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Coba
Muyil
Only a short drive south of Tulum, there’s a nice little site with very
few visitors. This site goes under two names, Muyil and Chanyaxche. It
is not big, but there are a few interesting buildings and the historical
significance is apparent. Your visit will probably last about half an
hour. Parking is free. Continue south about 15 minutes (22km) after
passing the village of Tulum and you’ll find it on the left hand side.
Tulum
Tulum is open daily from 8:00
a.m. until 4:00 p.m..
Admission to the site at the time of writing is 30 Pesos
($3.00 US), with a further 30 Peso charge for video cameras.
There is no admission charge on Sundays.
The site itself is located about a
ten minute walk along a path from the visitor centre which is just off
Highway 307. There is a small shuttle that runs between the site and
visitor centre for those who don't feel like walking.
The best time to visit Tulum is
early in the morning before the tourist buses from Cancun arrive. It is
still cool and one can appreciate the grounds without the crowds. It is
also the best chance to get pictures of the ruins without anyone in
them. If you can't make it first thing in the morning, then wait until
later in the day, when the crowds have departed.
If you can't get there early then there is a gap around noon when the
groups from Cancun have either departed or headed to the beach, and the
groups from the cruise ships from Cozumel have yet to arrive. A dip in
the sea on that beach I noted is a good idea while waiting for the
crowds to thin out. There are also several souvenir and gift shops,
selling replicas of Mayan Art, colourful blankets and hammocks and a
variety of other items. One tip, there are several similar places on the
side of Highway 307 on the way south to Tulum. The prices at these road
side stands are much better than at the visitor centre. Several Mayans
in traditional costumes can be found about the visitor centre and will
pose for pictures with tourists for a small tip.
 Please protect and preserve this ancient paradise. |
