Maya ruins hovering over Caribbean turquois waters

Trip Start Feb 09, 2008

122

Trip End Dec 26, 2008

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Flag of Mexico Tulum, Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico
Friday, February 15, 2008

I left Playa early for the one hour journey south to visit the Maya ruins of Tulum, leaving early would enable me to get across to Vallodolid later that afternoon which was a further 2 hours. The archaeological site of Tulum has a spectacular setting, perched 15 - 20 metres above the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea, with steps leading down to the golden white sands. You could comfortably spend half a day here visiting the ruins then relaxing on the beach for a couple of hours. One of the most important structures is El Castillo which looms over the Caribbean.
If you're not pushed for time then I would imagine that the ruins would be best visited later in the day when most people have departed. The day I arrived come lunch time there were busloads of tourists.

Transport

There are buses departing Playa del Carmen every hour at a cost of $42 Peso and at least every hour from Cancun. The first class buses between Tulum and Valladolid cost $68 Peso and depart at 09.00, 12.30 and 14.30 hours and took 1h 40m. Second class buses cost $54 Peso and departed at 10.10, 11.20, 12.15 and 17.25 and take 2 hours. For the latest times check www.ticketbus.com.mx