Witnessing Chichén Itzá, Wonder of the World
The iconic El Castillo, also known as the Temple of Kukulcan, at Chichén Itzá, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in Yucatan, Mexico. The massive step pyramid towers before a cloudy sky, illuminating the grandeur and texture ancient Mayan architecture.
A series of ancient stone pillars, remnants of Mayan architecture, stand in a row at the ruins of Chichén Itzá, surrounded by lush jungle vegetation.
A detailed view of the serpent head sculptures at the base of the Kukulkan Pyramid in Chichen Itza. These carved stone heads represent the Mayan serpent deity, with the temple’s grand staircase in the background.
Close-ups of eroded ancient Mayan relief carvings on stone walls at Chichen Itza, which hold rich textural details and remnants of etchings despite the wear over centuries. Friezes depict Mayan scenes in bas-relief, each figure etched with distinct outlines and worn by time.
The Caracol, or Observatory, is a circular building on a large square platform that is known for its astronomical significance, and still stands as a testament to Mayan ingenuity.
Weathered stone structures at Chichen Itza with stairways that lead to partially collapsed temples and ruins. Without careful maintenance and restoration, the passage of time and nature would reclaim the site the site. On the right, the Temple of the Warriors, with its array of stone pillars in the foreground. Intricate carvings with complex Mayan craftsmanship are visible in the foreground.
Upward view of the steep stairway of the Kukulkan Pyramid at Chichen Itza, with its massive stone blocks. Visitors have been prohibited from climbing the steps since 2008 to preserve its structure and historical integrity.
On the left, a detailed stone pillar with elaborate glyph carvings standing in front of the Kukulkan Pyramid. On the right, the Ossuary, or High Priest’s Grave.
Exploring ruins at Zona arqueológica de Coba
Ancient Mayan ruins at Cobá, with a stone-paved causeway leading to a pyramid with a thatched-roof shelter, set in the serene Mexican jungle landscape.
The stone hoop from the Mayan ball game court at the Cobá archaeological site in Yucatán, Mexico. The ancient hoop is perched on a steep angled wall, with the misty, verdant jungle in the background.
On the left, a weathered stone carving of a Mayan skull in the ground of the ball court. On the right, an ancient stone stele protected by a thatched palm roof at the base of the La Iglesia temple pyramid in Cobá. The pyramid is shrouded in a mystical fog, towering in the background, its vast stone steps ascending into the trees.
A pair of vibrant ocellated turkeys with iridescent plumage foraged on the forest floor at Cobá, thriving alongside the ruins.
Observing Spider Monkeys at Punta Laguna
Above, a young spider monkey hangs in a tree at Punta Laguna Nature Reserve in Yucatán, trying to keep up with older playmates. Below, spiny-backed orb weaver spiders, leaf-cutter ants, a big-bellied spider monkey, a faded canoe on Punta Laguna, and the mighty roots of a kapok tree spreading out over the rocky forest floor.
Snorkeling with stingrays and sea turtles at Akumal
I choose the earliest possible time to visit Akumal Bay, when tourists would be few, animals were likely to be active, and the waters would be calmest for visibility. The bay is increasingly regulated to protect local marine life from the increasing pressures of over-tourism – a welcome change, with more work yet to be done.
Above, a green sea turtle elegantly glides through the water and coming up for air. Below, green sea turtles noshing on sea grasses, one with a pair of remora fish in tow cleaning its shell, a stingray accompanied by a small fish, and a red and tan starfish on the seafloor.
Swimming with thousands of tiny fish at Cenote Zacil-Ha
Cenote Zacil-Ha is a natural sinkhole set in the dense greenery of the Mexican jungle near Tulum, with crystal-clear turquoise waters and limestone formations. It is an intimate setting where you can glimpse an underwater world of small freshwater while immersing yourself in its cool, tranquil ambience.
Photographing flora, fauna and scenery around the Yucatán
Plain chachalaca birds perched on tree branches each morning outside my lodging.
Colorful plants in the small garden outside Caorlin Cacao Cafe & Boutique in Valladolid, including striking pink and white blooms of a Crown of Thorns (Euphorbia), purple Allamanda blanchetii, the trumpet-shaped blossoms of yellow Mandevilla flowers, and a magenta and green coleus plant.
The remnants of a pier at Laguna Macanxoc seemingly lead to nowhere on a misty morning outside the Cobá Ruins.
Photographs in this post were shot on:
• GoPro HERO12 for Underwater
• Canon EOS R5 for landscapes and wildlife
• Google Pixel 8 Pro for quick snaps
