Sayil

Sayil is a small archaeological site in comparison to others in the area, but it is the best preserved without a doubt. Its main building is a 3-story palace, 280 feet long including more than 90 rooms. The detailed carved stones and the stucco are incredibly conserved. Another important building is a small temple called "El Observatorio". It includes 5 small rooms and is known to be one of the first to be built with the characteristic high roof comb in this area of the Yucatan. Sayil has a ball-court and several small palaces. The site is unusual for its geographical location amongst small hills, compared to other Mayan cities in the area built in plains. You can also explore many Sac-Be from Sayil to the close by cities of Uxmal and Kabah.

Located one and a half hours South of Merida, the site is 10 minutes from Kabah and Uxmal. We recommend you to visit this site the same day you visit the Puuc Route, following the road 261 from Merida. There are many signs along the road to indicate you the way.

Sayil is believed to be first inhabited around 600 AD, but reaches its height between 700 and 1000 AD. It is estimated that the city had a population of over 9000 people at that time. Due to its closeness to Uxmal –which was the closest main city- it is highly probable that the 2 cities were allies and developed commercial trade. The city lost its importance in a short period of time, certainly of the war with the Iztaes, from Chichen Itza area. It was then discovered by Stephens and Catherwood during their expedition in the Yucatan peninsula in the mid 1800's.

A quick site to visit, but one of the most beautiful with hundreds of examples of the beautiful Puuc style. The Palace has unique decoration and its architecture is a classical example of the Maya Late-Classic period.