As per request, more ruins that we visited. Tulum.
In contrast to our tour of Chichen Itza, we did this historical tour on our own. I would say both touring options have their pros and cons. Going on your own gives you freedom to roam as much or as little as you please, it was nice this day because we got SO hot so we veered off into the ocean for a bit.
You do not however get all the wonderful historical information and tidbits of information without a guide. And if you don’t do your research, there is not too much signage here so its just like oh, giant rock tower, must have been used for something important.
All of that being said, it was definitely a great day! Tulum is absolutely stunning; these Mayan ruins are beachside unlike Chichen so the view is fantastic. From Playa Del Carmen you can get there several different ways but we definitely recommend the Colectivo. It is the least expensive way to travel here (about 40 pesos per person).
Once you get there get ready for a lot of walking, unless you want to spend money on the little trolley they have. I would recommend the walk though; you see some cool things along the way like this…
There is a little tourist town complete with Starbucks (oh, hi America), and people trying to rip you off. Walk on by… or stop in Starbucks for some nice AC.
Once you get to the gates of Tulum, if you choose to forego a tour guide it is $8 a person to get in. As I mentioned earlier the views are incredible all over these ancient grounds. Tulum was used as religious grounds and as a trading post for the Mayans, which it is why it is Oceanside.
While we were there, they were doing some reconstruction and preservation so that took away from it a little bit, and really made us want to be archaeologists so we could climb the ruins too! Shout out to all you archaeologists out there, what a neat job!
After a walk around the park I highly recommend heading out to the local beach, and I’m not talking about the beach on site of Tulum.
Once you exit the park you can turn right back towards town or left toward beaches!
…Go left, about a half mile and you will find a beach entrance.
It is such a quaint little beach, nothing like what we have in the U.S. It is away from all of the hustle and bustle of the tourism life and suddenly palm trees, the smell of salt water and the whisper of reggae music from a local beach bar surround you.
We took a quiet little beach nap under a palm tree that we dubbed our own, shared some phenomenal quesadillas and two-for-one happy hour drinks (which FYI are like 50 pesos aka super cheap) in a charming little beach-tiki bar and then kissed Tulum goodbye.
On the way back that Starbucks I mentioned earlier, seemed like a mirage after a hot, sticky mile walk. So we did stop in for some good old AC and they were nice enough to give us free agua. Many, many thanks! 🙂
Tulum is a must see when visiting Mexico!
We had a great time touring ourselves around the site and exploring new beaches. Definitely add it to your “to-do” list when you visit!
Loved this post? Pin the image below!
