How does Tulum stack up against other Mayan ruins?

[Ed Wetschler]

I'll soon be taking a trip to the Yucatan for two hotel pieces. As has happened in the past, I've been invited to visit Tulum, but maybe I should skip the ruins and concentrate on the hotels, because I'm on a fast, in-and-out schedule.   What would you advise for this writer who's seen Palenque, etc.? 

[David Paul Appell]

Some might consider Tulum Ruinas to be small potatoes compared to, say, Chichen or Uxmal. And accessibility to many of the structures themselves is limited. But having said that, it's a pretty darn cool experience and definitely worth your time, depending of course on where you're based (Playa del Carmen, Merida, Cancun, etc.).

The reason is, of course, that it's the only major seaside Maya site, and against the backdrop of the azure water it's irresistibly picturesque. There's even a popular beach. When I was last there, it was pretty crowded (among other things, it's a popular stop for group trips from the resorts up and down the coast), but even so, I was charmed. It's also fairly compact, so shouldn't take you nearly as long as some of the biggies inland. You can either use the time saved for your hotels research -- or if you can possibly manage it, I'd also recommend a 20-minute drive due west inland from Tulum for a visit to another more extensive ruin, Cobá. This one is a bit more sprawling and time-consuming (a fair bit of walking, though you can also hire inexpensive onsite pedicabs). But it's a real find, with classic pyramids and ball court that while well exposed have a deliciously mysterious feel of being hacked out of the jungle.

[John Lamkin]

Tulum is unique being the only Mayan city on the coast--overlooking the ocean. I wouldn't miss it. If you can get four hours south there are many Mayan ruins of interest, albeit lesser known than those mentioned. There is one city--not yet open to the public nor completely excavated--that is said to rival Tikal. You can go there with special permission from INAH. Ask the tourism people in Chetumal.
Cheers, John

[Dorothy Conlon]

I stayed an extra day after our tour ended so as to visit Tulum and really loved it. It's so different from the others we had seen, stunningly located on a cliff overlooking the sea and with the remains of its wall through which you must hunch down to enter. I highly recommend it if you can squeeze it in on your tight schedule.

[Ed Wetschler]

David, John, and Dorothy: Thank you all. I hadn't expected such enthusiasm for Tulum, but that's why it's good to find out what people who've been there want to say. Regards, EW

[Anil]

Ed: Since you are doing a piece on Hotels - I suggest you visit hotels around Playa Parasio (sp?) which is quite close to Tulum. There are ofcourse the resorts that line up the route from Playa Del Carmen to Tulum.

[Ed Wetschler]

Thanks, Anil; another good idea. My schedule is just too tight, but you've suggested something I'll want to do next time I'm in the Yucatan, which (knock wood) will be fairly soon.

Anil said:

Ed: Since you are doing a piece on Hotels - I suggest you visit hotels around Playa Parasio (sp?) which is quite close to Tulum. There are ofcourse the resorts that line up the route from Playa Del Carmen to Tulum.

[Jordan Simon]

Ed, forgive the late reply. You've probably already been and returned. But I echo the sentiments. It doesn't compare to Uxmal, Palenque, Chichen Itza in terms of grandeur. but that seaside setting really is magnificent. And there are several intriguing hotels right in the area. If you haven't left yet, just remember traffic can be a headache along the Carretera, and everything seems further than you'd think, depending on where you stay.

[Theodora Sutcliffe]

Tulum ruins are pretty small, to be honest, not a touch on Chichen Itza, Coba, Tikal, et al... But they do have a very pretty location, so maybe good background colour. I don't think that anyone goes to Tulum for the ruins, though.

http://www.travelswithanineyearold.com

[Anil]

Ed, First impressions ?

[Ed Wetschler]

I didn't go, Anil, and I'm actually glad I didn't. I only had 1.5 days in Playa, and during that time I had to seriously reacquaint myself with hotels and dining options and the town itself. And take photos.
This was an unusual decision for me: Not only do I love history, but like a lot of travel journalists, I have a bad habit of overscheduling myself.

Anil said:

Ed, First impressions ?

[Prose & Co]

I recommend visiting Sian Ka'an, a biosphere run by the Mayas, about 20 minutes from Tulum. There are many "undiscovered" ruins and intact temples in Sian Ka'an.

[John Lamkin]

Prose & Co said:

I recommend visiting Sian Ka'an, a biosphere run by the Mayas, about 20 minutes from Tulum. There are many "undiscovered" ruins and intact temples in Sian Ka'an.

Hi Prose & Co, Could you tell me more about the ruins in Sian Ka'an. thanks, John