Cozumel shore excursions - Tulum or Chichen Itza

[foxden]

Which one would be better for a family of 2 adults and a 11, 15, and 16 year old

Thanks

LF

[Charliesmom]

We have been to both Tulum and Chichen Itza. Tulum is beside the ocean and therefore will probably be cooler. When we were at Chichen Itza it was unseasonably cool (at 85 degrees Fahrenheit). Usually is is 100 degrees plus and humid there.

They are both interesting. Chichen Itza is larger and has a pyramid. Tulum is more of an astronomical site. Both were extremely interesting.

Roberta

[foxden]

Is the bus ride to Chichen Itza doable or would it be easier with kids to go to Tulum?

[Spender Nui]

Have only been to Tulum which I found fascinating. Also, it is right on the ocean and has a wonderful location. Although I understand that the ruins at Chichen Itza are much larger and more extensive, Tulum is a lot easier to get to, especially with youngsters.

[dakrewser]

Is the bus ride to Chichen Itza doable or would it be easier with kids to go to Tulum?
It's 130 miles each way, so probably closer to 3 hours than 2. When we went we flew from Cancun.

[foxden]

I notice that Caribe offers a tour to Tulum. Anybody use them?

[JRD]

I have not been to any of them but have done extensive research on all. I leave tomorrow on Zaandam and we decided to take a rental car to Coba and Tulum.
The ride to Chichen is over 3 hrs on a shore excursion and 2 1/2 if you do it in a car. (bus stops for 45 minutes at "souviner" stand on way) . You will only get about 2 1/2 hrs at the site.
Tulum is less of a ride but has less of interest for teenagers. They would enjoy Chichen much more, being able to climb the pyramid and having more things to see. Tulum is more "dignified" or adult, almost romantic.
I suggest you scrap the bus idea and get a car. Hertz rents out of Playa Del Carmen for about $60 a day. Easy highway toll road to get to Chichen. You can spend more time there than if you took the tourbus.
If your stop in Playa is short on time, than take the bus to Tulum, it's a sight to see. If you have an 8 hr stop or more, get your own car and haul butt to Chichen first thing in the morning. Tourbus start showing up at 11. You should have an hour or so to take pictures without a 1000 people standing around.

Look for my review of Coba and Tulum trip when we get back next weeek.:D

[DaveOKC]

Chichen is alot more interesting than Tulum, but it is a LONG day. On our last trip to Cozumel the ship was held for 1 hour waiting for that tour to make it back!
DaveOKC

[xpcdoojk]

In my opinion the only way to do Chichen Itza on a cruise is by plane. There is a small runway in Playa or from the airport in Cozumel. The flight is less than an hour and you will be able to get there before the tour buses from Cancun. The site is amazing, and the kids would love it and climbing the pyramid, but the airfare is not inexpensive. We did in about 7 years ago while on a scuba vacation in Cozumel. My wife who didn't dive, negotiated a deal with one of the local travel agents in Cozumel and our flight was about 79 dollars included snacks and drinks on the small plane about 15 passenger dual engine prop plane, landing in Playa and Chichen Itza was quite the experience. :D The great thing was we circled over the pyramids and got some great aeriel shots, we had completely toured the complex before a single bus arrived which is reason enough for me. This journey is not for the squeamish.


jc

[peaches from georgia]

[QUOTE=JRD..... we decided to take a rental car to Coba and Tulum.
The ride to Chichen is over 3 hrs on a shore excursion and 2 1/2 if you do it in a car......
.....I suggest you scrap the bus idea and get a car. .....You can spend more time there than if you took the tourbus.
[/QUOTE]
Haven't been on this excursion, so have no comment on that, but if you rent a car and have any delay along the way, the ship is NOT going to wait for you. You are going to be on your own to re-join the ship at the next port. :o

[DaveOKC]

I agree that I would only do a ship tour to Chichen. As I mentioned earlier, on our cruise they had to hold the ship for over an hour for the group to make it back. They would not do that for you in a rental car. Not worth the worry and hassle.
DaveOKC