Just a short 1/2 hour from Playa is Tulum, a small Mayan site, Xcaret a marine reserve and other popular diving and snorkeling beaches. Just climbing aboard the local bus is an experience in itself. It's a the road going version of the Orient Express with beautifully polished wooden window frames and overhead lockers.
Tulum
is real evidence that the Mayans of 1000 years ago were very small people,
well under 5 feet tall. One kind archaeologist described Tulum as a place
where the Mayans "forgot their proud art of building with precision" and
some buildings are rather comical in appearance. Situated on the coast,
Tulum was a shipping port that regularly traded with other Mayan sites
throughout Mexico, Guatemala and Belize. Here can be found what was probably
the world's first lighthouse.
By lining up their boats with the lighthouse, it was possible to navigate a safe passage through the only clear part of the reef. To get to the site, one must pass by some of the worst trinket shops I've ever seen. It is worth it however, if only for the wonderful seaviews and the chance to climb down the cliffs for a quick swim. If you find my sunglasses down there, please send them back!
The marine reserve at Xcaret and the diving at the island of Cozumel will probably be a better choice for those who have already seen the better Mayan sites. Whilst the variety and color of the fish is not as great as at Belize, these are still both great experiences. Just don't where any sunscreen, you'll be required to wash it off, as it's poisonous to all the wonderful sea life.
Copyright: Martin Dabb 1997. All rights reserved.
jmdabb@bigpond.com