Chichen Itza

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