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Images of Mexico
The Mayan ruins at Chichén Itzá offer a glimpse of a spectacular civilization that existed on this continent for hundreds of years. The dry, flat plains of the Yucatán are suddenly interrupted by the massive temples and pyramids of this ceremonial center, which according to legend, was founded by the god Quetzalcóatl.

Pyramid of Chichén Itzá The great Pyramid at Chichén Itzá, named "El Castillo," or "the Castle" by the Spanish. It had no such function, but was instead a place for religious ceremonies.

Lonely Planet Yucatan See the Mayan ruins of Mexico with Lonely Planet Yucatan.

Ballcourt The largest ballcourt in the Americas, 545 feet long, with a ring 20 feet off the ground,through which a ball had to be thrown.

Observatory The Observatory testifies to the advanced knowledge of the ancient Mayas. From the top of this tower, sightlines can be obtained for the solstices, the equinoxes, and the four cardinal directions.

Tulum Bougainvilla frames the ruins of Tulúm, on the Yucatán coast.

Coba Pyramid The Coba Pyramid rises above the flat plains of the Yucatán.

All photographs © 2007 Michael Hanrahan
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