Ruins of Tulum

This ancient city was an important port in pre-Columbian America and is a must see attraction in the Yucatan Peninsula. The ruins are relatively small and the entire city can be seen in less than one hour but there is no reason to speed through.

The iguana filled ruins are too fragile to traverse but it won't stop you from taking spectacular photos. Be sure to bring a bathing suit. The beach is small and current rough but it is a great place for body surfing.

Cabs (will cost about 30 pesos from downtown and 40 pesos to return to town) drop you off about a quarter mile from the ruins you can walk or take a tractor pulled cart to the sight for $2. The ride is worth $0.50 and your better off walking unless you have trouble physically walking that distance.

You can get a guided tour for an additional charge. I didn't take guided tour and can't give an opinion about the quality of the guided tour.

The ruins of mayan city of Tulum is the third most popular archeological site in Mexico. That is so at least according to our guide. The other two are Teotihuacan and Chichen Itza, both aztec cities in continental part of the country. Tulum was a sacred city so actually nobody lived there and it was used only for ceremonies, most of which seemingly involved human sacrifices.

The location is what makes Tulum so special. I think it is the only Mayan city of this scale remaining that is right in front of the ocean. The landscape and the surroundings are extremely beautiful and the contrast of stone ruins, green palms trees and crystal clear blue waters of the caribbeans creates a magical place. As usual it is not possible to climb any temples or get close to any structures but just being there and picturing what the place must have looked like 500 years ago is an awesome experience.

It is of course full of tourists but most tour groups are not very big and were reasonably spaced so it was quite possible to enjoy the place and take pictures withut having to go over someones head. I guess when it is really high season in the caribbean the experience will be different but in july it quite pleasant.

Overall, I seriously recommend the visit to Tulum. If you are ver tendering at Cozumel in a cruise ship, it is one of the better tours available. I don´t think spending the whole day shopping for tequila in Cozumel is worth it (and Tequila is quite possibly cheaper and better in your cruise ship´s duty free shop). Tulum offers an amazing setting, is great place to take photos you will always remember and is well worth the visit.