11-14-21

If you are staying in Tulum, visiting the Mayan ruins here is a must. The ruins sit on top of a cliff that overlooks a breathtaking view of the Caribbean. The current inhabitants of the ruins are the iguanas that you'll see lounging almost everywhere you turn. Make sure that when you visit, you have cash on you. I made the error of not bringing any when I went. But a short walk from the entrance is an area with restaurants, souvenir shops, and an atm to get cash. This is also an excellent place to get a drink or a bite to eat after an afternoon at the ruins.

The ruins in Tulum don't occupy a large area, compared to sites like Chichen Itza, but there is plenty to see. This site used to function as the main port of trade for this area. The tallest building here is El Castillo which may have served as a means to help sailors navigate. Below El Castillo is the picturesque beach, where swimming is often allowed. When I visited, the tide was too high, and access to the beach was not permitted. I imagine that it would be a great experience to be on the beach playing in the waves and have these Mayan ruins in the background.

Know Before You Go

• Open from 8 am-5 pm every day

• Tickets cost 75 MXN (3.50 USD)

• I suggest arriving as early as possible for a less crowded visit

• If you don't have a car, the site is accessible by bus and Colectivo

• Cash is recommended, they weren't taking other forms of payment the day I had gone.

• https://www.inah.gob.mx/zonas/99-zona-arqueologica-de-tulum