Tulum was a pre-Columbian, walled Mayan city that is located on a cliff on the Yucatán Peninsula…read moreoverlooking the Caribbean Sea. It was inhabited from the 13th to 15th centuries and played an important role in defense and trade. My husband and I toured the Tulum ruins with a tour guide. The site was walkable, although the weather was very sunny and hot. We saw the structures El Castillo, a castle overlooking the beautiful shore; the Temple of the Frescoes, which has wall murals; the Temple of the Descending God; Casa del Chultun; and many others. The ruins were roped off, so we could see them only from a distance and not touch them, but they still looked impressive and interesting. We also enjoyed seeing wildlife such as iguanas. We have visited other Mayan ruins in Mexico and in Belize, and in comparison, I do recommend visiting Tulum.

Our 2nd time to Tulum Ruins was great! We joined a tour this time and enjoyed it. Our guide was…read moreknowledgeable and very accommodating when questioned. We went on a March weekend and was surprised it was not crowded which was great. I would love to come back during sunset next time - the dramatic scenery, combining ancient ruins with a beautiful beach and the ocean view, will definitely be worth it!

Climb the pyramid! This ancient Mayan archaeological site…read moreis a wonder! They don't let tourists climb the pyramid in Chtizinitza anymore (Thanks, Justin Bieber!) But you can climb this one! Plus, this one is taller! Arriving here, the parking is quite a ways from the ruins. But for a small charge, you can either rent a bike (it's flat) or pay some guy in a Mayan Limousine (rickshaw) to peddle you out there. We opted for the latter. The guy stopped along the way and pointed out fun facts and things that we'd have otherwise completely missed. Climbing the pyramid was wonderful! The stairs were all kinda helped along by the local authorities with handrails and wooden beams to help make things level and stable. There's some really cool rock carvings of their gods, and be sure to check out the ball court! Still, in the floor are the carvings of the skull and the jaguar! Whoa. These are some of the best preserved ruins I'd seen! Loved it! Watch out for snakes. There was a little tourist shop where you can get magnets, postcards and fun stuff to take home. It was low pressure shopping.

Cobá... this is the Mayan ruins that stands above and beyond all others I have visited including…read moreChichén Itzá and Tulum; simple put, it's special. Within the ground/park, we had a guide for the beginning where we viewed various parts of the ruins including multiple pyramids and some ecological interests and some very interesting games that were played by the Mayans called Pok-ta-Pok; if what was described is true, then the games are interesting but also very disturbing as they sometimes sacrifice the captain of the loosing team (sacrifices are typically by beheading). To get to the highlight of the ruins, it is quite a hike but you can use the numerous tricycle taxis. Our first time back in 2016 we took advantage of the taxi and had a 15 year old kid named Wilbur bring us to Nohoch Mul Pyramid. The more recent visit, we took the longer walk/hike. This pyramid is the largest of the mayan ruins and up until 2021 you could climb to the top; or I should say, you can "TRY" to climb to the top. The pyramid appears to look like a stairway but let me tell you, it is NOT and it is challenging. Instead of a handrail, you have a thick, heavy rope clipped to the stairs, so you are hunched over like an ape to use it. Typical stairway in a home are 7 / 11 (each step is 7 inches high and 11 inches deep); the pyramid is not like this... all are much higher and some are considerably higher than others and they are not uniform so it's hard to get any kind of rhythm. About half way up, you must look into the distance and you'll be pleasantly surprised with a view of the top of the forest canopy. I never continued higher but at the top there is a level, open area to walk (or in some cases, a place to gain your composure and catch your breath as going down is definitely not easier). Coba is an amazing experience by stepping into the same footsteps as this ancient civilization.

When we visited Mexico, we knew we wanted to explore some Mayan ruins. Since we were staying in…read moreTulum, we visited some bigger ruins (like Coba), but not far from Tulum are the Muyil Ruins. The ruins are about 2 hours south of Cancun, and for us it was a 20 minute drive from Tulum. This is not like any of the bigger ruins that are overflowing with tourists and busses - we didn't see anyone else there for the couple hours that we spent exploring! We drove our rental car there, and the ruins are easy to find, clearly marked along the highway, and also easy to find using Google Maps. We parked near the entrance, and it seems like there is ample parking. There is a counter where you can pay for your admission to the ruins. One of the things I wish they handed out at Mayan Ruins are maps, but the ruins are small enough to explore on your own. The paths around the ruins are well-maintained, and there is signage around the property. I loved the ambiance of Muyil, as we walked around the jungle. The Muyil ruins date back to 300 BC, and it is very interesting to visit. It isn't a far walk to the first set of buildings, only a minute or so from the entrance of the park. The most impressive structure at Muyil is El Castillo. This is not as large as structures at places like Coba or Chichen Itza, but still very interesting. What a difference from the other crowded ruins we have been to. Although you can't climb on any of the bigger structures, it is nice to really absorb the visit without the crowds. The grounds are not very big, so you can cover the area in a short amount of time. However, we had a nice time walking around. It gave us some time to stretch our legs and get some fresh air, enjoy the jungle and ruins. For the kids, they weren't overly interested, but it was just the right length of time for exploring. You won't find bikes or bike taxis here, as it is not so commercialized or large as other ruins. It was very peaceful morning at Muyil. By the time we headed out, there was only one other group there, of a couple tourists that had driven their own car. Much different than other ruins like Coba or Chichen-Itza, where busloads of tourists are brought in. I recommend taking in the solitude, flora and fauna. We meandered around Muyil for a couple hours, even taking the path to the entrance to the lagoon, although the gate was closed. I would love to go back sometime and add a trip to the Sian Ka'an nature reserve. We simply didn't have time to add a Sian Ka'an tour this time. Tips for your visit: ~ Bring bug spray. The ruins are truly in the jungle and there were lots of mosquitoes! ~ I don't think you need sunscreen, as most of the walkways are through the jungle. ~ There are bathrooms by the entrance. ~ We did not see a gift shop or any items to purchase, although there were some shops across the highway, with foods and local crafts. They looked interesting but we didn't have time to stop.

You want off the beaten path? Want to get away from the tourists? Want to experience some amazing…read morethings? Read on. Thiey have Mayan ruins here. They have bats hanging from ceilings in caves and the bats are a few feet away from you. They have moderately poisonous snakes eating live birds a couple feet from you are walking. This is the real jungle and it's all around you. And best of all, and for a hefty fee (CASH ONLY, by the way, so take a lot), you can take a wild speedboat ride to a natural lazy river where you climb into the water and float along, unguided by anything but the natural current, for about thirty minutes, in lovely, briny water, among the mangroves, small fishes, and birds swooping in and out of the marsh around you. It's a surreal, wonderful experience. No rubber inner tubes, no lifeguards, no guides. Just you and the river and the fish and the birds. Very, very few tourists here. I hesitate to even review this place because I want it to remain real forever. Hopefully, only the adventurers will come here.

Alright, here's what you need to know about this historic site…read more There are some really interesting things about this site, the longest Mayan Road, the arch for the gate, and some of the buildings are also fantastic. Even if they were rebuilt to some degree, they are pretty cool to checkout. There are plaques around the sites that explain things, but a guide will definitely help you time things better and keep you moving a little better. As far as historic sites go, I would give it a ~7/10, there is some interesting things to see, but limited. As other people have said, this feels like a scam in a couple places. The fact that you have to pay two separate entrance fees, then get solicited for a tour guide and pictures. But that's not too bad all things considered. A few tips, form your own group if you must, but the tour guide is per Group, not per person. Pack your own bug spray. Bring water. One of the entrance fees is cash only, so bring some cash too. As with all historic tours, it doesn't hurt to fact check. There were a few liberties taken with some details.

Chichén Itzá is a blockbuster; San Gervasio is an indie film with more heart…read more When you think of Mayan ruins, you probably picture the soaring temples of Chichén Itzá or the dramatic cliffs of Tulum. Cozumel doesn't have those giants -- but it does have San Gervasio, and if you're stepping off a cruise ship and want history without a full-day bus ride, this is a must-visit. San Gervasio was the island's most important Maya site, dating back to around 300 AD. It wasn't a military fortress or a massive city -- it was a sanctuary dedicated to Ixchel, the Maya goddess of fertility, love, and the moon. Women from across the Maya world would travel here on pilgrimage, offering gifts and prayers to Ixchel. That makes these ruins less about war and kings, and more about family, spirituality, and daily life. The site was rediscovered in the 19th century by explorers and archaeologists cataloguing Cozumel's Maya heritage. Unlike mainland ruins, San Gervasio's structures are smaller, smoother, and more subtle -- but they tell stories just as powerful. What You'll See: * The Temple of the Hands (Las Manitas): named for the tiny red handprints still visible on the walls, believed to have been left by the temple's ancient inhabitants. It's eerie and beautiful at the same time. * Several plazas, temples, and causeways (called sacbeob) connecting the structures. They may not tower over you, but they whisper a quiet history of community and ritual. * Nature everywhere -- iguanas sunbathing on stones, jungle paths that make you feel like you're uncovering something hidden. Walking San Gervasio feels different than bigger ruins. It's intimate, personal, almost contemplative. Instead of being overwhelmed by sheer size, you're struck by the human scale -- families, priests, women on pilgrimage. You can almost imagine what it felt like to arrive here centuries ago, carrying offerings to the goddess. Cozumel doesn't have skyscraper pyramids, but it has temples where women prayed to the moon. San Gervasio may not wow you with towering pyramids, but it delivers something more meaningful: a glimpse into everyday Maya life and their devotion to Ixchel. For cruise passengers, it's the perfect ruin excursion -- accessible, fascinating, and filled with stories etched into stone. If you want to truly touch Cozumel's past, this is where you start. San Gervasio isn't about conquering empires -- it's about connecting to something bigger. Watch out for Mosquitos. Pay the 1.00 for a spray down of off before your tour. Support the local economy.

I didn't realize Chichen Itza was one of the new seven wonders of the world! I don't remember it…read morebeing on the list, but I also didn't know the list can change based on popularity poll...SMH. I believe Chichen Itza is a one of the new seven wonders of the world because it's among the best-preserved and largest archaeological sites in the world. It's also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. I'm still glad I got the opportunity to visit Chichen Itza. So much history! The culture of the Mayans; their way of life, the ingenuity and the science are fascinating and amazing. Be prepared to experience some tropical heat. I recommend going as early as you can to avoid crowds and the heat. It gets hot under the glaring Sun. There is no shade around the main Pyramid. A good guide or a tour company also is very helpful. I found the history provided by our tour company to be very inspiring, insightful and interesting, yet sad at the same time. "As one of the most important city-states in pre-Hispanic America, Chichen Itza is one of the most visited archaeological sites in Mexico today. Chichen Itza, one of the New 7 Wonders of The World according to UNESCO, since July 7th, 2007" - https://www.chichenitza.com/ Pre-Hispanic City of Chichen-Itza "This sacred site was one of the greatest Mayan centres of the Yucatán peninsula. Throughout its nearly 1,000-year history, different peoples have left their mark on the city. The Maya and Toltec vision of the world and the universe is revealed in their stone monuments and artistic works. The fusion of Mayan construction techniques with new elements from central Mexico make Chichen-Itza one of the most important examples of the Mayan-Toltec civilization in Yucatán. Several buildings have survived, such as the Warriors' Temple, El Castillo and the circular observatory known as El Caracol." - https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/483/ I had no expectations when I came here, since I hardly knew anything about Chichen Itza. I didn't expect to thoroughly enjoy and love this trip as much as I did. I highly recommend visiting Chichen-Itza if you get the opportunity.

I finally got to visit Chichén Itzá (one of the New Seven Wonders of the World) and it was…read moredefinitely an experience worth having! As you get closer, there are parking areas that charge around 70-80 pesos. We accidentally drove into the lot and ended up paying 126 pesos. I didn't see any clear signage at first, but the guard mentioned there's a paper posted at the booth when you enter; so just be aware. Once inside, there are actually two separate entrance fees (state and federal), which together came out to about $45 USD. There is a money exchange on-site, and I was able to convert my US dollars to pesos with no fee, which was very convenient. Before entering, there are food spots and vendors. Be mindful that they are pretty strict about what you can bring inside. If you bring restricted items, you'll either have to take them back to your car or pay a small fee to leave them there. Inside, there are vendors everywhere selling beautiful handmade items. It's nice to see, but it can get overwhelming since you'll be approached frequently. Some will say items are "$1," but once you get closer, prices can be higher; so just keep that in mind. There's a LOT of walking. The day I went was hot and sunny, so definitely dress in breathable clothes and wear comfortable shoes. Even with the heat, I had a great time exploring, taking pictures, and just taking in the history. I heard there are two cenotes on-site, but I only found one. You can't swim in them, but they're still beautiful to see. There are some shaded areas and places to sit, which helped with breaks. I also overheard a guide mention that medical assistance is available near the entrance, which is good to know, especially in the heat. We had about a 2-hour drive to get there, and the road is long with very limited stops. Gas stations and bathrooms are scarce, so plan ahead; bring snacks, drinks, and make sure you're prepared before heading out. Overall, it's absolutely a must-see if you're traveling to Mexico. Just come prepared, stay hydrated, and be ready for a full day of exploring!

almost forgot that this was the whole point omggg…read more the water was sooo warm (100+ ft below too so wear your life vests!) and you have to store your belongings in a locker of course. an experience i hope everyone can view one day to see this with my own eyes... after only being able to see this online... humans saw this and decided to create corporate life D; one of the most beautiful places i have ever been to

Absolutely stunning. Pretty crowded but everyone seemed to be respectful of the space. There are…read morelockers nearby that you can rent to store your items. Life vests are required- once you step foot off the ledge, you're plummeting down into 150 feet of water. Gorgeous views- the hanging vines, birds and bats make it a sight you'll never forget!

It is a a place to explore at least once if you are in the area. There are many shops, bars and a…read morelot of action any time of day or night. You find many overpriced souvenirs and shops and there is something for everyone. I found it to be a safe place and there is added security present. You will still be approached often to enter a shop, restaurantsto buy a massage, to get a tequila shot or to buy something from a street vendor. I wasn't there for the shopping so I didn't entertain them and politely declined with a smile. My favorite attraction is the park of the end of the street by the waterfront.

A lot of cool shopping places. Since it's a tourist area, things are more expensive than they…read moreshould be. If you find something you like, go to other stores because you may find it cheaper. Try haggling too. It's a nice place to walk around and look at things