Saturday, March 02, 2013

The Pyramids of Izamal

Izamal is located on the Yucatan Peninsula, about 45 kms east of Merida and uniquely has Mayan pyramids right in the town center, two of which are very large. Also, the Franciscan church and monastery are built on top of a the ruins of a pyramid. Izamal is definitely worth a day-trip from Merida, or an overnight stay (which we did), and it is being considered for UNESCO World Heritage status. The write up for that is here.

Nothing like a tasty breakfast at noon to get one going for the day.
Deseyuno - Izamal, Yucatan, Mexico

The streets of Izamal.
Izamal, Yucatan, Mexico

Convento de San Antonio de Padua was built on top of the destroyed Mayan Acropolis called Ppap Hol Chak.
Izamal, Yucatan, Mexico

Izamal, Yucatan, Mexico

The view from the top of Pyramid Itzamatul, looking northwest to Pyramid KinichKakMo, the largest of the pyramids.
Izamal, Yucatan, Mexico

The view from the top of the great pyramid KinichKakMo. The grassy area below is part of the pyramid which extends to the yellow buildings in the distance. The building with the yellow tower and large courtyard is the Convento of San Antonio de Padua.
Izamal, Yucatan, Mexico

And more views of and from KinichKakMo.
Izamal, Yucatan, Mexico

The lower grassy area is part of the pyramid.
Izamal, Yucatan, Mexico

Izamal, Yucatan, Mexico

Our hotel was built on top of and in pyramid Hun Pik Tok.
Izamal, Yucatan, Mexico

Pyramid Chaltun Ha is a few blocks outside town.
Izamal, Yucatan, Mexico

Sunset view from the Monastery walls.
Izamal, Yucatan, Mexico

And the rising moon.
Izamal, Yucatan, Mexico

Convento de San Antonio de Padua plus roosting birds.







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