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I recently went on a cruise through the Caribbean. The cruise itself was excellent, and the land excursions were adventuresome and fun. I met many people and had many unforgettable experiences. There was, however, one excursion that outshined the others.

Our last stop was on the Isla de Cozumel in Mexico. I had looked through the tour pamphlets, and couldn't decide on a specific tour. I finally settled for the six hour "Mayan Ruins Expedition." I always have been interested in history and ancient cultures, and it seemed interesting. I was unprepared for the awe and wonder I was to experience in the Mayan city known as Tulum.

The city was in superior condition, and far surpassed any of my expectations. Getting off the bus, I found myself in a little plaza area surrounded with smalltime merchants and costumed dancers. As I made my way through the center and down the road that lead to the site, I could see a square building up on a hill in the distance. I was impressed by this incredibly well preserved ruin, but I assumed that this was perhaps the main attraction of "The Ancient City of Tulum." It was not until I found myself on the actual grounds that I began to realize just how magnificent the place truly was.

Translated from the Mayan tongue, "Tulum" is roughly equivalent to "The Walled City," and that is exactly what it is. The City is built on a cliff top overlooking the ocean, and is walled from three corners. From the cliff top, you can look out at the world's second largest coral reef, known as the Palancar Reef. The three walls and the reef protected the city from all sides.

Tulum was built in what was known as the Mayan Postclassical period, which went from 700 to 1300 AD. The city was abandoned at the close of the sixteenth century shortly after the arrival of the Spanish. It was a city built for and inhabited by the elite. There was also a large community of peasants that lived in the areas surrounding the city.

The buildings themselves were beautiful and wonderful. Most of them were still standing, and the main tower at the center of the city has been spectacularly preserved. At this tower, the highest of the aristocracy could sit and view the city. Also, this is where the Mayans would practice human sacrifice. This practice was not common in the early days of the Mayan religion, but had been borrowed from neighboring tribes by the time that Tulum was built.
The site itself has been wonderfully preserved. There were also many tour guides who spoke many different languages. I had a tour guide who was very knowledgeable and professional. He was of Mayan descent, and had a strong sense of ancestral pride. After he showed us around and gave us the history of the Mayan culture, he allowed us to explore on our own, and even visit the beach that the city overlooked. The water was warm and turquoise blue, and there were little fish swimming around. The Mayans picked one of the most beautiful places I can imagine for their city.

Before I went on my tour, I felt that I was going to be missing out on a lot of the local Mexican culture. If I had to do it again, however, I would probably go to Tulum again anyways. It was historical, adventurous, and beautiful. I am very thankful that I had the opportunity to visit the thousand-year-old city of Tulum, and would encourage many others to make a trip there if at all possible. It was an inspiring experience that will stay with me for the rest of my life.

Learn more about this author, John Mcdonough.
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