Day 356 – Tulum
Tulum Ruins and Cenotes
Today we left our airbnb, Casa Lupita at 8am. We then went back to Croco bikes (near ADO bus station) to rent two bikes and snorkelling gear for one and a half days (return at end of business tomorrow). It cost us 170 MXN / $12.99 AUD per person (p/p).
Croco bikes
Tulum Ruins
We left Croco bikes at 8.30am and arrived at the ruins around 9am. The majority of the path was segregated from traffic with a separate bike path. The few times, we had to get onto the main road, was nerve-racking. But most motorist gave us plenty of distance when they passed us.
We rode past large car parks at the end of the road before the ruins. Everyone who drove, had to walk from here or take the shuttle. As a cyclist, we could go very close to the entrance. There is a small cycle parking here, and heaps more if you follow the road to the right.
After securing our bikes, we walked to the entrance and paid the 75 MXN / $ 5.73 AUD p/p fee. The ruins are very crowded with tour groups and solo tourists. The location so close to the beach gives the ruins a unique vibe. The site is relatively small, and only took one and a half hours to walk around. The site was originally called Zama, which means “dawn”.
There are some strange ferret type creatures that run around the site, which I have never seen before. Also due to the number of English speaking groups, it was really easy to overhear information about the highlights from various tour guides for free.
Grand Cenote
We left the ruins at 10.30am and rode for 45 minutes to the Grand Cenote. We had to cycle along the shoulder of the road, but this road is not as busy as the main highway. There is no cover from the harsh sun but at least the road is flat. It felt like a slightly uphill to me, but then, on the return trip, I felt the same, which is impossible…I think.
Entrance was 180 MXN / $13.75 AUD p/p. At this time, the cenote wasn’t too busy. After the mandatory pre shower, we descended into the cenote. It wasn’t as large as the other ones, but we could swim around with fishes and tortoises. The water was so refreshing after the long bike ride.
As we left over an hour late, the cenote was getting more and more crowded. We had a pre packed lunch before leaving the site.
Cenote Aktun-Ha / Carwash
From Grand Cenote we rode further to the Cenote Aktun-Ha also known as Cenote Carwash. The road conditions were exactly the same, as it was just further down the same road. It took us around 25 minutes to cycle here. Entrance to the site costs 50 MXN / $3.81 AUD p/p.
This cenote has a very relaxed vibe. Its looks like a lake. There is a small jumping platform, showers and a few seats. Once we got into the refreshing water, we could see a handful of divers inside the cenote. This cenote has clear water, and looked like it was at least 5m deep in the middle.
We spent almost two hours here. Before heading off we purchased some tasty coconuts from the store near the entrance. It was possible to rent snorkelling gear for 50 MXN / $3.81 AUD p/p, but if you go to several cenotes its way cheaper from Croco bikes.
The ride back from the cenote took 35 minutes. We stopped at the Super Aki supermarket to get some supplies, before cycling back to our airbnb. Since our accommodation also has bike rentals, he was curious when he saw our bikes. However, it was cheaper to go external. Either way our friendly host helped us plan our next days travels with lots of suggestions.