TULUM----A DAY AT THE RUINS

One of the many Mayan ruins on the Yucatan is within an hours drive of Playa del Carmen. We decided that a day at Tulum (pronounced To Loom) would be a nice break from our Playa routine that we have happily settled into. We travelled down on a Collectivo, which is a 12 passenger van.

Tulum is a very special as it is the only Mayan site that was built on the edge of the ocean. As such it has an important place in Mayan history. Built in the 1200's, the 5 metres high and 6 metres thick wall surrounded the site. The walls protected the city during wars between Mayan city states. It was an important port town as the Maya had trading routes up and down the coast. In the 1890's a Mayan liberation group reoccupied the site and held out against the Mexican army for more than 25 years.

Due to its location on the Mayan Riviera and its closeness to the cruise ship centre of Cozumel, Tulum has become the most visited archeological site in Mexico.

A troop of Los Olmecas Ototonacos dancers from Veracruz welcome visitors

THIS PICTURE IS SUPPOSED TO BE STRAIGHT UP.

On the way home we stop at a nearby deserted beach for a swim to cool down.

LIFE IS TOUGH!