Mexico - Eckart Mayer Photography

Front view of the main staircase leading up to the Uxmal main pyramid

Uxmal pyramid staircase

After the evening light & sound show, I decided to come back to the Uxmal archeological zone early the next morning. The weather was perfect, with blue skies and not too hot. So I managed to walk most of the site before it got busy with tourists. The huge main pyramids with their extremely steep staircases are majestic, and give an idea just on how advanced the Mayan civilization was during their peak period. (Uxmal, Mexico, July 2014 - Image ID: 201407-MX-14)

A beautiful arrangement of the green plants in flower pots with an orange wall bearing to metal lamps in the background

Beautiful plant arrangement

Some people just have an amazing talent for beautiful arrangements. The textured orange wall with the black lamps was eye-catching all by itself. Adding differently shaped flower pots with various green plants in front of it just made it even better. Please pay special attention to the natural material used for the plants on the left and on the right. They grow within wooden tree roots. (Mérida, Mexico, July 2014 - Image ID: 201407-MX-31)

View of the road in a rural Mexican village with two tropical flame trees in full bloom

Flame of the Forest tree

All across Mexico's Yucatan peninsula, there is a visual spectacle during summertime. The flamboyant Royal Poinciana trees (delonix regia, also called "Tropical flame tree" or "Flame of the Forest" at that time of the year is in full blossom. The strong red of the flowers shines bright next to an equally impressive green of the leaves, and the (mostly) blue Mexican sky. I just love them for their breathtaking beauty. (Yucatán, Mexico, July 2014 - Image ID: 201407-MX-24)

Blue hour evening sky with clouds framed by tree silhouette

Tropical Mexican sunset sky

To make the evening mood even stronger, I framed the sky with the colorful clouds. If you have been to the tropics, you know that the transition between day and night happens a lot faster there compared to other parts of the world, and with frequent spectacular sunsets. Obviously, this looks a lot better if you have some clouds as well, as another object as contrast. I took a whole series of images on a beautiful evening on the greater Merida area in Mexico. (Mérida, Mexico, July 2014 - Image ID: 201407-MX-28)

A spiny tailed iguana taking a sunbath on a stone boulder

Spiny tailed iguana sunbath

Visitors to the archeological sites in Yucatan usually share these with some local inhabitants. Amongst them are a number of different lizards and iguanas. Due to their color, it is not so easy to see them from far away. Their dress code inconspicuously blends in with the natural tones of the earth and the stones. But with a bit of time and effort, you will most likely see some of these amazing creatures, like this spiny tailed iguana enjoying the early morning sun. (Uxmal, Mexico, July 2014 - Image ID: 201407-MX-18)

Spectacular sunset over the ancient ruins of Uxmal

Sunset over Uxmal ruins

Like at many other places, Uxmal offers a "Light & Sound" show for tourists in the evening. Initially, I wasn't sure if I should go, since many of these events are over-commercialized and often kitschy. Even before the show began, the entire setting of the ancient ruins at sunset was absolutely spectacular with a burning tropical sky. Once it got a bit darker, the artificial lights came into play, and I truly enjoyed that evening. (Uxmal, Mexico, July 2014 - Image ID: 201407-MX-12)

Portrait of a person with traditional Mayan clothes and blue warrior painting

Blue Mayan man show

Attached to the very nice and informative Chocolate Museum at Uxmal ("Museo del Chocolate"), there is a beautiful botanical garden. Walking around, one can learn a lot about the history and processing of cacao, but also about Mayan culture. There are also special shows for the visitors, with traditionally dressed and painted Mayan people. (Uxmal, Mexico, July 2014 - Image ID: 201407-MX-09)

The evening light almost seems to reflect in the palm frond If you have been to the tropics, you know that the transition between day and night happens a lot faster there compared to other parts of the world And you frequently get spectacular sunsets with strong colors Obviously, this looks a lot better if you have some clouds as well, as another object as contrast I took a whole series of images on a beautiful evening on the greater Merida area in Mexico Mérida, Mexico, July 2014 Image ID: 201407 MX 27

Palm frond at sunset

The evening light almost seems to reflect in the palm frond. If you have been to the tropics, you know that the transition between day and night happens a lot faster there compared to other parts of the world. And you frequently get spectacular sunsets with strong colors. Obviously, this looks a lot better if you have some clouds as well, as another object as contrast. I took a whole series of images on a beautiful evening on the greater Merida area in Mexico. (Mérida, Mexico, July 2014 - Image ID: 201407-MX-27)

Mayan healing ceremony altar

Another attraction is a Mayan ceremony performed by a shaman and various other actors. This one also takes place in the beautiful garden of the very nice and informative Chocolate Museum at Uxmal ("Museo del Chocolate"). Walking around, visitors can learn a lot about the history and processing of cacao and chocolate, and also about Mayan culture. (Uxmal, Mexico, July 2014 - Image ID: 201407-MX-10)

The gables of a Mayan building ruin at Uxmal archeological site

Gables of Uxmal Mayan ruins

This image is another example of the breathtaking architecture used at the Mayan city of Uxmal. These days, it is one of the most important archeological zones in Mexico. Visiting early in the next morning, I managed to walk most of the site before it got busy with tourists. The so called "House of the Pigeons" with its triangular gables is stunning, and reminded me of Roman aqueducts. (Uxmal, Mexico, July 2014 - Image ID: 201407-MX-19)

Night shot of one of the large pyramids of Uxmal illuminated by colored light

Uxmal pyramid at night

This image is the conclusion of a special evening. Like at many other places, Uxmal offers a "Light & Sound" show for tourists in the evening. Initially, I wasn't sure if I should go, since many of these events are over-commercialized and often kitschy. Despite my concerns, with darkness falling quickly, the artificial lights really did the trick. Using multiple colors, the organizers tastefully illuminated the spectacular Mayan ruins. (Uxmal, Mexico, July 2014 - Image ID: 201407-MX-13)

A plant with green leaves and red flowers growing out of the stones of Mayan ruins

Nature reconquering architecture

Whilst the ancient Mayan ruins of Uxmal are breathtaking, it is also interesting to see the constant process of evolution. Some areas of the site are still waiting for scientific examination. Other buildings have been partially or completely restored, which are the main attractions for tourists from all over the world. When you have a closer look, you will however find countless examples where nature is already claiming back its territory, with plants growing out of the old stones. (Uxmal, Mexico, July 2014 - Image ID: 201407-MX-16)

Close-up on the amazing orange blossoms of a parrot's flower against green background

Wet parrot's flower

The tropical jungle and gardens on the Yucatan peninsula are home to many floral beauties. One of my favorites discovered during a long trip through Mexico is the Parrot's Flower. The structure, textures, color and the pure size of this natural beauty make it an ideal photo model. I found this one in the spectacular garden of a hacienda converted into an hotel. The green background and the water drops were the cherry on the top. (Mérida, Mexico, July 2014 - Image ID: 201407-MX-29)

Interior view of an abandoned brick house, surrounded by green bushes

Abandoned brick building

This old brick building in decay belongs to one of the previous henequen factories. In the 19th century, before the invention of synthetic fibers, there was a huge demand for this natural product. Mexico's Yucatan peninsula was one of the main suppliers, and some people investing in this agricultural boom got very rich. They build magnificent "haciendas" in the middle of nowhere, many of them now restored and converted into hotels (Yucatán, Mexico, July 2014 - Image ID: 201407-MX-22)

Partial view of a hanging lobster claw plant with five red and yellow flowers

Lobster claws flower

I admit that I had to look up the name of this flower. Once I found it, it makes a lot of sense. Not so much because of the color, but definitely the shape reminds me of the most delicious parts of a lobster. Whilst not a native plant in Yucatan, I saw quite a few of this highly decorative flower with its strong red and yellow colors. People like to plant them in their gardens to enjoy the natural beauty. Apparently hummingbirds also love them for their nectar... (Mérida, Mexico, July 2014 - Image ID: 201407-MX-33)

A partially broken brick chimney rising above the treetops of a tropical forest

Chimney in the jungle

If you see one of these large chimneys standing out above the trees of Yucatan, you might have spotted the ruins of an abandoned henequen factory. In the 19th century, before the invention of synthetic fibers, there was a huge demand for this natural product. Mexico's Yucatan peninsula was one of the main suppliers, and some people investing in this agricultural boom got very rich. They built magnificent "haciendas" in the middle of nowhere, many of them now restored and converted into hotels (Yucatán, Mexico, July 2014 - Image ID: 201407-MX-21)

Wall of an old house with a stop sign next to a window with metal bars

No way out!

This find in the city of Motul made me smile. It somehow looks like a prison cell with metal bars, with an extra "STOP" sign next to it to remind everyone that there is no way out. The weathered paint and the green plant reclaiming territory for nature also add to this unusual image. As usual, I found this be coincidence, just walking around the old part of this small town in Yucatan. (Motul, Mexico, July 2014 - Image ID: 201407-MX-03)

Scenic view of various abandoned houses of an old factory behind a soccer goal

Henequen hacienda ruins

This image shows part of a previous henequen factory, plus a soccer goal built much later. In the 19th century, before the invention of synthetic fibers, there was a huge demand for this natural product. Mexico's Yucatan peninsula was one of the main suppliers, and some people investing in this agricultural boom got very rich. They build magnificent "haciendas" in the middle of nowhere, many of them now restored and converted into hotels (Yucatán, Mexico, July 2014 - Image ID: 201407-MX-23)

Two identical wooden doors with red frames and an opening in their upper part in a house with green walls

Weathered twin doors

These twin doors are another find from the small town of Motul in Yucatan, Mexico. The colonial towns in Mexico are true treasure houses for street photography. Just strolling around without a concrete plan but with open eyes rewards you with countless interesting motifs to capture. And often these make you curious to know more about the history of such places? What might be stored behind the door on the left? Is there somebody still living there? (Motul, Mexico, July 2014 - Image ID: 201407-MX-05)

Giant leaf of a water lily floating in a pond with the reflection of a palm tree

Giant water lily leaf

Since I first saw the gigantic round leaves of the Santa Cruz water lily at the house of the tropics at the Palmengarten in Frankfurt, I was deeply impressed. The sheer size and the perfect round shape of this large green platter floating on water is something impossible to forget. It took some time until I finally found it growing in its natural habitat. What I particularly like about this image is the reflection of the palm tree in the water (Mérida, Mexico, July 2014 - Image ID: 201407-MX-30)

Two closed wooden doors of an old building

Next door histories

The colonial towns in Mexico are true treasure houses for street photography. Just strolling around without a concrete plan but with open eyes rewards you with countless interesting motifs to capture. And often these make you curious to know more about the history of such places? What might be stored behind the door on the left? Is there somebody still living there? I found this weathered couple in the small town of Motul in Yucatan, Mexico. (Motul, Mexico, July 2014 - Image ID: 201407-MX-04)

View of a church and attached walls against blue sky

Rear view of Church of San Juan Bautista

From the front, the San Juan Bautista Church in Motul is painted with a strong red color. This is the most common perspective for taking photos of this historic building. After walking around a bit, I however decided to rather choose another angle. Looking at the church with its auxiliary buildings and walls from behind from my point of view is a lot more interesting. (Motul, Mexico, July 2014 - Image ID: 201407-MX-02)

Close-up on the treetop of a Royal Poinciana with red flowers in full bloom against blue sky

Tropical flame tree beauty

In July, across the Yucatan peninsula in Mexico, there is one temporary natural attraction. The flamboyant Royal Poinciana trees (delonix regia, also called "Tropical flame tree" or "Flame of the Forest" at that time of the year is in full blossom. The strong red of the flowers shines bright next to an equally impressive green of the leaves, and the (mostly) blue Mexican sky. I just love them for their breathtaking beauty, as captured on this close-up shot. (Motul, Mexico, July 2014 - Image ID: 201407-MX-08)

Ropes with multi-colored triangular flags and three palm trees against blue sky

Colorful flags and palms

Every year in July, the small city of Motul in Yucatan celebrates "Our Lady of Carmen". For this, the city center is nicely decorated with ropes holding colorful triangular-shaped flags. Whilst these look nice on the historic buildings, my favorite was a shot against the dark blue sky including some palm trees. (Motul, Mexico, July 2014 - Image ID: 201407-MX-01)

A small boat with outboard motor anchored in the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico

Small boat in turquoise water

The amazing mix of blue, turquoise and aquamarine tones of the warm water of the Gulf of Mexico is something that impressed me a lot. Even on cloudy days, it looks amazing. And when the sun comes out (which is the standard in this part of the world), it shines with strong colors and invites for all kinds of watersports. Diving and snorkeling are quite popular on the north coast of the Yucatan peninsula. Small boats carry tourists to interesting spots with reefs and other attractions. (Yucatán, Mexico, July 1994 - Image ID: 199407-MX-42)

Panoramic view of the waterfalls of Agua Azul surrounded by tropical rainforest

Scenic view of Agua Azul waterfalls

One of my personal highlights during our 1994 road- and rail trip through Mexico was the visit to the Cascadas de Agua Azul ("waterfalls of blue water"). A whole series of cataracts of the Xanil River extending over a large area, surrounded by tropical rainforest. Whilst each single drop of 6m maximum is not too impressive, it's the ensemble that makes this a natural piece of art. The beautiful aquamarine color is due to the high mineral content combined with the sunlight illuminating the water. (Agua Azul, Mexico, July 1994 - Image ID: 199407-MX-37)

Scenic view of the Mayan ruins with the gables of the House of the Pigeons at Uxmal

Uxmal House of the Pigeons

Amongst all the Mayan ruins on the Yucatan Peninsula, I like Uxmal a lot. This previously large city in the Puuc region has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The vast archeological zone consists of many buildings of quite diverse architecture and a number of pyramids. Some parts of Uxmal are still untouched and not accessible to the public. The so called "Edificio de las Palomas" reminds me of Roman aqueducts, and stands out for its unique gables. (Uxmal, Mexico, July 1994 - Image ID: 199407-MX-40)

Scenic view of the archeological site of Palenque located in the green forest

Panoramic view of Palenque ruins

If you like to combine a beach holiday with historic cultural experiences, the south of Mexico is a great destination. Especially the Yucatan Peninsula has a lot to offer. Even though Palenque is located in Chiapas, it is relatively close to many of the other ancient Mayan cities in the area. What I particularly liked about it is the location in the forest, with many parts still unrestored. Whilst not the largest site, it has a lot of very fine architecture and carvings to admire. (Palenque, Mexico, July 1994 - Image ID: 199407-MX-35)

Steps on a footpath in the sand dunes leading towards a nice beach with blue water

Beachfront ahead

No vacation trip to Yucatan would be complete without visiting one of the stunning white sandy beaches. Whereas most of the resorts are located on the Riviera Maya between Cancun and Tulum, there are also quite a lot of lovely places on the North coast of the peninsula. Once you walk towards to beach, and see the beautiful mix of blue, turquoise and aquamarine colors of the warm water, you know it is time to unwind and relax. (Yucatán, Mexico, July 1994 - Image ID: 199407-MX-41)

Close-up on the bottom of a waterfall next to large stone boulders

Misol Há waterfall splash

Pretty close to the famous Mayan ruins of Palenque, hidden in the dense forests of Chiapas, lies the less well-known Misol Há waterfall. Even though it consists of just one single cascade, its height of 35m and the beautiful green surroundings make it worth a visit. Obviously, water levels change depending on the season, so the sight might sometimes be less impressive. It is also possible to swim in the pool below the falls. (Misol Há, Mexico, July 1994 - Image ID: 199407-MX-36)

Many plastic containers of different sizes and colors hanging in front of a purple wall

Plastic container rainbow

In general, Mexico is a very colorful country. Contrary to Central Europe, houses are often painted with strong colors, including bold tones such as pink, purple, orange etc. Despite of this widespread habit, this arrangement truly stood out. I found it in San Cristobal de las Casas. A business owner had these plastic containers hanging outside of his shop, with different colors for the various sizes. Nicely illuminated by the sun, they almost created a rainbow. (San Cristóbal de las Casas, Mexico, July 1994 - Image ID: 199407-MX-30)

A black street lamp attached to a house throwing a huge shadow onto an wall painted in ochre color

Shadow on the wall

Back in 1994, many people warned us not to travel to Chiapas in the South of Mexico. There were concerns about an ongoing rebellion in the area. Thankfully we still went, and enjoyed exploring this part of the country with very few other tourists. The picturesque streets of San Cristobal de las Casas old town offer a lot to discover. Apart from the pre-hispanic and colonial heritage, it is a perfect spot for urban exploration. Most walls are painted in amazing colors and typical local patterns. The low standing sun was just perfect for a beautiful "Shadow on the wall" of the black street lamp. (San Cristóbal de las Casas, Mexico, July 1994 - Image ID: 199407-MX-32)

Close-up on columnar cacti planted in a straight line next to each other

Cactus fence

This is a close-up of a very unique way of fencing a piece of land. The owner must have started this project a long time ago. Perfectly aligned with guiding posts, he planted lots of cereus columnar cacti that grew into a natural barrier. This is so much nicer than a concrete wall or metal fence... (Mitla, Mexico, July 1994 - Image ID: 199407-MX-22)

Panoramic view of Teotihuacán's main attractions including the Pyramid of the Sun and the Avenue of the Dead

Panoramic view of Sun Pyramid and Moon Square

A few minutes later, the sky cleared up even more, so that the sunlight completely changed the overall mood of the archeological site of Teotihuacáan. Thankfully, I was still on top of the Pyramid of the Moon. From there, I could enjoy the spectacular panoramic view of the most important attractions. The Moon Square, the Avenue of the Dead, the Pyramid of the Sun and the Feathered Serpent Pyramid in the background are all very impressive. (Teotihuacán, Mexico, July 1994 - Image ID: 199407-MX-04)

Night shot of a branch of the tropical flame tree with red flowers and green leaves

Tropical flame tree at night

If you have ever seen the tropical flame tree in full blossom, you will never forget this sight. The intense red flowers next to an equally bold green color of the leaves are just breathtaking. Most of my images show them either in full or as close-up against the blue sky. However, with a bit of light, these trees are equally magic at nighttime, with a pitch-black background (Huatulco, Mexico, July 1994 - Image ID: 199407-MX-24)

Scenic view of the archeological site of Teotihuacáan on a cloudy day, with the largest pyramid illuminated by the sun

Teotihuacán's illuminated Pyramid of the Sun

As if the sun wanted to do justice to the name of the largest pyramid of Teotihuacán, it nicely illuminated it on an otherwise rather cloudy day. I took this image from the top of the Pyramid of the Moon, with the Moon Square lying dark in front of it in the shade. The mountains of the Valley of Mexico create a nice backdrop to this important historical site. (Teotihuacán, Mexico, July 1994 - Image ID: 199407-MX-03)

A large tree trunk washed ashore a sandy tropical beach

Driftwood on tropical beach

Huatulco on the Pacific Coast of Mexico is famous for its seven beautiful bays. I actually have not been there again after my first visit back in 1994. At that time, most of the "Bahias de Huatulco" were still in a rather virgin (=undeveloped) stage. The lush tropical forest extended right onto the clean sandy beaches, with warm and clean water inviting for a swim. To get there, one had to go by boat, or walk down steep stairs through the jungle. (Huatulco, Mexico, July 1994 - Image ID: 199407-MX-23)

A couple with a man on crutches enjoying the spectacular view of the Pyramid of the Sun at Mexico's Teotihuacán

Not barrier-free, but we made it

The unevenness of the stone-covered ground and steep stairs of the archeological zone of Teotihuacán in Mexico are a challenge to any visitor. Therefore, it is definitely not the most suitable place for people with walking disabilities. However, this gentleman defies the natural and manmade obstacles, and clearly enjoys the spectacular view of the huge Pyramid of the Sun. (Teotihuacán, Mexico, July 1994 - Image ID: 199407-MX-02)

Front view of the Cathedral of San Cristobal de las Casas

San Cristobal Cathedral Chiapas

One of the main attractions of San Cristobal de las Casas is its cathedral, also known as "Peace Cathedral". The impressive baroque style architecture and the strong colors of the painted wall make it stand out. In 2028, it will celebrate its 500 years anniversary since the initial construction began. Over time, it grew to the current shape and size. (San Cristóbal de las Casas, Mexico, July 1994 - Image ID: 199407-MX-27)

Two wooden doors with different patterns and colors in a textured wall

Couple of wooden doors

Doors are amongst my most common targets whenever I walk around an old city and try to capture interesting details with my camera. The historic city center of San Cristobal de las Casas has a lot of them on offer. No matter which street to take, you will always find something eye-catching. I particularly liked this duo of differently painted wooden doors integrated in the equally colorful textured wall. The elevation is to prevent water from entering the house during rainy season. (San Cristóbal de las Casas, Mexico, July 1994 - Image ID: 199407-MX-31)

Yellow painted church walls and tower against a dark blue sky

Cholula yellow church

No matter to which city in Mexico you travel to, you will always find at least, or in most cases several churches dating back to colonial times. Whilst some of them are in poor conditions, others are perfectly maintained. This one has a beautiful fresh yellow painted facade with white contrast elements. Combined with the decorative flags and the blue sky, this made it an attractive motif for a photo shoot. (Cholula, Mexico, July 1994 - Image ID: 199407-MX-20)

Diagonal line-up of many colorful handmade Mayan belts

Colorful woven Maya belts

Colorful woven handicraft items are very typical for Southern Mexico. In Chiapas, you can find lots of these products on street markets and in shops. They are handmade, mostly by Mayan women who earn some money by selling them either directly to tourists, or to businesses that display them in their stores. These belts give a great impression on the creativity and the love for colors. (San Cristóbal de las Casas, Mexico, July 1994 - Image ID: 199407-MX-34)

Close-up on market stall presenting yellow mangos artfully stacked in rows

Mango peak season

Isn't it funny that one single mango is missing in this arrangement? Whenever I visit other countries, I enjoy to explore local markets, no matter if it is just fruit and vegetables, or includes meat and fish stands. You get a feeling about popular food and its price level compared to where you come from. In addition, I find it interesting to see how the merchandise is presented to potential customers, and to observe people doing their daily shopping. And in Mexico, you almost certainly will also find some delicious street food. (Teotihuacán, Mexico, July 1994 - Image ID: 199407-MX-06)

Scenic view of the Puebla skyline with snow-covered volcano peak in the background

Puebla skyline with Popocatepetl

Puebla is definitely a city worth visiting, especially for people who love colonial cities and lots and lots of churches. The historic downtown has many interesting places to explore. Due to its geographical location in the central highlands of Mexico between the Sierra Nevada and the Sierra Madre Oriental, the views in all directions tend to be spectacular. On clear days, the peak of the Popocatepetl volcano with almost 5.500m altitude is an impressive sight. (Puebla, Mexico, July 1994 - Image ID: 199407-MX-13)

Close-up on market stall presentation of green and red tomatoes

Green vs. red tomatoes

Don't these two colors make a great contrast? Whenever I visit other countries, I do enjoy to explore local markets, no matter if it is just fruit and vegetables, or includes meat and fish stands. On one hand, you get a feeling about popular food and its price level compared to where you come from. In addition, I find it interesting to see how the merchandise is presented to potential customers, and to observe people doing their daily shopping. And in Mexico, you almost certainly will also find some delicious street food. (Teotihuacán, Mexico, July 1994 - Image ID: 199407-MX-05)

Low-angle view of a inner courtyard of a building painted in pink

Pink patio against blue sky

One typical element of many colonial cities in Mexico are the inner courtyards. For obvious reasons, most of them are private and not accessible to the public. However, when these are part of hotels, restaurants, cafes, shops or museums, one gets the chance to explore these "patios". In this case, looking up was the most spectacular option, with the blue sky nicely contrasting with the building walls painted in a bold pink color. (Puebla, Mexico, July 1994 - Image ID: 199407-MX-15)

Trilogy of cactus based food, including pads and two different types of prickly pears

Cactus pads and prickly pears

Have you ever eaten cactus fruit or pads? Whenever I visit other countries, I do enjoy to explore local markets, be it just fruit and vegetables, or also meat and fish stands. On one hand, you get a feeling about popular food and its price level compared to where you come from. In addition, I find it interesting to see how the merchandise is presented to potential customers, and to observe people doing their daily shopping. And in Mexico, you almost certainly will also find some delicious street food. (Cuautitlán, Mexico, July 1994 - Image ID: 199407-MX-08)

Yellow Volkswagen Beetle

Until today, the Volkswagen Beetle remains one of the Top 10 selling cars worldwide of all times. Long after production stopped in Germany, it was still produced in Puebla. Even these days, there are still lots of them on the streets in Mexico. With its unique shape it is impossible not to see them. I found this one with an intense yellow paintwork, that beautifully contrasts with the blue wall in the background. (Puebla, Mexico, July 1994 - Image ID: 199407-MX-13)

Close up on wooden spoon in a metal pan filled with pork meat fried in oil

Pork meat frying pan

If you are a bit adventurous and like to try street food in exotic places, Mexico might just be the right choice for you. Whilst this pork meat fried in it's own fat might not be the most heathy food, it tastes delicious. After cooking, the meat is cut and served with tortillas and a typical spicy sauce. I found this culinary specialty on a local market in Cuautitlan in the State of Mexico. (Cuautitlán, Mexico, July 1994 - Image ID: 199407-MX-10)

Banner hanging on a weathered wall with protest against real estate sales to foreigners

I do not sell to foreigners!

As much as some local people might benefit from tourism and international real estate buyers, not everybody embraces this kind of business. Already back in the 1980/90ies, a lot of historic houses and apartments in Mexico were bought by foreigners. In many cases, they invested a lot of money in properly restoring the old buildings. But with this new demand in the market, prices became unaffordable for local people. This poster clearly states the opinion of one person who doesn't support such sales. (Puebla, Mexico, July 1994 - Image ID: 199407-MX-16)

Cactus pads being grilled on a hot metal surface with some chorizo sausage on top

Nopal cactus pads with chorizo

If you are a bit adventurous and like to try street food in exotic places, Mexico might just be the right choice for you. These "nopales" are served in combination with a spicy chorizo sausage. An absolute delight for meat lovers, combined with cactus pads, which I had never eaten before travelling to Mexico! I found this culinary specialty on a local market in Cuautitlan in the State of Mexico. (Cuautitlán, Mexico, July 1994 - Image ID: 199407-MX-11)

Close-up of a black metal street lantern with its shade bent off in a 90 degrees angle

Bent off street lantern

Capturing items that are either damaged or in the process of decay tends to result in surprising images. Whilst this street lantern does not seem to be particularly old, it somehow has suffered a major injury. Since I found it in Puebla during the day, I can't say if it was actually still working at night or not. In any case, I liked the unusual shape, and the colorful wall in the background. (Puebla, Mexico, July 1994 - Image ID: 199407-MX-19)

A market stall with many yellow colored chicken lying and hanging on the wooden counter

Mexican chicken market stall

If you are a bit adventurous and like to explore local markets in exotic places, Mexico might just be the right choice for you. In the beginning, it might be a bit overwhelming for Western Europeans. We are so used to find most food (especially meat) either triple wrapped, or carefully refrigerated within a glazed sales counter. I found this stall on a local market in Cuautitlan in the State of Mexico. From what I understand, the yellow color results from the corn diet. (Cuautitlán, Mexico, July 1994 - Image ID: 199407-MX-12)

A pair of brown leather shoes on top of arched concrete benches painted in blue

Blue stone bench shoes

Sometimes it just takes a small accessoire to make an already interesting motif a lot better. I found these two concrete benches with the weathered blue paint on the wall during an urban exploration in the historic city center of Puebla. Since it was quite hot, I decided to take a rest, and removed my shoes. Before moving on, I took this photo with the brown pair of shoes. (Puebla, Mexico, July 1994 - Image ID: 199407-MX-18)

Playa del Carmen sandy beach with palms and thatched huts

Playa del Carmen beach huts back in 2002

Some of the first tourist accomodations in the nowadays busy city of Playa del Carmen were this kind of beach huts. Made from local natural resources, they blended nicely into the landscape with white sand and palmtrees. Some of them still exist today, alongside a lot of modern hotels and tourist resorts. (Riviera Maya, Mexico, November 2002 - Image ID 200211-MX-14)

Yellow brain coral sphere in clear Mexican Caribbean water

Yellow brain coral on the Riviera Maya

Anybody else who still remembers taking your SLR underwater back in the 90s or early 2000s? Wrapped in a special solid plastic bag was the most affordable way to do it. Whilst not as professional, and hard to operate, I still think it was worth the effort to capture some of the amazing scenery below the waterline. (Riviera Maya, Mexico, November 2002 - Image ID 200211-MX-15)

Wave running ashore on an pristine sandy beach in Mexico

Riviera Maya - 20 years ago

20 years ago, it was still relatively easy to find empty and natural dream spots on the Riviera Maya. Few visitors, endless sandy beaches, warm crystal clear water full of sealife, and lots of sunshine. With the continued "touristic development", nowadays many of these secret escapes are now part of hotel resorts. (Riviera Maya, Mexico, November 2002 - Image ID 200211-MX-13)

Open cave with water of a Yucatan cenote exit into the jungle

Cenote jungle exit

Located within lush and dense tropical forest, this is how an entry or exit into a cenote may look like. Most of them though need to be accessed via stairs, going down from the collapsed roof of a cave. Feels a bit like "Indiana Jones"... (Riviera Maya, Mexico, November 2002 - Image ID 200211-MX-12)

Sunshade and wooden chairs located on rocks of a tropical bay

A quiet place

Despite of the excellent location, this inviting place with shade and lounge chairs was completely empty. Located in an amazing tropical bay with warm water with lots of fish, I assume it didn't take long for someone to occupy this spot. (Riviera Maya, Mexico, November 2002 - Image ID 200211-MX-07)

Scenic view of Tulum Mayan ruins and tropical beaches

Tulum Mayan ruins and tropical Caribbean beach

This image shows the spectacular location of the archeological site of Tulum. From my perspective, it is one of the most beautiful spots on Mexico's Riviera Maya! As the name already says: you get a combination of breathtaking tropical seaside, combined with pre-hispanic Mayan heritage. When I took this photo back in 2002, one could still climb up the pyramids for an even more panoramic view. Nowadays, to preserve this historic site, this is no longer allowed. But the white sandy beaches and the warm waters of the Caribbean still invite for a swim after taking history lessons while exploring the ruins. (Tulum, Mexico, November 2002 - Image ID 200211-MX-10)

Low angle view of many palmtrees framing a dark blue sky

Palmtree sky

Not much to say about this view... (Riviera Maya, Mexico, November 2002 - Image ID 200211-MX-08)

View of the historic Hacienda Yaxcopoil in warm afternoon sunlight

Hacienda Yaxcopoil beauty

With the henequen boom in the late 1800s/early 1900s, large Haciendas emerged in the area of Merida, Yucatan. Business collapsed during the economic crisis in the 1920s, and even more with the invention of synthetic fibers. Some Haciendas have been renovated and turned into luxury hotels. Others are open for day visitors, definitely worth a trip. (Merida, Mexico, November 2002 - Image ID 200211-MX-01)

Weathered wall with wooden doors overlooking moss-covered floor

Ravages of time

Maintaining the ancient Haciendas iin the tropical climate is a never-ending battle against time, humidity and vegetation. This combination creates interesting photo opportunities. (Merida, Mexico, November 2002 - Image ID 200211-MX-05)

Yellow wall with green bench and broom on red white tiled floor

Have a break

Cleaning and cutting plants belongs to the ongoing tasks in any of the renovated Haciendas. Seems like whoever is in charge of this just took a break (or "siesta") (Merida, Mexico, November 2002 - Image ID 200211-MX-03)

Wooden deck with weathered lounge chair at a tropical lagoon

Aged wooden lounge chair overlooking a Caribbean lagoon

Whilst maybe not the most comfortable of its kind, this lounge chair definitely enjoys a prime location. Being just 1m away from the warm and crystal clear waters of the Mexican Riviera Maya, its age really doesn't matter. I found this vintage edition during a vacation trip back in November 2002. Being low season, there were only few tourists around. Otherwise, I assume all of the seats overlooking this beautiful tropical bay would already have been taken. (Riviera Maya, Mexico, November 2002 - Image ID 200211-MX-06)

About this archive

The Mexico archives contain all my images of this fascinating country, taken over a period of 30+ years. Since my first visit, I have frequently returned, and each trip has been a memorable one.

Despite of just being a university student, I got the opportunity to travel to Mexico in 1989 for four weeks to perform some market research. Whilst nowadays such international assignments might be quite common, back then this was really special. I am still extremely grateful to the person who made this possible.

The impressions of this initial contact were so overwhelming that I decided to come back before starting my first full-time job. I blocked another four weeks right upon completion of my bachelor degree. This journey was a true explorer trip, moving around Mexico in buses, trains, planes etc.

Apart from the well-known beautiful beaches, I love to explore other natural wonders such as the desert and mountain areas. The colorful towns with the historic city centers are a true paradise for urban exploration photography.

And Mexico is a very lively country, with friendly people, delicious spicy food, and a diverse cultural heritage.

One of my personal favourites in Mexico is the Yucatan Peninsula, with the Mayan archeological sites and the unique cenotes. Other highlights include Baja California with the outlying islands, the vibrant capitol Mexico City, and the Chiapas highlands.

The first images from a 2002 vacation trip are already live on this webpage, more photos will be uploaded soon.

Please enjoy scrolling through my Mexico archives.

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