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.? 

[Dana DuGan]

It's stunning and very unique. Don't miss it.

[Prose & Co]

HI John,
Here some facts I took from the organization's website http://www.cesiak.org/aboutsiankaan.htm
"Sian Ka'an has 23 known archeological sites (with relics dating up to 2,300 years old). Discoveries of human remains, ceramic pieces, and other artifacts have been dated up to 2,300 years old. The northernmost section of Sian Ka’an contains what is thought to be an ancient trade route through lagoons and mangrove channels between the cities of Tulum and Muyil."
During my visit, we began at the "customs" temple where it was believed traders needed to pass, before being granted entry into the ancient trade route. Then we free floated down a freshwater mangrove canal to the sea and made our way through a wooded area where there were 3-4 uncovered pyramids and temples and many still sitting under large mounds waiting for the funds to dig them out. There were virtually no tourists and I recommend finding a knowledgeable guide who can give detailed information about the site. It was beautiful and fascinating--we even saw a toucan.



John Lamkin said:

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

[John Lamkin]

Thanks! I have been to the ruins at Muyil, but no further--next trip. Cheers, John

Prose & Co said:

HI John,
Here some facts I took from the organization's website http://www.cesiak.org/aboutsiankaan.htm
"Sian Ka'an has 23 known archeological sites (with relics dating up to 2,300 years old). Discoveries of human remains, ceramic pieces, and other artifacts have been dated up to 2,300 years old. The northernmost section of Sian Ka’an contains what is thought to be an ancient trade route through lagoons and mangrove channels between the cities of Tulum and Muyil."
During my visit, we began at the "customs" temple where it was believed traders needed to pass, before being granted entry into the ancient trade route. Then we free floated down a freshwater mangrove canal to the sea and made our way through a wooded area where there were 3-4 uncovered pyramids and temples and many still sitting under large mounds waiting for the funds to dig them out. There were virtually no tourists and I recommend finding a knowledgeable guide who can give detailed information about the site. It was beautiful and fascinating--we even saw a toucan.



John Lamkin said:

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

[Claudette]

Hi Ed,
Tulum is beautiful because of its location over looking the beautiful turquoise blue Caribbean ocean but it is certainly nowhere as impressive as Coba (closest to Mayan Riviera and your next best bet) or Chichen Itza (more inland but the most famous of all). Another place very much the worth the trip and is still relatively undiscovered by most tourists is Ek Balam (more inland). I highly recommend it. Best of luck on your travel here to the Yucatan.

If your ever interested in covering unique tours in the Yucatan, please keep us in mind. I'm sending a link to our press release here. We organize all women, week long cultural tours focused on Art, Culinary and Spanish immersion.

http://www.box.net/shared/xn046yu6m8

Suerte!

Claudette

[e-mail]
www.mexicachica.com