The Mayans created one of the great cultures of Mesoamerica. They had impacts in developing math, the calendar, the arts, hieroglyphics, culture, and astronomy. They built ceremonial centers and thriving cities revolving around trade. Their territory stretched over much of Eastern Mexico, the Yucatan Peninsula, Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador.
Pyramid El Castillo (The Castle)
On the coast of Quintana Roo, Mexico stands the ruin site of Tulum. It is one of the most important Mayan archeological sites on the east coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. On our Carnival Cruise line’s Western Caribbean cruise, we had the opportunity to visit this amazing ruin sites. This adventure was something I had always wanted to experience, another item to cross of the old “Bucket List.”
Tulum sits high on a bluff overlooking the crystal green/blue Caribbean Sea. At the water’s border is a beach of fine, white crystalline sand, surrounded by lush green tropical vegetation. We discovered that a wall on three sides and the sea on the fourth had defended the city of Tulum. The inhabitants of Tulum had been divided into three social classes; the ruling class who were the leaders of govt., war, and trade, the middle class who were craftsman, and the lower class, the farmers, fisherman, and hunters.
It was our desire on this cruise to see and experience this history. We found it to be an eye opening, informative, and cultural experience. It was a wonderful, memorable day that we had on our Carnival Cruise to Mexico.
Playa Del Carmen
Our Carnival ship docked at Playa Del Carmen, Mexico on the Yucatan Peninsula. We prepared for this 8-hour shore excursion by carrying bottled water and a few granola bars and snacks in our backpack. We met our English-speaking guide on the dock for our transport in an air-conditioned motor coach to the ruin site. It was a 45-minute drive from Playa Del Carmen to Tulum on ocean view roads. There were spectacular ocean views on one side, and lush jungle terrain on the other.
Arriving at the main parking area for the Tulum site, we found that there were restrooms facilities there. You have to pay $1.00 US to use them though. I remember observing in the women’s restroom, bathroom stalls with no doors and two goats walking around inside. This was the beginning of quite the adventure.
We walked about one-quarter mile through the jungle on a rocky, hilly pathway to get to the ruin site. When we arrived at the ruin site, we were amazed and impressed of the different structures to see. Our guide leading us around was very knowledgeable and informative. We learned that Tulum had once been a market place and part of an extensive trade route for local products like honey, tobacco, vanilla, dried fish and pearls.
Temple of the Descending God
We spent time walking around the ruin site as our guide told us about the different monuments. Some of the buildings including the Temple of Frescoes and the Watchtowers were outside the walled city. The Pyramid El Castillo (The Castle) with its many stairs was the largest building in the main section of this walled city. We also noticed the Temple of the Descending God, and Ceremonial platforms in the main section. Religion was very important for the Mayan people as depicted by the various murals found in the Temple of the Descending God. There was also various altars and shrines, for good rain, good harvest and fertility. The Temple of the Wind and the Temple of the Sea were at various corners overlooking the vast Caribbean Sea.
After our guided tour of the ruin site, we spent time gazing out over the Caribbean Sea with its crystal green/blue waters. We felt transported to another place and time. In our minds eye we visualized a way of life that was so developed and advanced for its time. To stand there and realize all the feet that have traveled that way before was a humbling experience. If you ever have a chance to see this, I am sure you will marvel at it too.
Jill's Cabana Stories and Travels 