Both Chichén Itzá and Tulum are Mayan ruins, found on the Yucatan Peninsula, in the state of Quintana Roo. Both can be reached by hire car as a day trip from Cancun, so you do not have to go as part of an organized tour. (One piece of advice on hire cars - petrol stations are 150 miles apart! Do not risk running out of petrol and top up whenever possible!)
Both are absolutely stunning. However, due to the shear size of Chichén Itzá I recommend visiting Tulum first. Tulum is not any less interesting or stunning, but after Chichén Itzá it does seem to pale in comparison.
Tulum is a ruin situated on a cliff. You can look down and see the perfect, blue sea and beach and its position alone makes a visit worth while. There a numerous of large iguanas. There are often tours, which are worth while. Ask to see the fresco depicting a man on a horse (which is taken as an indication that a "foreigner" once entered Mayan territory).
Chichén Itzá is a massive complex of ruins. The shear size and complexity are mindblowing. Check out the ball court for example, with the huge stone ring on the side wall. Climbing the main temple "el castillo" should only be attempted by people who are not afraid of heights (there is no rail when you reach the top!).
From Chichén Itzá you can take a trail to the "cenote of sacrifice" - a huge hole in the ground. The Mayans used to throw people and precious belongings in to appease their Gods. Still, it is quite a long trip in the heat and the way is lined with Mexican children selling handkerchiefs, trinkets etc. and they can be very determined and do not go away until you have bought something.
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Advantages: A very good resort with lots of different attractions Disadvantages: Sometimes expensive, and a bit of a tourist trap. Take dollars ONLY for the airport tax.
northers 26.07.2000 ·
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Review of Cancun (Mexico)
Advantages: unique, in your face, great entertainment, superb value for money. Disadvantages: bit cheesy - but meant to be
TheWizardsSleeve 05.11.2007 (31.10.2007)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Coco Bongo, Cancun, Mexico
Advantages: Trapeze acts, stage artists, great fun party music, atmosphere, strong drinks Disadvantages: Very busy, likely to get drinks spilled on you
![Video Visits: Mexico - Merida, Cancun, Belize [DVD] [1999] [US Import] [NTSC]](http://picnicb.ciao.com/uk/116084473.jpg "Video Visits: Mexico - Merida, Cancun, Belize [DVD] [1999] [US Import] [NTSC]")
Aug 12th, 2000
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