Mexico – Tulum Ruins aka Tulum Ruinas
Less than 20 minutes by public transport from Sirenis Beach Hotel and Resort is the Tulum Ruins archaeological site that dates back to the days when the Mayans rule the state. This site is different from Chichen Itza and other ruins in the region for this one is strategically built by the coast overlooking the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea.
The History
By the look of it, this used to be the center of trade and commerce where ships anchored on its port. But such part of the yesteryears aren’t anymore evident there. The beach, with its fine sand and calm waters (on some days), was full of tourists frolicking, swimming, camwhoring and strolling around.
The Tulum Ruins are enclosed in a wall/fence made of limestone. It’s like a city within a wall. History says that a population of 600 people composed of leaders, ritual priests and others holding important positions in the community were the only ones allowed to live inside to protect themselves from the invaders. Meanwhile, the outcasts and the peasants were told to live outside the city wall.
The Beach
Without doubt, the best thing about this area is the beach and it’s panoramic views that take your breath away. What could be more stunning than the remnants of an old castle sitting on a rocky 12-meter cliff that dives into the Caribbean Sea? What could be more photogenic than the azure and the turquoise waters met like theirs is a marriage made in heaven, officiated by the Mayan gods? What could be more relaxing than sitting on one of those rocks and look down at the gentle waves below? What could be more charming than smiling at the iguanas who freely wander around and who, together with the tourists, admire the marvelous wonder of nature?
Best Time To Visit Tulum Ruins
The best time to visit this place is early in the morning when tourist buses, cars and vans are still nowhere in sight. You will have a quite time alone, or with few visitors. be there before 10:30 a.m. Visit the archaeological sites first before heading to the coastal side. Even if your mind is tempted to see the beach right away, stay on track on seeing the ruins—because once you see the beach from the cliff, you’ll forget everything later.
The beach itself isn’t that long. It’s just few meters from end to end—but the feeling of the powdery sand in your bare feet and constant cool waves hitting your legs stir a different kind of euphoria. bring a swimsuit and flaunt whatever you got. LOL…
Or maybe, he’s admiring two lovers about to make out below? 😀
Should you decide to go in the afternoon, after 3:00 pm is the best time to be there.
Entrance fee: 57 Mexican Pesos ($3)
There are freelance tour guides standing at the ticket booth. If you travel alone, find someone to go with you and split the cost for the guide.
There are no brochures to be given a the gate after you buy your ticket. But worry not, there are tiny descriptions in English and Spanish in front of most ruined edifices.
How To Get There
If you are staying in Playa del Carmen and Cancun, don’t take those exhorbitant tours offered by your hotel. Instead, take a collectivo bus (a white van) but asked anyone in your hotel how much would it cost (in pesos) you to go there. Public trasport in this part of Mexico is very convenient, really. Give the exact amount to the driver. Tell him to drop you off at Tulum Ruinas. When you’re there, go across the highway and walk all the way to the ticket gate. There are some tourist booths/agents that will stop you on your way, but just smile and walk on. You’ll be wasting 20-30 minutes of your time if you’re not really interested in what tours they will be offering you. I was a victim. 😀
It takes an hour from Playa del Carmen and an hour and a half from Cancun to get to Tulum Ruinas.
Cheap hostel in Tulum, Mexico / Where to stay:
Though I didn’t stay there but a friend did for a night. He highly recommended Hostal Chalupa that’s very convenient to the main street / highway for public transport that goes to Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Chichen Itza, Valladolid, etc…
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