiences to be had there.  One of them is Uxmal.  This Mayan ruin site, tucked deep inside the Mexican jungle, will absolutely take your breath away.

Uxmal is pronounced "Oosh-Mall."  History tells us the city was founded around 500 AD, but enjoyed its prominence and dominance around 875 AD.  The ancient city is located about 2 hours driving distance from the cruise port in Progreso and is absolutely worth the trip.  Honestly, I've never seen anything so primitive seems so majestic.

Look at the detail in the design!  It's amazing.  By the way, my friends snapped that photo of me from below.  I'm not sure you can truly get an idea of how steep the steps are leading to the top of this, but, trust me, it was a workout.  But the view from the top was unlike anything I had ever seen.

What separates Uxmal from more popular Mayan tourist destinations is the fact that you can actually walk up and explore most of the structures.  For example, Chichen Itza, one of the Yucatan Peninsula's most popular tourist attractions isn't nearly as accessible or "friendly" to the inquisitive tourist.  Take a look at this photo.  It's hard to truly understand and appreciate the scale of this"pyramid," but it was incredibly tall and steep.

My friends Craig and Jane made it all the way to the top.  All three of us decided we had to.  We knew it was going to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.  And the view from there was unbelievable.  We were able to literally look out and survey an ancient city still in the process of being unearthed and excavated.

And to give you a pretty good idea of the scale of Mayan construction, take a look at this.

And this.  You can see just how many levels there are and how vast Uxmal truly is.

Uxmal is astonishing.  It's a combination of primitive history, architecture, religion, beauty and sport (yes, there's an actual Ballcourt there.  Think basketball meets jai alai meets quidditch).  It truly is an educational and mind-blowing day trip from the port in Progreso.  You will stand in awe of the architecture and desgin . . .

You will want to become one with the Mayan gods and summon their powers . . .

You will learn and understand the importance of Mayan sacrifice and willingly surrender yourself to the Mayan spirits (and a Ukranian girl with a Derby hat and a spear)!

Okay, maybe not.  But you will have experiences with your friends you never imagined and snap keepsake photos that will conjure memories for a lifetime.

Yep!  That's WBKR's beloved Aunt Mary.  She joined us in Mexico and was a trooper at Uxmal.  The only thing she wasn't thrilled with was the city's newest and most populous inhabitants.  These guys . . .

The iguanas are Jurassic Park-huge!  Actually, everything about Uxmal is larger than life.  The history, the city, the design and the preservation.  Uxmal is a unique Mayan ruin experience and, if you're thinking of joining us in Mexico, it is truly an item to put on your bucket list.  This is a fallen city that still resonates with heritage and life.

For more information about Uxmal, CLICK HERE!

And to book your spot on WBKR's Cruise with a DJ with our host agency Ambassador Travel, CLICK HERE!

Cruise with a DJ is presented by Henderson Chevy Buick GMC.  Cross that money-saving bridge!