Mexican Caribbean destinations like Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum are most known for their beautiful beaches, which is undeniable.
Their location on the Yucatan Peninsula, though, means they all have various Mayan ruins to explore, too.
While they may not be as well-known as those further inland like the great Chichen Itza, destinations along the coast still offer plenty of fine examples of Mayan history and ingenuity.
The Tulum Ruins
One of the best archeological sites in the region is in Tulum.
These fascinating Mayan ruins, just two hours from Cancun, have officially become the third most visited site in Mexico.
Read on to learn everything you need to know about the Tulum ruins and visit this fascinating archeological site.
How Popular Is The Tulum Mayan Archaeological Site?
There are quite a few archeological sites in Mexico, several of which are quite popular. The Tulum archaeological site is the third most visited.
This is according to a press release put out by the National Institute of Anthropology and History.
So, how many tourists visit the Tulum Ruins?
According to records, it’s more than 3,000 a day!
Ruins At The Tulum Archaeological Site
The Tulum archeological site is a massive piece of property with several different Mayan ruins on it.
The tallest structure, at 25 feet tall, is the main pyramid, El Castillo, which translates to “the Castle.”
Other noteworthy structures include the Temple of the Descending God, the Temple of the Wind God, and the Temple of the Frescoes.
What Makes The Tulum Ruins Unique Compared To Others
The Tulum ruins may not be the biggest in Mexico, but the archeological site is unique and special in one particular way: its location.
The site sits on a cliff nearly 40 feet high overlooking the Mexican Caribbean Sea, giving visitors an unbelievable view of the turquoise water below and for as far as the eye can see.
Visitors can also access the two beaches below while visiting the ruins.
How To Visit The Tulum Ruins
There are several different ways to visit the Tulum ruins.
Which one you choose depends on a few factors, like which Mexican Caribbean destination you’ll be visiting and what kind of tour of the ruins you want.
If you won’t be staying in Tulum, then a tour may be the best way to go because tours start at around $40, not including entrance fees.
Transportation otherwise can be pretty expensive, unless you opt for the Maya Train.
Tickets will only cost about $35 roundtrip from Cancun, but you’ll still need transportation from the station to the archeological site, just as you would if you were staying in Tulum.
The Top 2 Most Visited Ruins In Mexico
In the press release, the two most visited ruins in Mexico were highlighted as well.
The second most visited site, Teotihuacan, is not a Mayan archaeological site but an ancient Mesoamerican city.
The most visited site is, not surprisingly, the Chichen Itza Mayan ruins, which are about two hours southwest of Cancun.
Other Archeological Sites In And Around Cancun
There is plenty to see if you want to explore even more archeological sites while visiting the Mexican Caribbean.
Cancun itself is home to a few of its own, including El Meco, El Rey, and San Miguelito.
The Coba ruins, which are also pretty impressive, Muyil, and Ek Balam are all about two hours from Cancun, and Xel-Ha is about an hour and a half away.
This gives you plenty of options if you’re fascinated by Mayan archeological sites and you want to explore more after visiting the Tulum ruins.
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