Documenting Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza is another site that deserves its own post. Whereas Palenque takes the prize for the steamy jungle atmosphere. Chichen Itza impresses by the sheer size and variety of ruins. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Chichén Itzá (as it written in Spanish), was major Northern Mayan centre from about 600AD until its unexplained decline around 1000 AD.

Mil Colonas at Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza Detail

Pelota Goal

Apart from the spectacular ruins, my visit there was enhanced by the company of some American documentary makers we'd met at the accommodation, who kindly transported us to the ruins and back, both in the morning and for the night time light show (well worth it !). As naturalists, they pointed out some of the rare birdlife and fauna in the surrounds, and we joined in the chase for the hard to find Motmot bird.

Wildlife

The Elusive Motmot

The 'price' for their generosity with time and transport was our participation in 'interviews' - in case their documentary, about Mexican sea turtles, turns into a more general Mexican documentary.


More photos.