Tulum Mexico - Mayan Ruins, Beaches and more - Cruise Line Fans: Cruise Forum, Reviews and Chat From Real Cruisers

Ziggy7 · 01-29-2006, 02:23 AM

Tulum Mexico - Mayan Ruins, Beaches and more

Tulum is the largest Maya construction built on the coast. Today it is Mexico's most visited pre-Hispanic site. Tulum was a very important center of commerce and a place of pilgrimage in the past.

This royal city, perched on limestone cliffs, is worth a visit because of the magnificent view and the charm of its buildings. Only 131 km (78 miles) south of Cancun, the walled city of Tulum was the first Mayan community reportedly sighted by the Spanish in the 16th century. Perched atop a cliff overlooking the Caribbean, it is Quintana Roo's most famous and well - restored site.

Of the 60 structures that dot this PostClassic archeological park (900 - 1521 A.D.), El Castillo is the most important. Located on a 40 - foot bluff, it commands a breathtaking view of the coastline. At one time it functioned as a lighthouse guiding ships through the treacherous reefs that lie offshore. Another interesting structure at Tulum is the Temple of the Frescoes with its friezes on which the original pigment used to stain the carved figures can still be seen.

Tulum is the only walled grouping of ruins discovered on the coast to date. Archaeologist believe that the city was one of the ports scattered along the coast of the Yucatan used by Mayan traders.

TULÚM

Tulm is about a 45 minute ride (by bus, taxi, or rental car) south of Playa del Carmen. The only Mayan city built directly on the sea, Tulum is thought to date from 400-900A.D. After exploring the ruins and enjoying the spectacular view from atop EL CASTILLO.

You can take a refreshing dip in the Caribbean from the pristine beach in front of the site. Tulum, in Quintana Roo near the town of El Crucero, is the place to go for ruins on the beach. It is the most visited Maya ruin and is the biggest attraction on the coast. It was the only Maya city built on the coast, possibly having housed 2000 people and once functioned as a trade center.

This port city was never conquered by the Spaniards and was one of the last Maya outposts left standing during their revolt against Mexican rule in the War of the Castes during the 1840's. There is no question why Tulum holds great significance to the Mayans. An impressive sight at Tulum is an imposing castle standing on the edge of a 12 meter cliff at the top of the ruins. Visitors may wish to bring a swim suit to cool off in a cove at the bottom of the site but there are no facilities. The area prime trekking ground for those who want to experience jungle wildlife living amidst pristine rain forest and unrestored Mayan ruins.

Surrounding Area Information

The Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, which begins just outside our gate is a protected natural area with miles of empty beaches, unspoiled rainforest and vast lagoons. The second largest protected area in Mexico, Sian Ka'an (which means "where the sky is born" in Mayan) is home to hundreds of species, birds, peccaries, tapirs, alligators, manatees, iguanas, fish and sea turtles.. Approximately 345 species of birds including more than a million migratory ones live here.

The Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve covers more than 1 million acres of coastal jungle or about 20 percent of the state of Quintana Roo's land. This virgin wilderness is home and sanctuary to innumerable species of tropical flora and fauna, of which, the jaguar found here is counted as one of the many protected species.

As eventful and exhilarating as the encounters with the native wildlife are, archaeologically, more than two dozen ancient Mayan sites have been discovered here in various states of ruin. Evidence of habitation dates back at least 2,000 years but most sites uncovered belong to the post-Classic Period, around 1200 AD.

This vast complex, Mexico's donation to the world nature inventory administered by the UN, contains just about everything the area has to offer the nature buff. Services are meager and activity access is highly restricted. Punta Allen, a small fishing town 60 km. into the biosphere is the only settlement in this northern sector. There are a couple of modest accommodation facilities just before the entry.

The Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve is located about 2 hours south of Cancun, just south of Tulum on the road to Punta Allen.

Mexico's Caribbean

The Caribbean sea with its warm, crystal clear, turquoise colored water is the area's greatest attraction. Enjoy it swimming, snorkeling the nearby reef (an underwater paradise of colored fish, coral and other marine life), diving, sailing, fishing or just floating in our little protected bay (with no waves, ideal for the small ones). The pristine beaches have very fine white sand and they extend for miles. Something really splendid.

Turtles
From May through August, the enormous Caguama turtles make the arduous trek up the deserted beaches to lay their eggs in the sand. You may be fortunate enough to see them in the night while taking a stroll. If you wish, you may participate in our turtle conservation program during the reproduction season.

Boat Trips
Spend a day on board a fully equipped 36 feet catamaran yacht exploring the areas shorelines. Choosing between a sunset cruise, a day of deep sea fishing or snorkeling or simply relaxing to the gentle movement of the waves. The local captains and his crews will take care of you and provide drinks while you enjoy the sun, the sea and the wind.

Socal Susie · 02-21-2006, 04:14 PM

Just wanted to say that I've been Tulum and its absolutely amazing!

The bus ride to get there from the ship was a bit long but well worth it!