Whether it’s an interest in history, the lure of exotic scenery, or simply a break from the all inclusive scene of the nearby resorts, the Mayan ruins of Tulum are well worth taking some time to visit.
Situated on the eastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula in the province of Quintara Roo, the town of Tulum is approximately 130 km south of Cancun. The town itself makes up one of three distinct sections in the area, with the coastline and the archeological site (where the ruins are found) making up the other two. There are a variety of bus tours available from most major resorts in the surrounding areas. For those that are slightly more adventurous, there are also car rentals available and paid parking found near the entrance of the site. There are also several small restaurants and craft stores located approximately 1 km from the archeological site.
The Ruins of Tulum are Situated on the Beach
Compared to some of the other ruins in the vicinity such as Chichen Itza, the ruins of Tulum are relatively small. Contained by a mostly intact wall on three sides and a steep bluff on the fourth, most of the buildings have been roped off and can not be climbed on. However this should not discourage anyone since it is still possible to get very close to study the detail of the low lying structures. Also, the compact area allows for people that may be in a rush to get a glimpse of the entire site in a very short time.
But one of the truly spectacular features of the ruins is their location. Overlooking the majestic waters of the Caribbean Sea, the scenic view adds to the splendor of the site. There is a staircase that conveniently navigates visitors down the bluff to take time for a swim or to relax on a beach that remains relatively untouched by the resort atmosphere of nearby towns such as Cancun. Taking a swim a few meters out and viewing the ruins from the ocean offer a point of view that is hard to compare.
Hours, Fees, and What to Bring to Tulum
The site is open from 8am to 5pm daily and there is a fee of approximately $4 USD to enter (there are additional fees if you wish to bring a video camera). There are also tour guides available that can offer a detailed history of the area for small groups. Tours last approximately 45 minutes for a fee of roughly $20 USD. Since there is not a lot of shade in the area and there are no stores inside the archeological site, bring lots of sun tan lotion and a bottle of water.
This popular destination has a lot to offer and will appeal to a wide variety of visitors. Although perhaps not as well know as the ruins at Chichen Itza, the trip to Tulum is well worth the time. But get there early. This is an inexpensive and popular attraction and can get very busy during peak hours.
