Escape the crowded, mass market ship tour with this small group tour with excellent guides who really bring the Mayans and their history to life. After meeting your guide at the ferry pier in downtown San Miguel (Cozumel), you will board the ferry for your 45 minute crossing to the mainland. Here, you will board your air-conditioned transportation for the 45 minute drive to the famous Tulum ruins. During the trip you will be entertained with facts about present and past life in Quintana Roo (the region of Mexico you are traveling through) including demographics, ethnic groups, and gastronomy. This will set the stage for your immersion in the Mayan world.

Once in Tulum, you will have about a 10-15 minute walk from the parking area to the entrance of the site. For approximately 1.5 hours, you will be tantalized with facts and tales of the ancient and modern Mayan life. Your guide will discuss the culture as it was during the times of Tulum while you examine the inscriptions and murals on the temples; describing the decoration, rich iconography and its meaning to the Mayan. You will visit the outside of the castle, situated on a 40 ft. bluff, the Temple of the Frescos, known for its detailed carved figures, the Temple of the Descending God, the House of the Chultun and the House of the Columns.

After your visit to the ruins, you will return to the ferry pier in Playa del Carmen. If your schedule allows it, you may also have time for some shopping or a little dip at the beach before returning to Cozumel on the scheduled ferry.

Note: For guests wishing to use a video camera at the ruins, you will need to pay a $5.00 (U.S.) fee that is collected at the main gate to Tulum. No tripods or professional video equipment are permitted. Your ship must be in Cozumel for at least 8 to 9 hours to book this tour.