Tulum II - The Mayan Ruins

This post is in continuation to the last one about Tulum and its gorgeous beaches. There is more to Tulum than the blue water expanse and white sands. It houses some of the most beautiful Mayan architecture and ruins that tell stories which sound very much like tales from the yore. These tales can pretty much promise goose flesh, especially if you are standing right in its heart and listening to it.

PC: Panoramio.com

One of the most notable ruins happen to be the Tulum ruins. These ruins, popularly known as, Ruinas Mayas de Tulum, are simply breathtaking. The main pyramid (or rather watchtower) was built in the 13th century and stands on the Caribbean beach. So if you are in Tulum, this is the one place you must go to. Never had I seen a pyramid, standing in such grandeur watching over the turquoise waters. My imagination quickly transported me to the time when this was a thriving civilization, with everything intact, with actual people living there. It was an amazing feeling, which soon drifted with the hustle bustle and excitement of the tourists enjoying the cool waters at one of the most gorgeous beaches in the world.

We did not plan to get into the waters, but trust me, looking at that place it felt like we will miss an opportunity of a lifetime, so we just went ahead in our regular clothes. Such is the effect of the ruins and the Tulum beach. It draws you towards itself like some beautiful singing sirens in the sea.
The ruins consists of mostly the temples, pillars, and the main castle called Castillo. There are some green patches with a few trees, so if you are planning to head there be sure to pack some sun block, hats, plenty of water in your back pack, and of course a change of clothes.

Castillo overlooking the sea

Tulum I - Riviera Maya

It could not be more magical or psychedelic than this. The vast expanse of the sea stretching into the ocean, the narrow roads winding up to somewhere far away. Both sides of the roads dotted with numerous hotels and spas, you know the ones which are not flashy and promise you the relaxation you have come here for. At night, you can hear some music at a distance and some LED lights highlighting the names of the hotels. As we headed further up the road, my phone lost its signal...we had come pretty far away from civilization. Driving toward the camp grounds where we were planning to stay for a couple of days before heading toward Merida to see the world famous Chichen-Itza, I started wondering if we would get some food before we crashed in the tent.

Tulum might look distant and out-of-the-world, but it has everything you might require, including an Indian restaurant serving delicious samosas with green chutney. There are some public beaches among the more prominent private beaches. You might have to look up for some of them. Once you are at the beach, its just pure blue expanse of the Caribbean. Its exotic and breathtaking. Order some nice nachos, locally known as totopos (Aztec origin) and guacamole and some chilled beer (Bohemian or Indio) and just relax. Your mind will go into the zen mode that requires a lot more effort to achieve if you live in the city.

There is more to Tulum than just the blue expanse and the white beaches. Keeping reading for more on underwater river caves, the ancient Mayan civilization, pyramids, and lots more. This one is going to take more than just one post.

Until next time!