Yesterday we left about 11am from Merida to get down to Mayapan Archeological Zone in time for the solar eclipse.  We arrived within the hour to a virtually empty park.  We soon discovered there is not a lot of shade to be had at noon in late August.   On a normal day I would have stopped along the way in Acanceh or Tecoh.  From Mayapan I would normally go to Mama to see the convent.  We were hungry and decided to got strait to Mani.  El Principe Tutul Xui is still a great place to have lunch.  Unfortunately the Convent was closed and so I suppose Monday is not the best day to visit the Convent route after all.  We rushed back to Merida in time for a late nap.  Just as my head hit the pillow it started to rain. Another perfect day in the Yucatan.

hipstamaticphoto-525029252.530957
The Caracol observatory is the main attraction for me. I was alone in the cool damp structure except for a family of swallows.
hipstamaticphoto-525035386.527042
Here is the main pyramid of the site. It´s one of the few large pyramids one is still allowed to climb on the peninsula.
hipstamaticphoto-525033372.424198
If you are not inclined to climb the larger pyramid there are a few other options.
hipstamaticphoto-525029445.584730
There are few masks and carved reliefs and glyphs. This pair of parrots caught my eye.
hipstamaticphoto-525029370.832156
Here is one of two large masks of the rain god Chaac with the Caracol in the background.
hipstamaticphoto-525029461.820488
Between Chaac and the pyramid there is a small cenote.

hipstamaticphoto-525045017.633727

hipstamaticphoto-525029757.911187
I thought that the mask must have been taken from this relief but I read that there was a human skull in the niche when the ruins were rediscovered.
hipstamaticphoto-525035161.501156
You´ll want to remember your hat and water as there are few trees and no shops at this site.