Exploring Southeastern Yucatan :: Tulum & Coba

We stayed at the Blue Tulum Resort & Spa in Tulum recently for a getaway vacation. Normally, not "resort" type travellers, we chose this resort because of the good ratings and reviews, plus it seemed unique enough and not too large. It ended up to be a lovely experience, with the infinity pool, waterside bar, various restaurants, and spa - along with a very nice staff and easy access to the rest of the area.

The first thing we noticed was that it felt very private, as it is a small luxury resort, and feels like an intimate & elegant upscale boutique resort. It offered many secluded spots to enjoy, plus outstanding views over the beaches.To actually visit a beach, you must go down the road a bit because the beach outside the hotel is a rocky cliff. It's also just 5 minutes away from the ancient Mayan Ruins of Tulum.

As an all-inclusive option was added to our reservation, we enjoyed unending cuisine and drinks with superior service, as well as spa treatments in the 5star salon.

The atmosphere is great for a wonderful, quiet getaway...where you can feel special, and not just a number in one of the other large-scale run of the mill all-inclusives.

Just a short drive down the road from the Blue Tulum Resort where we were staying, are the amazing ancient ruins of Tulum. Dated around the 1200s, these ruins rise above the Caribbean Coast in a splendid way which takes a visitor back in time. The entire city of the Mayan's isn't too large, but it's a very open space, so even with a lot of tourists, you can find open places to walk around and be quiet to take it all in.

There are various temples, homes, and civic buildings still intact with walkways marked out among the grounds. Take the time to read the plaques by the buildings, but it's recommended to bring a informative guide book along as a supplement.

There's an open public beach accessible by descending stairs along the seaside cliff. This area more than likely was used for the docking of many Mayan ships, and offers a great view back up towards the largest structure of the site.

The ruins of Tulum is a must see visit! The entrance fee is $35~40 pesos (video cameras extra $30 pesos),which is about $4USD, and is open 8am to 5 pm everyday. There is a parking lot with shuttle service to the entrance gate, or you can park on the side road (closer to the beach) which has roadside parking for free, then you just walk a few hundred feet to the entrance gate.

Besides being one of the premier destinations in the Yucatan Peninsula and home to one of the most magnificent displays of Mayan ruins in Mexico, the city of Tulum also has some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. White pristine sand, colorful coral reefs, and wonderful array of lodging options from cabanas to luxury resorts, Tulum Beaches have everything one might want out of a seaside getaway.

Powder sand from white limestone and crystal clear Caribbean water make for a scenic setting for visitors with a goal to relax and/or explore. Yet to be overrun by over-developed coastline of large all-inclusive resorts, Tulum is instead dotted with quaint cabana style resorts, boutique hotels, local restaurants, and smoothie stands.

Visitors can reach the beaches by traveling along Tulum Beach Road and finding many of the free off-road parking areas, renting bikes and cycling in from town, or walking along the sidewalk road that leads down the coast from the Tulum ruins. The beaches are only a few kilometers from the center of the small town center and are very visitor-friendly. Most of the beach is public, and can be accessed by several throughways in between resorts. If you're not staying at a beachfront resort, you can gain access (and sometimes parking) by finding a resort with a public restaurant or cafe to patron.

Another option for a visit to these pristine beaches is that of beach clubs. Several of these clubs exist where visitors can pay for a day pass including parking, locker, shower room, beach chair, umbrella, towels, and more. Options vary with each club so just shop around to find the best option for you. Here is a good website explaining several different ones: http://www.travelyucatan.com/tulum_mexico_beach_clubs.php

Activities like kite-boarding, kite-surfing, diving and snorkeling all are offered at various sports centers. One can even take a boat trip offshore to one of the most diverse coral reefs in the Caribbean.

Tips:
• Most visitors enjoy the southern Tulum beaches the most as they are more open, sand is whiter, and less crowded
• Although not officially legal, nudity is accepted on Tulum beaches unlike most of Mexico
• Don't leave valuables in your car along the road, as this is a known place for thieves

One of my most favorite things that we did was to visit a few cenotes throughout the Yucatan. Cenotes are a type of sinkhole unique to this peninsula area of Mexico, and exist in several environments, including open, cavern, and cave. The word is derived from the Mayan word, "dzonot" which means sacred well, as the ancient Mayans thought that these fresh water collections were a gift from the gods. Some of the underwater cave and river systems extend for dozens of kilometers in a web of interconnected streams. Divers come from around the world to experience the unique experience and specialized ecosystems of the cenotes.

The first cenote we visited was the Gran Cenote just outside of Tulum. This is mostly a cavernous sinkhole, and is touted as one of the most beautiful in the area. It was completely magical getting there early before many people, and swimming in the open area as well as under the cave openings where countless stalactites hang. Groups of small birds chirped and wizzed above our head just barely grazing the water before landing again in the holes among the cave ceiling.

There were so many caves and passageways to explore beneath the water but as we were just snorkeling, many were off limits to us, although a couple groups of divers emerged from the blackness during our swim. It was so peaceful down in the sinkhole and the shade of the overgrowth and the coolness of the water was very refreshing from the overwhelming heat during that week.

I'd definitely recommend this as a MUST SEE and EXPERIENCE place while in the Tulum area.

http://www.grancenote.com/
Open 10-5 everyday
Entrance fee: about $8/per person
Snorkel equipment available for rent : about $7/mask, fins

More extensive diving tours available as well. Consult the site for more info on pricing.

After we'd experienced the breathtakingly beautiful Gran Cenote, which is a cavern-style cenote, we decided to explore a different type the next day.

Cenotes are sinkholes found only in this part of the Yucatan, which come in formations of caves, caverns, or open lagoon. Cenote Manatee, often referred to as Casa Cenote is located just several miles north of Tulum. From the main road look for signs to the residential area of Tankha and the hotel/restaurant Casa Cenote. In front of the restaurant is the entrance to the Cenote.

Entrance is free, and there is a small selection of snorkel gear to rent for a few dollars. Many dive instructors use this lagoon as a training area, but since it's off the beaten path, it's relatively empty most of the time.

Set in crystal clear water, this open cenote is flanked with mangroves on each side and offers dozen of kilometers of exploration fun for divers, snorkelers or kayakers alike. As there are no cavern walls in which to take refuge, be sure to keep covered from the sun (although sunscreen is prohibited in order to protect this delicate ecosystem).

Although this cenote is named after the fact that many manatees used to use this river system for transportation avenues, they say that a sea cow hasn't been seen in the area for quite some time. This is unfortunate, as to swim with one of these creatures would have been a delight...but there are many schools of silver fish that take its place.

The ruins at Coba' are hailed as another one of the great Mayan sites and was completely worth the small detour on the road between Tulum and Chichen Itza. Located only 28km northwest of Tulum, this ancient site is a hidden gem among the luscious jungle setting and predates most of the other ruin sites in the area dating back as early as 600bc.

It's easy to get around the site as there are walkways and signage throughout. It does feel quite rustic and open though as many of the structures haven't been restored, and almost no place is off limits to explore or climb. The walk around the entire site takes about 1.5-2 hours, and if you get tired of walking, don't worry...there are plenty of pedicab drivers willing to take you around for a small fee. Definitely take the time to explore thoroughly the 5 areas of buildings that this city was divided into.

Multiple (and climbable) pyramids exist, as do smaller buildings, temples, and civic structures. Invest in a good guildebook to help you soak in as much historical facts as you walk around the site that many describe as a real-life Indian Jones adventure.

Definitely bring plenty of water and bug repellant, wear comfortable shoes and a sun-protecting hat.

The site is open between 7am and 6pm every day.
Parking lot fee is 10 pesos.
Entrance fee is 38 pesos (around $3).
Tour guides are available for additional fees.