 The Tulum Mayan Ruins are one of the best-preserved coastal Mayan sites in the world. It is located approximately 1 hour by car south of Playa Del Carmen (80 miles from Cancun) and is the third most visited archeological site in Mexico, after Teotihuacan and Chichen Itza. The town is quite small and is most known for the ruins that were built here in the 10th century. The ruins are the site of a Pre-Columbian Maya walled city that served as a major port for Coba. One of the last Mayan outposts it was built as a fortress overlooking the sea and was abandoned about 75 years after the Spanish takeover of Mexico in 1521. Tulum is the Mayan word for fence or wall, and appears to be an important site for worship of the Diving or Descending god, as depicted by the many statues and murals. While the ruins are not as architectly as impressive as Chichen Itza or Uxmal, it is noted and popular due to its picturesque setting overlooking the beautiful sea. There are 60 structures that spread over the area of the ruins, with the biggest being The Castle (El Castillo), a cliff top pyramid structure which inhabits a temple at the very peak. A small shrine appears to have been used as a beacon for incoming ships. This shrine marks a break in the barrier reef that is opposite the site. Here there is a cove and landing beach in a break in the sea cliffs that would have been perfect for trading ships coming in.
 Another highlight would be the Temple of Frescos, located on the left side of the entrance. Inside are many mural, and Mayan motifs as well as exterior statues. Many of the statues are of the Diving God, with many more statues and murals being present in the Temple of the Diving God located in the central precinct of the site.
 While the Tulum Mayan Ruins are a nice sight to be seen, there are not nearly as impressive as the ruins at Chichen Itza. Add to the fact that the majority of the ruins are now roped off, and that it can get quite crowded (especially if you want to venture into the Ocean) and it may be best to drive the extra distance to Chichen Itza. The cost to enter the ruins is approx. $4 US and you may also pay for guides that will lead you around the ruins and give you a history of what they are and what happened, however the accuracy of their stories may not be 100%.
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