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Pictures of Chichen Itza
(Click on pictures to see larger image in a pop-up window)
Climb the Castle
Visitors make their way up to the top of the main pyramid
1000 Columns
One of the main building complexes on site
Ruins in the Jungle
All of Chichen Itza's ruins were buried in the jungle before they were restored
Main Event
"El Castillo" - the main pyramid at the site - has 92 steps on each of its 4 sides
Resting
A group of friends find shelter from the sun's heat at the old Ball Court
Coming Down
The staircase is quite steep; some walk it confidently, others slide down on their behinds...
The Observatory
Ruined remains of the old Mayan Observatory
Nun's Building
The detail on the rock can still be clearly seen close up
Fresh Morning Air
If you get to the park early, you can avoid the crowds... and the afternoon heat
92 Steps
The main pyramid is also a Mayan calendar
Ball Court
The largest ballcourt in Mesoamerica can be seen at Chichen Itza; serpent's heads (seen here) were one of the important Maya symbols
Ball Court Perspective
The phonics at the ball court are amazing - clap your hands when you're there and listen to the resonance...
Stairs and Columns
Steps leading up to the group of "1000 Columns"
Call Court Ring
The famous stone ring, synonymous with ancient ballcourts
Tour Guide
A group of people listen as one of the guides explains the history of the ballcourt and the significance of the games
Columns
It is thought that the columns played an important role in religious ceremonies
Columns Perspective
Perspective of the main pyramid looking through columns from the temple of warriors
Horseback Tour
Horseback tours through Old Chichen can be arranged through Hotel Mayaland
Horseback Tour
Ruins that are only partially excavated can be seen on the tour
Horseback Tour
Some ruins on the tour are on the far edge of the archaeological park; most visitors don't see these
Horseback Tour
The detail on the some of the buildings is still very clear
Horseback Tour
Here, archaeologists have numbered and laid stones face down to prepare for the restoration process in future
Horseback Tour
Many of the ruins in Old Chichen are still buried in the jungle
Hotel Mayaland
The hotel has three pools for guests to enjoy
Hotel Mayaland
Breakfast on the open-air terrace looking out towards the gardens
Hotel Mayaland
Swimming pool at Mayaland Hotel, Chichen Itza
Hotel Mayaland
The hotel's courtyard where drinks, lunch and dinner is served
Hotel Mayaland
The bunglaows have authentic thatched roofs and provide a comfotable and cool environment to relax and sleep in