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There is one thing that the Mexican Caribbean is in no short supply of and that is beaches.
The number of blue flag beaches in the region is rising exponentially, which in turn brings more and more tourists to visit in search of the picture-perfect vacation.
Quintana Roo in particular has some of the most popular beach destinations in Mexico, known for their natural beauty and cultural richness, making it a no-brainer for the avid traveler when choosing where to go.
With that being said, it can be quite overwhelming when there are just too many good options to choose from (it’s a hard life, right?).
Though beaches should not be judged on how good they are by how much it costs to visit them, the most expensive beach in Quintana Roo is Ruinas, located in Tulum, and acts as an important tourist point for visitors looking for some truly impressive surroundings!
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Ruins Beach (Playa Ruinas)
The beach has a pretty iconic set-up, with ancient Mayan ruins set atop its cliffside, overlooking the crystal clear water and white sugary sands of its shoreline below, almost looking too perfect for its own good.
Ruinas is mixed with natural beauty and history, offering tourists the chance to explore the Mayan settlements as well as to bask in the serenity of the beach, making it a truly impressive destination in the heart of the Riviera Maya.
Access to the beach is through admission fees, making it a pricier visit than other beaches, which are free to go, but you quickly forget the price when you capture a glimpse of just how beautiful the location is.
Plus, even though it is the “most expensive“, it is still super affordable to visit, as ticket prices to enter the ruins are typically under $4 USD. However, costs can vary when you include transportation and whether or not you choose to explore the ruins with a guide or not.
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What To Do
You of course need to check out the popular archeological site that sits above the coastline, which is the only site in the Mexican Caribbean overlooking the sea, making it extremely unique.
Its fascinating history pours out from its walls, with the ruins dating back to the ancient Mayan people more than 1,500 years ago, and has many impressive structures that still stand today; the most iconic of these is the Castillo pyramid.
If you find yourself on the beach below after taking some time to explore the ruins, be sure to take stock of the historical significance of the very sand you stand on, which would have once held the footprints of traders from the 17th century who also used it as a dock for their hollowed-out wooden canoes, trading goods from all over the region.
This is truly a special place, and once you’ve had enough of its history, you can just enjoy the beach for everything that is has to offer as well.
With calm, shallow, turquoise waters and palm trees as your backdrop, this is the perfect place to put your towel down and catch some rays.
Beyond Playa Ruinas
The beach itself is situated in one of the most upcoming areas in the Mexican Caribbean, Tulum, where a plethora of attractions and activities wait for you.
Lovers of the outdoors will find themselves falling in love with Tulum as it is host to jungles, nature reserves and some spectacular cenotes all right at your fingertips, along with its more boho-chic, trendy vibe compared to the more mainstream neighbors Cancun and Playa del Carmen.
A stand-out, must-visit is the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is a nature-lovers paradise and is perfect for the sustainable travelers among you.
Continuing its emphasis on its natural wonders as a main draw for tourists, Cenote Cristal and Cenote Escondio are fantastic choices for those wishing the see the iconic sinkholes.
These natural beauties date as far back as the ancient Mayan times, when they used them for water supplies and also as spiritual sanctuaries, believing they were passageways to the underworld.
Tulum also has a vibrant art scene, a mouthwatering gastronomic scene, and is the home for all things wellness in the Mexican Caribbean.
With the arrival of the new Tulum International Airport, which begins operations next month, all eyes are on the upcoming destination to see if the endless choice of natural and historical wonders, the plethora of artsy activities and wellness attractions, and one of the most expensive (and prettiest) beaches in the world will be enough to entice ever more tourists on their search for the best vacation ever!
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