Mayapan Mayan Ruins

Mayan Ruins at the end of the Mayan Calendar are quite a bit more popular than they have been lately.  We visited Mayapan in central Yucatan. This is one of the more recent ruins but unlike Chichen Itza, it is considered a "lower level" (level III vs. Chichen Itza being level I) ruin, so is more accessible and much less frequented.  On a previous visit, we had the whole place to ourselves.  The large pyramid was closed off this time but the smaller pyramids, chacs (sculptures), paintings (this one had an interesting fish motif as well as more traditional Mayan motifs), and some ruins still being unearthed, as well as an observatory and some nice wildlife.

 Above, a lovely image G took of bougainvillea, while below we see the flower (also cultivated in the US) which is here turned into an herbal tea called "jamaica", pronounced Ha-mai-ka.

 The courbeled or Mayan arch (above) is often called a false arch. It does not have a keystone but rather a capstone. It tends to be less stable than the Roman or true arch with its tendency to support itself.  Despite this, with good architecture, materials and building, these can be quite stable and are common throughout the Yucatan.  Below, an example of a stone used for an opening.  Plus it was a nice spot for a photo.

 The large pyramid (background above) was off limits but the many smaller structures were open to the public and a blast to climb.  J was just wild about it.  Below the group enjoys a carved stone that has been recently unearthed.

 Again, the theme of pyramids/mounds and ring structures.  Who doesn't love triangles and circles, from modern architects to two year olds?  Below, the chac is a unique type of statuary but perhaps similar to European gargoyles.

 The trip was a blast and we stopped at a cenote, a tortilleria (where raw corn is processed and ultimately produces wonderful fresh tortillas), and a local village, with cemetery, and even a church who has been revealed to have been built partially with stone from the ancient Mayans.

More to come...