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We survived the long, muggy, boring bus ride from Cancun. We escaped from the tourist trap "bathroom break" only having spent $12.00. We made it through the 15 minute trek uphill in the blazing afternoon sun. I could read my husband's mind as we stared at the wall that surrounded our destination and awaited our tour guide "it had better be good"

"Tulum was very important commercial trading port" our tour guide told us with excitement. He told us that the city contained many temples and remnants of the great astrology of the Mayan people. As he led us into the city I saw the doubt leaving my husband's mindit was good!

Tulum may not be the largest ancient Mayan archeological site in the Yucatan Peninsula, but as the saying goes "good things come in small packages"! The ancient city of Tulum, or walled city is located on spectacular cliffs above the Carribean Sea. It consists of a large "castle" surrounded by many smaller temples and houses. Our tour guide led us around each of the buildings and described what they had likely been used for. The tour took us about an hour, and afterwords, we sought relief from the heat in the sea below "El Castillo". The ruins against the backdrop of the remarkably clear blue sea are breathtaking.

Tips for visitors: It is going to be hot! There is very little shade once you get into Tulum. Bring water and your bathing suit so that you can cool offand get a different look at the ruins from the ocean.

The walk into Tulum takes about 15 minutes from where the bus leaves you. Take the tram if it is a very hot day or you don't want to walk that much. You will probably want to conserve your energy to walk around the ruins.

A map of the ruins:

http://www.frommers.com/ images/destinations/maps/jpg/9 45_tulumruins.jpg

Things to do and where to stay around Tulum:

http://www.tulum.com/

Thi ngs to do and where to stay around Tulum

Bottom line: Although the architecture of the site isn't as remarkable as some larger sites (like Chichen Itza) the location on the scenic cliffs makes it a unique and beautiful place to visit.

Learn more about this author, Tonya Hernandez.
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