Tulum, which means "sunrise" in Mayan, is a pleasant fifteen-minute drive south of Akumal. The city is built on the only cliff overlook on the coast. It is a large remnant of a walled city. As with all public ruins there is a small entry fee except on Sundays (family day). Enjoy the open air market while you are there. Good buys can be made if you are prepared for negotiation. A few blocks beyond the turn-off to the ruin is the actual present day village of Tulum, where fresh fish, bread, fruit, and local craft products can be found There is one road turning right toward the jungle from Tulum that will take you to Coba (photos below), believed to have been one of the largest ceremonial cities in the Yucatan. It is about a 45-minute drive on a good road through the jungle which passes through small Mayan villages. The town of Coba has a Club Med Archaeology Hotel and restaurant which is open to the public and is a nice place for lunch before or after a trek through the ruins.

There are nice shops in this areas where prices start out lower than at other markets. Prices are a bit more fixed than in Tulum and the roadside markets on Rt. 307. Wood carvings can be purchased here that were made by people who live in the area. The ruins are less commercialized and less excavated than most major sites which can add to the enjoyment. There are two major pyramids well worth the climb for the breathtaking view they provide over the treetops of the surrounding jungle. The trail is marked and some side trails will allow for visits to unexcavated areas of the ruin. We recommend using a guide or using a map the first time you visit here because the ruins are in uncleared jungle except for the paths. The pyramids at Coba are among the tallest on the entire Yucatan Peninsula. It is approximately a one kilometer walk to the main pyramid so come prepared with good shoes, insect repellent, and water. There are many other small and easily visited ruins at Xel-Ha, Tancah, and Xcaret. The famous ruins of Chichen Itza and Uxmal provide a full day's adventure and are well worth the trip if ruins are an interest of yours.