With its postcard-perfect beaches and toasty weather, Tulum is the ideal destination for anyone looking for a beautiful beach getaway; as mentioned, we just can't think of a better place to dip our toes in soft sand while ocean-gazing. 

To simply categorize Tulum as a beach-lovers paradise, however, would be a mistake. Tulum is also an amazing center of Mayan culture, both past and present, and in the area lay three of Mexico's most amazing ruins. Needless to say, it would be a shame not to see at least one on your Yucutan escape - especially since the most popular site (the Tulum Ruins) lies within a stone's throw from almost all the area's accommodations.

For simple planning purposes, we've listed all of Tulum's ruins below, highlighting each one's approximate travel time and unique draws. For more details on directions or with help arranging transportation, simply ask the staff wherever you're staying. Understandably, these ruins are the pride of the local people; helping you find your way to the stunning sites is an easy favor they'll be more than willing to oblige.

And if you've been to any of the ruins, let us know - what was your favorite? And do you have any tips for fellow jauntsetters?

Happy trekking!

your jauntsetter team

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Of the three sites, this one is the closest, located only about a mile or so away from Tulum's Hotel Zone. This means that you can easily bicycle over to the site - and we recommend it. Renting bikes is inexpensive in Tulum, and it's an easy ride over to the ruins. Plus, there's a little cove at the site, perfect for swimming in after you've worked up a sweat on your bike (or from simply touring the unshaded ruins). 

Seeing the ruins in an hour or so is doable as the site is small, with only three main structures: the Temple of the Frescoes (honoring The Diving God, Tulum's #1 deity), the Castillo (a one-time fortress and temple, and the largest building you'll see there), and the Temple of the Winds (which, some think, served to foretell hurricanes). 

On your way back from the ruins, you may want to stop by the snorkel park Xel Ha, a natural water park where you can snorkel, kayak and dive amongst dolphins. 

Also note: If you can, try to head over to the ruins before 9:30 am - that's when the Cancun resort buses drop off their swarms of tourists.

This one's not as close as the Tulum Ruins - it'll take you about 40 minutes from Tulum - but we think it's worth the extra miles. Coda is less excavated than the Tulum and Chichen Itza Ruins, which gives it a wilder, more jungly feel. After seeing all the spider monkeys, ferns, birds and structures overgrown with vines, you might even feel like you're discovering the ruins for the first time. You'll certainly feel more isolated than at the other two sites - Coba doesn't draw as many visitors to begin with, and because it's so expansive, you might not even cross paths with those who do come. 

Because the ruins are so spread out, touring them can add up to a ton of walking, so we suggest renting a bicycle at the entrance. That way, you'll save up your energy for the most exciting part of the trip: scaling the 138-foot (that's 120 steps!) Nohoch Mul pyramid, which apart from being the Yucatan's highest pyramid, is also the only one you can still climb. And we recommend you do - from the top you'll be able to see even more ruins, beautiful lakes and a lush expanse of green vegetation.

The whole visit should take about a half day, and if you're not too tired, we recommend stopping by the Grand Cenote on your way home. It's only 10 minutes from Tulum and provides some great snorkeling with cool water filled with beautiful stalacites and stalagmites. Make sure to bring your mask and snorkel!

Bonus tip: If you're driving and looking for some grub, try the San Francisco for fresh tortillas and authentic Mayan food (on the super cheap; you can even buy the tortillas by the kilo!). You'll spot it when you head off the main road turnoff on your way to the ruins.

Chichen Itza Ruins (pictured)

These ruins are farthest away, at a few hours from Tulum, but don't write them off - they're considered the most impressive of the three ruins and display the Mayan's remarkable building techniques and clever architectural details. For instance, if you whisper something at one end of the 490-foot ball court, anyone standing at the other end will hear you loud and clear. 

Then there's El Castillo ("The Castle") - the 75-foot pyramid that has the Mayan calendar incorporated into its architecture: 91 steps on each of the four sides plus the top platform totals the 365 days of the year. And, over the spring and fall equinoxes, you'll see a serpent-shaped shadow slithering down the north side of the pyramid. 

Intriguing architecture aside, Chichen Itza is worth visiting for the Cenote Sagrado ("Sacred Cenote"): a military green, 190-foot natural well guarded by iguanas. Keep an eye out for treasures, since a great number of artifacts have been found here - jade, turquoise, bone, wood - as well as tons of human skeletons. If you don't find anything (which you probably won't), you can haggle for some hand-crafted local fares at any of the hundreds of stalls at these ruins. 

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