Apocalypse when? The Maya, known for their tall pyramids, epic ballgames and human sacrifices, once dominated the Mexican state of Yucatán. These days, the area makes a fascinating destination for a photographer, with pre-Columbian and colonial architecture, eerily lighted underground pools and jungle landscapes. It’s also one of the safest states in Mexico -- unless, of course, you believe the profiteers selling the idea that the Mayas predicted an end to everything on Dec. 21, 2012.
Uxmal Archeological Zone, Yucatan, Mexico. (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)
Uxmal Archeological Zone, Yucatan, Mexico. (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)
Iguana, Uxmal Archeological Zone, Yucatan, Mexico. (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)
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Uxmal Archeological Zone, Yucatan, Mexico. (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)
Uxmal Archeological Zone, Yucatan, Mexico. (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)
Labnah Archeological Zone, Yucatan, Mexico. (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)
Ecomuseo del Cacao, Plantacion Tikul. (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)
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Codz Poop Altar, Kabah Archeological Zone, Yucatan, Mexico. (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)
Kabah Archeological Zone, Yucatan, Mexico. (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)
Lobby, Hotel Casa Lucia, Merida, Yucatan, Mexico. (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)
Centro Historico, Merida, Yucatan, Mexico. (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)
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Centro Historico, Merida, Yucatan, Mexico. (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)
Pancho’s restaurant in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico. (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)
Hotel Hacienda Merida, Merida, Yucatan, Mexico. (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)
Hotel Hacienda Merida, Merida, Mexico. (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)
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Church, Yotholin, near Tikul, Yucatan, Mexico. (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)
Gas station, Yucatan, Mexico (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)
Chansinic’che cenote, Cuzama, Yucatan, Mexico. (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)
Chansinic’che cenote, Cuzama, Yucatan, Mexico. (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)
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Driver Hermenegildo Castro on the tracks at the cenotes of Cuzama, Yucatan, Mexico. (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)
Mother and daughter at cenotes de Cuzama, Yucatan, Mexico. (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)
Plaza, Valladolid, Yucatan., Mexico. (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)
Downtown Izamal, Yucatan, Mexico. (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)
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Chichen Itza Archeological Zone, Yucatan, Mexico. Iguana. (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)
Chichen Itza Archeological Zone, Yucatan, Mexico. (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)
Oxman Cenote, on the outskirts of Valladolid, Yucatan, Mexico. (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)
X’Keke’n cenote in Dzitnup, outside Valladolid, Yucatan, Mexico. (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)
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Helmi Puc Canul, 13, makes tortillas in her family’s home in the town of Xocen, Yucatan, Mexico. (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)
Convento San Antonio de Padua, Izamal, Yucatan, Mexico. (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)
Convento San Antonio de Padua, Izamal, Yucatan, Mexico. (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)
Ruins at Coba, Quintana Roo, Mexico. (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)
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Atilano Vicab, Coba ruins guide, Quintana Roo, Mexico. (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)
Ruins at Coba, Quintana Roo, Mexico. (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)