Tulum

The dramatic Mayan ruins of Tulum stand on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean sea. Tulum was fist occupied in the Late Postclassic period, beginning about a.d. 1200. Its principal structures are similar to those found at Mayapan. Tulum was an important port and trading center for the Yucatan's east coast Maya. Within the walls of the city lies a series of platforms and buildings, including ruined palaces and elevated temples. The most impressive structure is "El Castillo". The temple of the Frescos is also interesting. It has murals that are similar to the designs of the Paris Codex, one of the few surviving Mayan books.

Go early to Tulum, no later than 9:00 a.m. to avoid the bus loads from Cancun. This area has heavy tourist traffic. Large market, bargaining is expected. The pueblo has Money exchanges at good rates, GAS STATION HERE! FILL UP YOUR TANK BEFORE YOU HEAD NORTH!

XEL-HA RUINS

Xel-Ha ruins are a minor archaeological site located across the highway from Xel-Ha park. The city is under excavation due to road construction. It has one temple complex where you may see magnificent "frescos" or Mayan paintings. Some of the best preserved are on the "Temple of the Birds". There is a beautiful but fading painting of a Teotihuacan warrior in full regalia.

Follow the "white road" through the jungle and you will find a "sacred cenote". This is a wonderful place to take a swim. Past the cenote is a small structure, the Temple of the Jaguar", look inside and you will see the red hand prints of a holy Mayan priest.

This area has very light tourist traffic. Takes about an hour to walk the site.

Coba

Coba was the capital of the largest Late Classic empire in the Northern Lowlands. Coba is a mammoth ruined city and is located 30 miles inland from Tulum. This archaeological site sits amid 5 small, shallow lakes and is very impressive. Coba is known for its great length of occupation. The earliest stele dates to a.d. 623 and Coba was occupied until the late Postclassic times, around the 14th century.

The main group at Coba is dominated by the Castillo complex. From this area a series of "white roads" or sacbeob radiates in five directions. Coba is famous for these raised roads, of which 16 are known. Coba also has a large late Post Classic temple known as Nohoch-Mul, it is one of the tallest structures in the Northern Yucatan. The view from the top is stunning. You can see the outline of the city in the jungle. This site is currently under excavation and is mostly covered by vegetation. Good bird watching and great photo opportunities.

Go early to avoid the jungle heat, wear sturdy shoes, insect repellent and bring water. While visiting this Mayan city, you will walk about 6 miles. The village itself has several small native markets and restaurants. Plan to spend most of the day. No Gas station here!!

Muyil

The Mayan ruins of Muyil are located 15 minutes south of Tulum on Highway 307. Muyil is situated around a beautiful blue fresh water lake called La Laguna. This archaeological site is currently being excavated by the University of the Yucatan. Muyil is mostly covered in vegetation, however there are three temple groupings that are quite interesting. According to the lead archaeologist, Luis, Muyil is one of the oldest cities found in the Northern Yucatan. He estimates there are 75 templesin the main complex waiting to be uncovered. This site will be fascinating as it emerges from the jungle but it will be many years before this ancient city reveals its secrets. Muyil has light tourist traffic so crowds are not a problem.

Chichen Itza

This famous site is just a few short hours from Akumal. Chichen Itza is one of the largest ancient Mayan cities in the north-central Yucatan. The first large- scale archaeologial investigations began in 1924 and were conducted for 20 years by the Carnegie Institution. Chichen Itza means "opening of the wells of the Itza". Chichen Itza has many elaborate structures, the most impressive being "El Castillo", the Great Ball Court, Temple of the Warriors and The Caracol. Plan to spend the day at this site. Wear your hiking boots and go early in the morning.