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Admire the Mayan Ruins in Tulum, Mexico
Published by Camilla Cheung, Writer
Country: Mexico 
The Experience
A lazy holiday at Cancún resort can easily be highlighted with a trip to the Mayan ruins at Tulum, Mexico. As the most important archaeological site on the coast of the Riviera Maya, Tulum is a fascinating cultural experience, and provides an opportunity to glimpse the coastline of the Yucatan Peninsula as it might have been hundreds of years ago.
Tulum is just a few hours south of Cancún, and is one of the most easily accessible archaeological sites in the area. When temperatures and humidity are soaring, the relatively small size of the Tulum site (compared to Coba and Chichen Itza), and the accessibility of Tulum’s beach, make the archaeological site one of the best choices on the Riviera Maya. Green lawns surround the ancient stone temples and palaces of this Mayan port town, with excellent signage explaining the purpose of the ruins’ architecture. Admire ancient stone carvings depicting the Mayan gods, as well as the well-preserved stone structures. One particularly fascinating element of the Mayan ruins of Tulum was the doorways, where the door posts and lintels were intentionally designed to be crooked, so they are not be level with the floor.
While you won’t find gigantic towering pyramids such as those at Coba, Tulum has one thing the other Mayan ruins don’t have: a gorgeous Caribbean beach. The pristine white sand and clear turquoise waters are beautifully juxtaposed against the craggy cliffs and stone towers of the Tulum ruins. After a hot hour of touring the ruins, a plunge into the refreshing water is an absolute must. It is certainly a unique experience to float in the Caribbean waters while gazing up at the ancient watchtowers of Tulum.
Families and kids will find Tulum one of the best choices for a visit to the Mayan ruins. The site is of a manageable size and is definitely doable with small children. The beach waters are calm and shallow, and children will love to count the iguanas that can be seen sunbathing on nearly every rock.
Nearby, a craft market sells souvenirs, insect repellent, sunscreen and other necessities, and there are several restaurants catering to tourists just outside the entrance to the Mayan ruins. The Tulum pole flyers put on a good show for kids as they swing on ropes around a tall pole at the entrance to the craft market.
Tulum is just a few hours south of Cancún, and is one of the most easily accessible archaeological sites in the area. When temperatures and humidity are soaring, the relatively small size of the Tulum site (compared to Coba and Chichen Itza), and the accessibility of Tulum’s beach, make the archaeological site one of the best choices on the Riviera Maya. Green lawns surround the ancient stone temples and palaces of this Mayan port town, with excellent signage explaining the purpose of the ruins’ architecture. Admire ancient stone carvings depicting the Mayan gods, as well as the well-preserved stone structures. One particularly fascinating element of the Mayan ruins of Tulum was the doorways, where the door posts and lintels were intentionally designed to be crooked, so they are not be level with the floor.
While you won’t find gigantic towering pyramids such as those at Coba, Tulum has one thing the other Mayan ruins don’t have: a gorgeous Caribbean beach. The pristine white sand and clear turquoise waters are beautifully juxtaposed against the craggy cliffs and stone towers of the Tulum ruins. After a hot hour of touring the ruins, a plunge into the refreshing water is an absolute must. It is certainly a unique experience to float in the Caribbean waters while gazing up at the ancient watchtowers of Tulum.
Families and kids will find Tulum one of the best choices for a visit to the Mayan ruins. The site is of a manageable size and is definitely doable with small children. The beach waters are calm and shallow, and children will love to count the iguanas that can be seen sunbathing on nearly every rock.
Nearby, a craft market sells souvenirs, insect repellent, sunscreen and other necessities, and there are several restaurants catering to tourists just outside the entrance to the Mayan ruins. The Tulum pole flyers put on a good show for kids as they swing on ropes around a tall pole at the entrance to the craft market.
When to Go to Tulum Mayan Ruins
Tulum is a great place to visit throughout the year. However, if you visit during the wet season in the summer, you will find the temperatures boiling hot, and the site swarming with mosquitoes. It's best to have a good supply of insect repellent, as well as strong sunscreen and a good hat. Be sure to bring plenty of water.
The entrance fee to the Tulum ruins is very reasonable for adults, and as of 2011, children under the age of twelve get in free. American dollars are accepted, though you may get your change in Mexican pesos.
The entrance fee to the Tulum ruins is very reasonable for adults, and as of 2011, children under the age of twelve get in free. American dollars are accepted, though you may get your change in Mexican pesos.
Odds n' Ends
Tulum is doable in a few hours, and you may want to spend the rest of the day exploring other attractions nearby. The cenotes around Tulum are unique places to go scuba diving, and Akumal, just a few minutes up the coast, is an excellent place to snorkel with sea turtles. Taxis are widely available, although the "Collectivo" (the public bus system) is convenient, comfortable and cheap, and allows you to get to all the major attractions on the coast.
Places to Stay Nearby
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Books and DVDs
Elsewhere on the Web
Media References
- 36 Hours in Tulum, Mexico (newspaper)
- New York Times article
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