Xlapak A Day Trip Out Of Ticul

Xlapak "Old wall' is a small Maya ruin located 16 miles southeast of Uxmal. It is 3 miles west of Highway 261 on Route 31. Xlapak is between Sayil to the east and Labna to the west. There was a number of handcraft vendors at the entrance to Xlapak the last time I visited. Many good quality carvings in wood and stone were displayed. There are a number of monumental structures here but only the "Palace" has received restoration and consolidation. The Palace is covered with images of Chaac (God of the rain and water). There are a number of chultunes at this site. Xlapak's Palace is in the Puuc style. Xlapak was first occupied prior to 100 AD and was at its peak from 600 AD to 1000 AD.

This archeological site is divided in two groups: Group 1 is composed of two structures over a basement platform. The most complete and the most important is the Palace. The Palace has 9 rooms that are arranged in 3 rows of 3 rooms each. It has 3 entrances at the north side, 3 at the south side and one in each one of the other sides. Above each entrance there are three rows of Chaac masks. Group 2 has a similar building to the Palace of Group 1. This buildings layout and number of rooms is nearly identical to the Palace. however the decoration of the exterior of this building a number of false columns.