Tulum vs Chichen Itza - Cruise Line Fans: Cruise Forum, Reviews and Chat From Real Cruisers

jstducky · 10-05-2005, 03:12 PM

I've been to the Mayan Ruins at Tulum before and I thought it was absolutely stunning and amazing what the Mayans discovered about astronomy, etc. many hundreds of years ago.

I've heard that Chichen Itza is even more amazing. Though I know that the drive to get to Chichen Itza is much longer which is a put off to a lot of people. Unfortunately on my cruise we weren't in Cozumel long enough to have the opportunity to go out ot Chichen Itza.

For those of you who have been, what did you think of it? Has anyone been to both? Could you compare the two?

Anyone have pictures of Chichen Itza?

JodiBB · 10-05-2005, 04:05 PM

ChichenItza is wonderful!! DH and I went there about 3 years ago. The temples are amazing and there's a underground temple in the main temple which has an amazing jewel-eyed panther. We didn't get to see that as mother nature decided to open up the clouds at that exact moment!!!!

Let me see if I can find the pix and post them for you!!!

jstducky · 10-05-2005, 04:09 PM

Jodi, that would be wonderful!

When I went to Cozumel last year, for the longest time I had trouble deciding between Tulum or Chichen Itza. About 2 months before sailing, our mind was made up for us by the cruise line due to a last minute change in itinerary, giving us less time in Cozumel, so therefore not enough time for Chichen Itza.

I would have loved to have seen it. I am more of a history and ruins and artifacts type of person.

Your description sounds wonderful. And underground temple sounds remarkable. It just blows me away to see ancient ruins and think about how people back in those times without the modern equipment we have now, built the structures they built. Sometimes its beyond comprehension!

I guess this just means another excuse for me to go back there again at some point.

I've also heard that there are great ruins in Belize!

JodiBB · 10-05-2005, 04:15 PM

There you go Alisa...here's a few pix to whet your appetite!!! In my member gallery....

jstducky · 10-05-2005, 04:25 PM

Wow! those are amazing pictures! thanks for posting. It seems that Chichen Itza is more remarkable than Tulum. I think that the great thing about Tulum is that its right on the waters edge and the water is so blue green its gorgeous.

Did you climb to the top of the main temple? is that how you got the shot that seems like you're looking down on the ball courts?

JodiBB · 10-05-2005, 04:29 PM

Yes...we climbed to the top of the main temple and I took arial shots from the top...

jstducky · 10-05-2005, 04:30 PM

Did you guys go on your own or as part of a shore excursion from a cruise?

Was the climb as tough as it looks?

JodiBB · 10-05-2005, 04:34 PM

We had gone on an excursion. We were staying at an all-inclusive resort.

The climb isn't too bad. We just used our hands to balance our way up and didn't look down. Once you get to the top, it's a beautiful view!!!

jstducky · 10-05-2005, 04:39 PM

I'm definitely going to have to go and visit at some point!

thanks for the info!

JodiBB · 10-05-2005, 04:41 PM

You're welcome!