Diana and I love to explore mysterious locales and central America’s Mayan ruins offers some of the most mysterious places on earth. Recently (pre-virus) we found ourselves in the Yucatan and had the chance to visit the Mayan ruins at Tulum. We’ve visited other Mayan sites and were excited to have time to explore Tulum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The entrance to the site was a complete surprise to the both of us. More on that later, a little history first.
The Mayan walled city of Tulum, located along the coast of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula is a must see on the Yucatán. Situated along the cliffs on the east coast of the Caribbean the ruins of this pre-Colombian city are in the state of Quintana Roo. Built sometime in the 13th century, Tulum was an important religious and trading center for the Maya people.
Getting There
Tulum is about a two hour drive south (131 km) from Cancun and an hour (66 km) from Playa Del Carmen. Easily accessible from any of the resort areas along the coast. We found the area very safe to travel by car but for most, a tour will probably be your best choice in getting there. Especially, if you arrived via a cruise. There are numerous tour operators in the resort areas, check with the hotel concierge for suggestions. Cruisers should choose to book their excursion aboard ship.
When you head out to explore Tulum, remember that it is a very popular tourist destination so head out early to miss the crowds.
Arrival
Initially, we were both sure that we had made a wrong turn after pulling into the parking area. Arrival felt more like we were at a shopping mall or a carnival than a World Heritage Site. The commercialization of this site ruins much of the mystic and appeal. I do understand that tourist dollars are essential to the local economy but this is way over the top. Everything for sale at the shopping area is over priced, I would skip it, you can find the same souvenirs in Playa Del Carmen for less.
From the shopping area it is about a kilometer to the entrance of the site where you can pay the entrance fee ($30 pp). You can choose to walk or you can buy a ticket on the trolly to the site. Once there, you can finally begin to explore Tulum.
Architecture
As you walk along the path to the city gate, you will see the massive wall (25 ft. thick) and lookouts that protected the city from attack. The architecture of Tulum is fairly typical of Maya sites in this area. The Maya style of architecture usually consists of the step pyramid, temple and the surrounding city. The narrow city gate also provided a unique advantage to help in the defense of Tulum.
Protected on east side by steep cliffs and a massive wall on the other, Tulum one of the Maya’s best defended cities. Tulum was actually one of the last cities of the Mayan empire before its collapse.
There are three major structures of interest at Tulum, El Castillo, the Temple of the Frescoes, and the Temple of the Descending God.
Temple of the Frescoes
Among these unique buildings at Tulum is the Temple of the Frescoes. The Maya used the Temple as an observatory for tracking the sun’s movement. Figures of the Maya “diving god” or Venus deity decorate the outside of the temple. In the Temple, there are deceptions of the “diving god” which is also depicted elsewhere. Above the entrance in the western wall a stucco figure of the “diving god” is still preserved, giving the temple its name. Sadly, visitors are not permitted to enter.
Temple of the Descending God
The Temple of the Descending God consists of a single room with a door to the west. Access to the Temple consists of a narrow staircase from the building beneath. Located in a niche at the top of the door stands a sculpture that you will see across the site.
El Castillo
Still in use when the Spaniards arrived in the 1500s, the Castillo, was a very important part of Mayan life. Lintels in the upper rooms of the building are carved with serpent motifs as found elsewhere in Maya construction. The construction of the Castillo appears to have taken place in stages, one built upon another. A small shrine in the Castillo appears to have been used as a beacon for incoming canoes and traders. The Castillo is a pyramid of the classic Maya style.
Mexico Travel
You can search out some fairly inexpensive flights at this time, a quick search showed flights from Miami for $150. Since the status of the cruise industry is currently unknown, flights are probably your best option. If you need a little help finding deals, check out our “Finding Travel Deals” post. Once there, we’ll will show you all of our “go to websites” for finding some really great deals.
Summary
Expect to spend three or four hours at the archaeological site to be able to really explore Tulum and get a view of the this once amazing city. If you must shop, you may want to tack on an hour or two more. For more information about the area and things to do visit the Visit Mexico website. If you are ever in the Yucatan be sure to take a day to Explore Tulum.
Well, that’s a quick look at Tulum and we hope that this post helps a bit in you search for the perfect vacation. Never forget to “Unleash Your Inner Trekker!”