December 18th, 2010 - Tulum Mayan Ruins

Tulum is the third Mayan ruin we have visited (see previous posts in the spring of 2010). Of the 400 identified sites in Mexico (approx. 150 have been excavated), this is the only port. The population was small, but it was a key to the coastal trading that extended from the Gulf of Mexico to Honduras.



The ruins are guarded by dozens of Iguana. We learned that the males are the ones with the ridge on their backs.


The main temple and the home of the Priest/King. The homes are not in as good shape as they used timber in their construction. The temples are all limestone.




The temple of fertility.


The temple of the wind. It had a hole that became a whistle when the wind comes at a certain strength, from a certain direction, that gives warning of a hurricane.


The temple of water. It is located above a "Cenote" (underground river).


Son James and fiancee Maria behind the main temple.


Sandra wets her feet in the Tulum Harbor.