Cozumel, Mexico & the Mayan Ruins in Tulum

Our ship docked in Cozumel on Monday morning. After a half hour boat ride to the main land of Mexico and a forty-five minute bus ride, we arrived to the Mayan Ruins of Tulum.

Tulum was thought to be one of the most important cities of the ancient Mayan during its time.


The most impressive building in the city of Tulum was the temple/castle, El Castillo (below). Like many important structures in the Mayan world, it is the result of different stages of additional construction. It began as a palace-like base, the staircase added at a later date and eventually it was crowned by the temple on top. This temple-topped pyramid also served as a watchtower and a lighthouse.

Tulum means "Wall", and the city was christened thus because it is a walled city; one of the very few the ancients ever built. Below is one of the entrances to the city of Tulum. The Mayans were not very tall people. I (Eric) had to almost bend in half to enter/leave.

Behind us is the temple/castle.

One of the Mayan watchtowers - Tulum overlooks the Carribbean. At one time it functioned as a "lighthouse" guiding ships through the treacherous reefs that lie offshore.