Tulum ruins, recent knee surgery, still limping, can I do it?
 

We are scheduled on a shore excursion with Holland America to the Tulum ruins, Playa Del Carmen in 2 weeks. Due to some unexpected knee surgery I am wondering about the walking involved and also what kind of surfaces will be encountered. Is it an area that my group could forge ahead at while I had an occasional chance to sit and rest the knee? Appreciate the feedback.

I recall watching the ground before taking steps at Tulum, as it is uneven and I have weak ankles. You should be able to wander at your own pace, if need be. The tour guides are OK, but unless you really want to try to hear and understand all the info they are giving, you could go it alone. Tulum isn't all that huge. And there is a little "shopping" area at the entrance where you can sit and sip something cool and buy souvenirs.

As I recall, there is a long flat path to walk before even getting to the ruins. It's not a hard walk. Once there you can go at your own pace and there are a few uneven rocky places, but nothing too steep or difficult.

TMTTB:
IMO--I would be very reluctant to make such a trip. Most people find the ride itself very tiring. I was there about 25 years ago and I remember wandering around the area and having to watch my step very carefully (stubbing toe on uneven surfaces, etc.) I did climb to the top of the pyramid, and it was the only time in my life have ever been scared to descend. Once on top, you cannot even see the step right below you!! I ended up turning around (like a toddler) and crawling backwards back down the pyramid. I'm sure the climb is something you would never even consider in your situation.

If Feb. is as hot as July is---that also makes it miserable. Take plenty of water with you and take it easy!!

YOU will have to be the one to tell if you can take the stress and how extensive the surgery was, and how old you are, etc.

You might even wish to take a drs. excuse with you in case you wish to cancel the excursion and still be able to get your money back.

Atleast you can enjoy the ship (don't be in pain so you can't even enjoy the rest of the cruise!!)
Best of luck!! Happy cruising! :-)

There is a long walk (dirt walk) to get to the ruin entrance. Last time I was there, there was a trolley of some sort that you could pay a buck or two and get a ride. Once within Tulim, the ground is very unlevel but do able.

We had a guide move us around from one area to another - during this, it was easy to sit on the ground and then listen for 10 minutes and then move to the next area. After our tour, they let us go free for about 30 minutes to wander on our own.

It is very hot, we were there in February and I got burned. Bring lots of sun screen and water!

You no longer have access to the ruins. (inside). So no worries about the climbing. I find the transportation there to be just a challenging. :)

What is it about the travel involved to get there that makes it a challenge? Our shore excursion brochure only mentions a "45 minute ferry transfer". Thanks for your replies.

First: I think cruiser is referring to Chichen Itza NOT Tulum - there is NO very tall steep pyramid at Tulum.
Second: can you do it ? I think so but of course only you know how your knee feels.
I am assuming your ship is stopping at Cozumel (ferry ride to PDC on mainland).
From there you will be taking a bus to Tulum (about a 40 minute bus ride). I do not know whether your bus will take you right up to the entrance to the ruins but if it does not there is a trolley that goes from the area where the tourist shops are (next to the parking lot). For you I defintely recommend the trolley. Once you get to the entrance a 2 minute walk on a sidewalk along the walls takes you into the ruins. The ground is uneven in places but as long as you walk slowly and carefully this will not be a problem. The ruins are NOT very extensive so seeing the highlights will not take long. The ruins are very attractive and the ocean views are lovely. You cannot climb onto the ruins - so that will not be an issue. If you do not mind sitting on rocks there are a few places to sit down. (I know - I have a bad knee and found at least 4 good locations for resting it). Personally unless one has major mobility problems I think Tulum is doable and worth seeing.

We were at Tulum a year and half ago. There is no climbing on the ruins allowed. The bus ride from the ship was about 45 minutes. It was an easy walk in (or you can do a trolley, I think). The ground around the ruins is a little rocky, but nothing difficult. The view of the ocean is absolutely beautiful. (It was hot very hot). GO!!

I agree with the other comments that the travel to and from is somewhat tiring, but I was glad I went. I've gone to Tulum twice. Each time involved a ferry ride to the mainland from Cozumel, and then the 45-50 minute bus ride each way to and from the ruins. The bus drops you off 1/4 mile from the ruins, but as mentioned, a trolley will take you to the entrance for a small fee. Once there, you will need to walk up some wide, shallow steps to enter the ruins, which are surrounded by a wall of stones. Once inside, you could find places to sit and rest, and always be within sight of your group. I remember thinking that my mother would not have been able to handle the walk (she has had both knees replaced twice). But if your knee surgery is less extensive than that, you could probably do just fine. Take it slow and watch your step. Enjoy!

JMM--Just for the record, I am referring to Tulum. The pyramid was very steep (not tall). But since tourists are no longer allowed inside, it seems from these postings, climbing is not an option.

Please TMTTbeach: Consider all the walking you will be doing just on the ship just getting from venue to venue. If the Tulum visit is later in the week, you may find yourself too sore, etc. to make the journey.

Just don't hurt yourself so you can't enjoy the rest of the cruise. Hope you have a great cruise and can participate in all the activities you may wish!!

Happy cruising!! :-)

takemetothebeach:
check out this website:
http://dunebuggytours.net/guide/mainlandruins.htm
I am NOT recommending the tour since I know nothing about it but the photos of Tulum are excellent and give you a good idea of what the site is like. The photo from the air in particular shows you the main buildings. The big one is El Castillo which I think is the building cruiser is referring to (You are not allowed to climb it). Personally (and speaking as someone with one very bad knee and one so-so knee) I think only you can decide of you are up to it but really the walking involved is NOT extensive (unlike Chichen Itza or Coba). Have a lovely cruise whatever you decide.

Thanks for all of the replies. We are going for it! It's -7 degrees here (yes, below zero, unfortunately) so we are counting the days.

We had -7 this morning too! They had to cancel school. I'm a teacher...

Are you in western Illinois by any chance???

Carol

To Carol/simpsonc510, We are in Wisconsin and counting down 5 more days to warmer weather !!!

Thanks for all the input. We did go and it was very manageable and worthwhile. The trolley was a great suggestion and the views were spectacular. There are plenty of spots to rest up and you can do as little or as much as you'd like. I'd go again!

So glad to hear that you were able to endure the trip. Thanks for getting back to us on how it went.

Hopefully no more knee surgery for you!!

I am so glad you did it and it was OK.

I need knee surgery also. Torn cartilidge. I hope it is not to bad. Is that what you had?