Experience Wonders of Wildlife and the Ancient Maya in Yucatán, Mexico

Posted on Posted onBy Heather

Witnessing Chichén Itzá, Wonder of the World

The image showcases the iconic El Castillo, also known as the Temple of Kukulcan, at Chichén Itzá. This massive step pyramid stands against a cloudy sky, illustrating the grandeur of ancient Mayan architecture and the site's status as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in Yucatan, Mexico.
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.
A close-up of the eroded ancient Mayan relief carvings on a stone wall at Chichen Itza. The image captures the textural details and the remnants of etchings despite the wear over centuries.
A detailed view of a frieze depicting Mayan scenes in bas-relief, carved into a stone wall at Chichen Itza. Each figure is etched with distinct outlines and worn by time, with grass growing over the top edge of the wall.
The Caracol, or Observatory, at Chichen Itza, against a backdrop of blue sky and clouds. The circular building on a large square platform, known for its astronomical significance, stands as a testament to Mayan ingenuity.
A weathered stone structure at Chichen Itza, featuring a stairway leading up to a partially collapsed temple. The ruins are surrounded by lush greenery, and small plants have begun to grow within the crevices of the stone, highlighting the passage of time and nature's reclaiming of the site.
The Temple of the Warriors at Chichen Itza, with its array of stone pillars in the foreground. The intricate carvings on the columns are visible, reflecting the complex Mayan craftsmanship against a dramatic sky.
Upward view of the steep stairway of the Kukulkan Pyramid at Chichen Itza, showcasing the massive stone blocks and rugged texture, with the temple's peak looming against a cloudy sky.
A detailed stone pillar with elaborate carvings, standing in front of the Kukulkan Pyramid at Chichen Itza. The foreground focuses on the intricate Mayan designs and glyphs etched into the rock.
The Ossuary, or High Priest's Grave, at Chichen Itza, seen from a low angle, highlighting the layered platforms and the temple's rounded corners against a soft cloudy sky, with green grass at its base.

Exploring ruins at Zona arqueológica de Coba

A wide view of the ancient Mayan ruins in Coba, featuring a stone-paved causeway leading to a pyramid with a thatched-roof shelter, set in a serene Mexican jungle landscape.
A focused view of the stone hoop from the Mayan ball game court at the Coba archaeological site in Yucatan, Mexico. The hoop is perched on a textured wall, with the verdant jungle softly blurred in the background, casting a historical ambiance over the ancient sport's relic.
An ancient stone stele protected by a thatched palm roof at the base of the La Iglesia temple pyramid in Coba, Yucatan, Mexico. The pyramid, shrouded in a mystical fog, towers in the background, its vast stone steps ascending into the trees.
A weathered stone carving of a Mayan skull sits against a pebbled ground, symbolizing the ancient civilization's presence in Coba, Valladolid, within the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico.
A pair of vibrant ocellated turkeys, with iridescent plumage, foraging on the forest floor, showcasing the biodiversity that thrives alongside the ruins in Coba, Mexico

Observing Spider Monkeys at Punta Laguna

Young spider monkey hangs in a tree at Punta Laguna Nature Reserve in Yucatan Mexico
Spiny backed orb weaver spider in its web at Punta Laguna in Ycatan, Mexico
Leafcutter anthill at Punta Laguna in Yucatan Mexico
Army of leafcutter ants carrying trimmings up tree roots at Punta Laguna in Yucatan, Mexico
Big-bellied spider monkey hanging from tree at Punta Laguna in Yucatan Mexico
A worn blue and red canoe sits on a lakeshore with grasses and still waters, under a cloudy sky in Punta Laguna, Tulum, Mexico.
The mighty roots of a kapok tree spread out over the rocky forest floor in Tulum, Mexico. The tree's large buttress roots give it a powerful presence in the dense tropical jungle, showcasing the biodiversity and strength of the Yucatan ecosystem.

Snorkeling with stingrays and sea turtles at Akumal

A green sea turtle elegantly gliding through the water and coming up for air, with its shell contrasting against the vibrant underwater grasses of Akumal Bay in Yucatan, Mexico, capturing the serene beauty of marine life
A green sea turtle accompanied by two remora fish attached to its shell, swimming near the ocean floor in Akumal Bay, displaying symbiotic relationships in the wild.
A green sea turtle grazing on sea grass on the sandy ocean floor of Akumal Bay, offering a glimpse into the marine life of the Yucatan.
A stingray accompanied by a small fish swimming above the seagrass-covered ocean floor in Akumal Bay, showcasing the diverse underwater ecosystem.
A red and tan starfish rests on the seafloor, its vibrant pattern standing out against the muted background of sea grass in Akumal Bay, Mexico.

Swimming with thousands of tiny fish at Cenote Zacil-Ha

A colorful sign spelling out "CENOTE ZACIL-HA TULUM" in bold, block letters, set against the dense greenery of the jungle near Tulum, Mexico, inviting visitors to the natural sinkhole.
The crystalline waters of Cenote Zacil-Ha near Tulum, Mexico, surrounded by lush vegetation and a wooden deck with visitors enjoying the serene natural swimming hole.

Photographing flora, fauna and scenery around the Yucatán

A Plain Chachalaca bird perched on a tree branch, with its brown plumage blending into the natural colors of the mossy tree in Yucatan, Mexico.
The striking pink and white blooms of a Crown of Thorns (Euphorbia) plant, with its vibrant flowers standing out against the lush green leaves in a garden in Yucatan, Mexico.
A close-up of a purple Allamanda blanchetii flower with velvety petals surrounding a deep orange center, nestled among green garden foliage in Yucatan, Mexico.
Vivid yellow Mandevilla flowers blooming, their trumpet-shaped blossoms highlighted against the green leaves in a Yucatan garden.
A lush Coleus plant showcasing vibrant green leaves with striking magenta veins, with a delicate spike of blue flowers rising above in a garden in Yucatan, Mexico.

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

Conservation writer Heather Physioc snorkeling in the Akumal Bay in Yucatan, Mexico
the author + photographer