Hidden by the jungle for centuries the great cities of the Maya are being reclaimed. For centuries the Mayan culture flourished.They created not only amazing monuments but also the calendar that we still use today. Exactly why this civilization collapsed is still a mystery. One of the greatest of the Mayan sites and the most fully restored is the huge site of Chichen Itza.

The massive pyramid called "El Castillo" (the castle) is roughly at the center of the site. Climbing it is quite a challenge, and those who make it are rewarded with a spectacular view of the city and surrounding country side. A trip inside the pyramid is quite the opposite. The dark unbearably humid corridors and chambers are too much for some people. At the bottom of the pyramid alongside the staircases are massive stone snake heads. At noon on the Spring Equinox the shadows of the staircase form the scaled body of a serpent. People come from all over the world to witness the phenomenon.

This shot was taken in the early morning before the park opened as the fog lifted over the surrounding jungle which still covers most of the Yucatan.