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With its close proximity to Cancun (128km south), the Mayan Ruins of Tulum are one of the most visited Mayan sites in the Yucatan. Although the Tulum ruins are structurally less impressive than Chichen Itza or Uxmal and much less extensive, perched upon 12 meter cliffs, they have the azure Caribbean as a backdrop -- a startling contrast, and heaven for the photographer or artist. Because the area is small, there is comparatively little climbing involved. You can gain a fair appreciation of the site in a couple of hours and afterwards you can relax on the adjacent beach.
Tulum is the Yucatec Mayan word for fence or wall (or trench), and the walls surrounding the site allowed the Tulum fort to serve as a defense against invasion. From the numerous depictions in murals and other works around the site, Tulum appears to have been an important site for the worship of the Descending god.
In 1994 access to the site was re-designed so that cars and buses could no longer park adjacent to the ruins, and a new car park was built about a 15-20 minute walk away. A shuttle provides an alternative way (for a fee) to get to the ruins. The visitors' center at the car park houses numerous souvenir shops in addition to restaurants, refreshment stands, washrooms and telephones. Be prepared though for the many sales people trying to sell you pretty much everything imaginable.
Bus tours arrive daily from Cancun and Playa del Carmen. Once there a 45 minute guided tour explains some of the history and architecture behind the ruins. Because the site is small, most tours spend only 2 hours at the site. If you want to utilize the beach then plan to stay longer. But, if you just want to see the ruins and take some pictures then the 2 hours should be plenty.
Last updated: January 2010
