Tulum or Chichen itza
 

Does anyone have any opinions about the best day trip from a resort near Playa Del Carmen. We want to see some of the Mayan Ruins but don't want to spend all day driving or on a bus. How far is each one from Playa Del Carmen? <BR>

Lisa, Tulum is quite close to Playa, about a 40 minute drive. Chichen Itza is much further, probably almost 4 hours because you have to go back to Cancun and then head west. The Tulum ruins are not as extensive as Chichen Itza, no pyramids to climb in Tulum, but the site is spectacular, right on a cliff over the ocean (also a nice beach right at the ruins, just wear your suit). I personally liked Chichen Itza more, because of the number and variety of buildings, but Tulum is very pretty, too. <BR>

I don't think you would regret all the travel time to see Chichen Itza, if you are truly interested in seeing Mayan ruins. However, you can have a very nice experience by staying close to Playa del Carmen. Go to Tulum (I did this from the Tulum ruins bus stop) and hire a cab to take you to Coba (or drive if you have a car) - a cab will give you a round trip and 2-3 hours at the site for as little as $35 (I would go for 3). Coba is a 40 minute drive inland from Tulum. Coba was a very large Maya site that is partly restored and is surrounded by jungle - there is a pyramid there to climb that is even higher than the ones at Chichen Itza or Uxmal. Then return to Tulum and tour the ruins there and spend some time relaxing on the beach. Tulum shouldn't take more than 1 1/2 hours to tour. Buses between Playa and Tulum take about an hour.

Tulum crawls with tourists from ships, etc., is "Maya-lite", but O.K. if all you want is a sample. Coba is reasonably close, but HOT! Bring water. Chitzen-Itza is almost a must. Check out the lovely, sleepy Club Med a half mile away for Mayan food and a night's stay, rooms have A.C. Stay there and hit C-I one afternoon and the next AM. It's awesome!

I went to Cancun last September with a trip to both places. If you have to choose one place, I would take Chichen Itza; although it takes longer to get there, Tulum ruins are unremarkable in comparison. If you want to go to both places, choose Tulum first.

Lisa- <BR>I absolutely concur with Mark. I went to Chichen Itza, Uxmal and Tulum in that order. <BR>I was so disappointed when I got to Tulum. Everything seemed so small and dilapidated. :&lt; It was a real letdown, though the beach did look very pret