Prior going to Mexico, from internet, we already knew that we could go to the Tulum Ruins by the local’s public transit “collectivo”. Our hotel build conseruc confirmed that at Day 1.
We met the Air Canada Vacation agent at Day 2, he tried to promote us the ½ day excursion to Tulum for USD $55 per adult and $45 per child. That meant $55+$55+$45=$155 for our family. We said we were interested to other excursions but not to this excursion as we could do it ourselves, but he tried to scare us with the long walk to the ruins. (Which I think is not true.)
At Day 3, we walked toward the Highway after our breakfast. It was about 8 minute’s walk with a 5 year old boy. We crossed the highway to catch the south bound collective. Don’t worry to much on how to stop them, they will come to you. In our case, the collective (white van) noticed us and stopped for us before we even crossed the highway. As usual, always ask for the price first. We paid 35 pesos x2 adults. Child got free ride. As expected, the collective got off highway to Akumal to get more passengers. We arrived at the Tulum archeological site in 25 minutes.
At the highway entrance, there was a ticket booth with the sign “The Official Info Center – Free Maps”. It was not the Archeological site’s official booth. It was a regular Tour Ticket Booth. As you walked in, every tour booth had the similar sign with “Official Info Center”. Talked to them if you are interested in the tour packages. They offered better price then our Air Canada Vacation agent. For instance, they offered the XCaret Excursion package with 20% discount. They take cash or credit card. We didn’t have cash nor credit card at the time, so we passed the deal and got our free map. Not sure about their credibility, but I think they are trustable. They are doing their business there, they not going anywhere.
From the highway, you can either walk (about 7-10 min walk) or take a train (20 pesos per adult, child is free, round trip) to the site. We have a child who loves train, so we took the train. We saw a lot of tourist just walked in.
At the site entrance, we bought our entrance tickets (57 pesos per adult, child is free). We spent a good 2 hours in the site touring around. We didn’t plan to swim there, but saw a lot of people swimming. The site was hot, but the short 15 minutes rain brought down the temperature quite a bit. The best spot to take ruins photo is the empty field on the hill side distance away from the ruins’ main temple. If you don’t know where it is, just pay attention to the crowd who follow a tour guide. All tour guides brought their guests to the spot to take photos.
On our way back, we stopped at the shopping area. Avoid those smaller stores first. Go directly to the supermarket next to the small stores; survey the price there to equip yourself for the real bargaining. For example, we paid 20 pesos for a small toy for my son in a small store, but only found out it was selling for $1 USD at the supermarket. The small store tried to sell me a Tulum Ruin souvenir for $25, but the supermarket sells the same one for $11. If you think you are not so good bargainer like me, just buy from the supermarket. It won’t be wrong.
Going back to our hotel, we missed an outgoing collective. We were greeted by a driver with an empty collective. Again, ask the price first. It will not leave until it is full with passengers. Full means full. We waited about 25 minutes inside the collectivo (with AC on) until he got all 14 passengers.
We spent 140 pesos for collectivo, 40 pesos for train, 114 pesos for entrance ticket. In total, we spent 294 pesos. About USD$23. (Compare to $155 plus tips with the Excursion from Air Canada Vacation.)
