Tulum Mayan Ruins & Playa del Carmen

by ferry, coach & on foot

Cozumel is an island off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, southeastern Mexico. This experience takes you across to the Mexican mainland for a visit to the ancient ruins of Tulum, combined with some free time in Playa del Carmen.

Following a hearty breakfast on board, your day begins with a short walk to the embarkation point of the chartered ferry that will take you across to Playa del Carmen. Guests from multiple destination experiences will be sharing the same ferry, so once everyone has embarked, the ferry will set sail for the approximately 45-minute crossing.

Once ashore in Playa del Carmen, embark your coach and take in the passing scenery as you journey approximately one-hour to Tulum, which once rose majestically above the Caribbean Sea and was an important seaport, trading mainly in turquoise and jade.

Upon arrival, you will explore the site with your guide. The site is believed to have been inhabited as early as the 6th century, but the city was built and flourished between the 13th and 15th centuries. As well as being the only Mayan city built on a coast, Tulum was one of the few protected by a wall. Made of limestone, the 784m (2,570ft) wall encloses the site on three sides, is 7m (23ft) thick, and varies between 3m to 5m (9ft to 16ft) in height.

You will enter the ruins through one of the openings in the wall. Most prominent of the remaining structures is El Castillo (the castle), which was used for centuries as a navigational aid for sailors. One of the better-preserved buildings is the Temple of the Frescoes. There is a gift shop at the entrance of the site should you wish to purchase a souvenir of your visit.

Following your visit, rejoin your coach for the transfer back to Playa del Carmen where you will have approximately two-hours of free time to explore at leisure. Take a stroll along the town’s famous Fifth Avenue, lined with shops, bars and restaurants.

At the designated meeting time, you will embark the chartered ferry along with guests from other coaches and destination experiences, then once all are present, set sail for the approximately 45-minute crossing back to Cozumel.

During the experience, you will be provided with a granola bar and a bottle of water. Additional refreshments can be purchased at the entrance to the Tulum Ruins or in Playa del Carmen.