I watched the movie Against All odds last night. Can't say I was much impressed by the movie, but I WAS impressed with the Mexicon scenery. Particularly at the ruins at Tulum.

Asside from the beach (a middle aged fat man by himself probably won't spend much time laying out), is there much to do there? Are the ruins accessable and how much time do they take?

Thanks!

Keith

"Mexican" scenery

The ruins are open and you can tour them (takes a couple of hours), although you can't climb on them. The small cove beach is open for everyone to use who pays their entrance fee to the ruins. South of the ruins are many small cabana hotels of varying states of repair and expense($10/nt-$250/nt).

Keith,

We just got back from Playa del Carmen in April and did drive out to see the ruins at Tulum. In my opinion, it was not worth the time. We hired an English-speaking guide, which was a complete rip-off. He was not very informative at all. However, in the absence of a guide or guidebook, you'd have no idea what you were seeing. There are no signs posted letting you know what everything is. It was excrutiatingly hot there as well, with no shade anywhere. We made it through the ruins in less than an hour. If you have the time, go to Chichen Itza. Much bigger and much more impressive.

Judy

Keith,

This area of Mexico and the Yucatan is definitely worth your time and money. I spend a lot of time in Mexico (I'm an archaeologist) and I highly recommend the Yucatan for both sightseeing and relaxation.

I highly suggest you stay away from Cancun (unless you're looking for Spring Break 2005). While you should fly into Cancun, arrange for a rental car at the airport and drive south to the sleepy town of Akumal. The town is quaint, charming, and full of extremely nice people and tasty restaurants. A bit further south from Akumal "center" is another road with great little family run hotels. Here you can have access to somewhat private beaches.

If your looking for archaeology then I do suggest heading to Tulum. While these ruins are not the most impressive, the scenery is spectacular. This is one of the few Maya sites situated right on the water - while the ocean makes for amazing views, the ocean has also been the reason for poor preservation.

If you're looking for some ruins off the beaten path, head toward Coba. In its day it was a very important metropolis and it boasts the tallest pyramid in the Yucatan - Nohoch Mul, about 130 feet.

But if you have time, then my best suggestion for archaeology is Chichen Itza. It's a bit out of the way, but worth it. It's an impressive site - read up on it before you head to Mexico.

Aside from archeology, there are some great jungle tours. Also, there is amazing snorkeling and scuba diving (along with cave diving) throughout the area, but especially at Cozumel.

Hope this helps!

I also agree that Tulum is well worth a trip. We have been at least three times and discover something new each time.

There's also one of the most beautiful beaches on the coast right below the ruins, so bring your bathing suit along to cool off after you visit as it gets very HOT there.

imho, anyone who could see Tulum in less than an hour and say it wasn't worth the drive would likely go to the Grand Canyon and stand there with their hands on their hips and say, "What's the big deal? It's just a hole in the ground!"

The view of the ocean and coast from the cliff bluff while standing beside one of the most important Mexican ruins in the country is worth the entire trip.

That having been said, Coba and Chichen Itza are larger and more extensive, and full of amazing things to see. Tulum makes good "starter ruins."

I also agree with lizg on basing your stay in Akumal - great little town. Look also at Tulum pueblo, but I understand that Emily may have damaged the road there.

lizg, my husband would KILL for your job!

Oops, sorry. Meant "most important MAYAN ruins in the country." Eep.

Thanks to those that replied before!

I thought it wasn't a good idea for Americans to drive in Mexico? I've never even considered it. Guess it is something my parents told me years ago.

Before your sugestions of renting a car and using Akumal as a base, I was thinking at staying in Cozumel. There are nearby things to do that look apealing to me (snorling, bicycle tours, ruins), and day trips could be Tulum/Coba, with another tour by small plane to Chichen Itza.

Keith

I have friends who have done the plane ride to Chichen from Cozumel - they loved it!! Said it was awesome to see the ruins from the air before landing.

I have to agree with Diana and the Grand Canyon analogy. It's all what you make it. Explore around Tulum - the small doorways are interestingly located and picturesque (IMHO), the foliage, stand back a bit and get a different perspective - it's beautiful and unique.

Tulum is the only Mayan Ruin on the water, and it is indeed quite gorgeous. I took a bus there from my hotel, and it was a wonderful experience. There are other ruins you can visit as well, so there are plenty of choices (Chichen Itza, Coba, etc.).

My review: http://www.epinions.com/content_165683564164

Feel free to e-mail me if you'd like pictures. The Mayan Riviera is a beautiful place and I would go back in an instant!

Marysa
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Marysa, Thank you for the link. That is a wonderful, long detailed report on Tulum.

I may email for pictures, but will wait until next week - I just about to go on a short vacation and don't want to deal with the files downloading onn a slow dialup connection.

Keith

Keith: The archeologist is correct about the spots to visit. Driving during the daylight hours has never been a problem for me and my husband or me and my grandson alone. Chichen Itza, Tulum and Coba-- All worthwhile. Cozumel if it is repaired after the hurricane damage is marvelous. Rent a car and go around (half) the island. Eat at Chen Rio, ummmmmm good. Enjoy it all!