Located 20 miles south of Akumal, the dramatic Mayan ruins of Tulum stand

on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean sea. Tulum was fist occupied in the Late Post classic 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
Mayan civilization.  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. 

There is a large market (bargaining is expected).

Tulum village also has a variety of local restaurants and shops.

More Photos of Tulum Ruins

Xel-Ha ruins are a minor archaeological site located across the highway from
Xel-Ha park, about 12 miles south of Akumal. 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.  It takes about an hour
to walk the site.

The ancient Mayan ruins and village of Coba are located about a 1 hour and 30 minute drive southwest of Akumal.  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 fromTulum. This archeological 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 or bikes are available for rent at the entrance. The village itself has several small native markets and restaurants. Next to the main lake is the Villas Arceologico Hotel, which is a great place for lunch and to cool off in the courtyard pool.

Plan to spend most of the day at Coba.

Coba Ruins / More Photos

Ceramic fragments tell us that Muyil was settled by about 300 B.C., the end of the Middle Formative Period, but no architectural elements this old have been found. The site grew slowly through the next 900 years. In the latter part of this period (Early Classic - A.D. 300 - 600) masonry architecture appeared. In the Postclassic (after A.D. 1000) Muyil participates in both the architectural style of the East Coast, and in its ceramic styles.

This famous site is located about three hours from Akumal. Chichen Itza
is one of the largest ancient Mayan cities in the north-central Yucatan. The
first large- scale archaeological 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, or one night is even better.

Wear your hiking boots or good walking shoes and go early in
the morning. Some of the hotels at Chichen Itza include;

Hotel Mayaland and the Hotel Club Med Villas Archeologico.

Aerial Map of Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza / More Photos

Hotel Mayaland / Chichen Itza

Hotel Club Med Villas / Chichen Itza