Chichén Itzá - Mexico - Jan 2004
Chichén Itzá, the city at the edge of the well of the Itza, is situated between Mérida and Cancún on the Yucatán peninsula of Mexico.
Originally Mayan, built between 415 and 435 A.D., the site is particulary interesting in that it also contains Toltec architecture due to the Toltec migration from Tula during the years 967 to 987 A.D.
Chichén Itzá is one of the most famous archeological sites in the world and unlike some other sites in Mexico enjoys a greater level of protection from the huge number of daily visitors.
I think I prefer this view of El Castillo taking with a long exposure before the sound and light show.
One of the hoops from the Ball Game, built by the Itzaes, where it is reputed that the winning team of certain games earned the right to be sacrificed!
At night there is a sound and light show, where El Castillo is lit up in various colours. It's worth seeing, but not really worth repeating.
The steps of the castle with one of the famous serpents heads, evidence of the Tolteca style. During the summer solstice this is where the shadow of the serpent can be seen descending the pyramid. The sound and light show has a simulation of this. Kind of interesting!
An impressive stone Jaguar head from the temple of Jaguars and Eagles, also built during the Itzaes' invasion.
The infamous sacred cenote of Chichén Itzá was dredged early in the 20th century and though plenty of remains of human sacrifices were found, not as many as were expected according to the writings of Diego de Landa in the 16th Century.
Plaza of the Thousand Columns - This group of columns was built between 1185 and 1204 A.D. and originally supported a roof the exact nature of which is unknown, probably made of thatch or mortar.
Another view on the Plaza of the Thousand Columns built by the Mayapán princes.
I'm not sure what this is. It may be the nunnery, the only reference I have found so far is 'ruined annex'
Annex to the Nunnery
The Temple of the Warriors, seen from the top of El Castillo.
