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The Mayan Ruins of Tulum
Are there Mayan ruins in Tulum?
The Tulum Archaeological Zone is located in a jungle national park and hosts ziggurat pyramids, breathtaking jungle views and a Mayan watchtower. It holds great importance in the region, being that it is on the Caribbean sea.
Could there be a better place to go and visit some ruins?? On a small cliff overlooking the white sand and turquoise waters of the Caribbean? This is why the Tulum ruins are a truly unique experience. It’s a must-see if you’re staying in Tulum, and also a day trip from Playa del Carmen and Cancun (120km).
It’s hard to know if you are visiting a tropical paradise or some Mayan ruins with all the palm trees and the beach right there. It’s like the Mayan version of a country club.
Once inside, most people will head straight to El Castillo (the castle) and the Templo del Dios del Viento (Temple of the Wind God) where you find the breathtaking views of the Caribbean coast and those postcard pics that make Tulum so famous.
Although Tulum ruins are not the best ruins you are likely to see, its pure location is what makes them truly amazing.
Beat the crowds, get there early.
Tulum ruins opening hours are every day 8 am – 4.30 pm. So if you want the place to yourself, be at the gate at 8 am when nobody is there. I was the first person in there with no line to get some good photos. By the time I left at 10 am, there were tours everywhere inside and 100’s of people outside waiting to come in.
If you really, really want the place to yourself, they have special opening hours of 6.30 am – 8.00 am and 4.30 pm – 6.30 pm. This will cost you 220 pesos (US$11).
Tours
If you’re interested in a tour, the best way is to organize it at the entrance. It’s the cheapest way and will cost you around 150-250 pesos ($8-$14) per person. Depending on how much Spanish you can speak to negotiate ;-) And also how many people you are. If you’re one or two people, they’ll join you up with others.
Tulum ruins entrance fee.
Between the hours of 8 am – 4.30 pm the entrance fee is 65 pesos (US$3) and an extra 45 pesos if you are taking in a video camera to use. Although I’m not sure how they would know if you paid or not once you’re using it inside.
How to get there.
From Tulum you can rent a bike for the day from the many places in town (80 pesos), it’s only a 4km ride. Or a taxi from Centro will cost you $70 pesos and drop you just off the main road with an easy 800m walk to the entrance. Also, you could take the collectivo towards Playa del Carmen for 3km and should cost you 20 pesos.
From Playa del Carmen, take a collectivo towards Tulum, and tell the driver you’re going to the ruins. They’ll drop you 3km’s before Tulum Centro, then you will have the 800m walk to the entrance.
What to take with you.
It’s most likely going to be hot when you go, even in the morning. Make sure you have water, a hat and sunscreen. Even an umbrella if you wish. Also, some insect repellent because there’s plenty of mosquitos around. Buy your water before you get there as there are no shops at the ruins.
Wildlife.
There are Iguanas everywhere inside. Some posing in the sun like this guy above. Look after the Iguanas and don’t get too close or disturb them. Although they’ll generally just mind their own business.
You have to visit the Mayan Ruins of Tulum if you are in Quintana Roo or Yucatan. If not for the ruins themselves, just for the views of the magical Caribbean coastline.
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Visited the Tulum Ruins? Feel free to leave a comment below and let me know how it went.
Happy Travels!!
