Roped off areas at ruins?

[BigDog2081]

Hello, I'm pretty new to these boards but have found them really helpful in planning our vacation. I'm now 2.5 days away and counting from being in the Playa area for the first time. I will be staying at the Iberostar del Mar as part of a wedding party including my wife and 14 month old son.

I have always had an interest in archology and would love to take the advantage of seeing the Myan Ruins in the area, but must also keep the needs of my son in mind. I would love to make it too Chichen Itza, but I need to remove any questions from my wives mind that we will go through the hassle of taking are son their and being disappointed in our trip. So may main questions are, are you still allowed to climb El Castillo? I've heard the observatory is closed off, is this still the case? Are there good opportunities to see the insides of buildings and temples? If you can climb El Castillo can you go inside it?

Also, does anyone know how long the trip is from IB* del Mar to Chichen Itza? How about how long it is to Tulum or Coba?

I've heard that El Castillo is roped off at Tulum also, is this still the case? What about Coba, can you climb the Castillo's or go inside buildings?

Thanks, any info you can provide would be great.

[Softy57]

I climbed el castillo at chichen in Jan 04,they say they will stop it at some point,but who knows? Tulum,all pyramids are closed off to climbing,but impressive just the same. Chichen is a hard 10 hr. trip on bus or van,to do it with child,rent a car,start early,get a good map & relax.Tulum is hot & sunny,but only a 1 &1/2 hr. to 2 hr. tour. Well worth it tho,& don't miss all the small little relics you will find downtown & in Playacar,etc. They are everywhere if you look.Consider a map of Playa from Mapchick.com,lots of info & tips,good luck!!....Gail

[dymnback5]

Went there yesterday. Yes, you can climb El Castillio and yes you can still go up inside and see Jaguar throne. Hours on that part are 11 to 3 and maybe some later?? There are a few you can go into...but you gotta look around...also one of the cenotes has two caves just off the path...check em out...my boy thought they were very cool. I love old ruins and especially the history of the Maya...I would kill to explore some of the temples more. But its understandable...especially when you see some of the heard mentality come into play....people just acting like its some old rocks...throwing garbage around....try to pry on things....dont get me started. It is still worth the trip!!!! Go!!!! Enjoy...but remember...it is very hot!!! Go early... Oh it took me less than three hours from Playa...actually closer to two...but I got big, heavy feet!

[Lil G]

Coba is worth the trip You can climb a lot of the structures! Take plenty of water with you. The first time we went, I don't think we had enough. It is great with trees that actually remind you of the "banyon" trees of Hawaii. (you can hang from the upgroing roots) I am not sure if that is what they are or not. Take your mesquito spray. You are in the jungle. It is beautiful from the top. Hope you have a great time! I am almost jealous....I won't be there until Sept.!!!

[BigDog2081]

Thanks for all the responses.

Dymnback5 - Did you rent a car then? How much did it cost to rent and where did you rent from? You say it took you between 2 to 3 hours to get there? Were you provided with a map when you rented the car or where did you get a map from?

[dymnback5]

Driving here is easier than people make it out to be. I'll drive here over Seattle or L.A. any day!!!! Just make sure you understand the left-turn thing....thats the kicker! I rented a car from executive online, through the airport. I was quoted 108 a week for a nissan tsuru (sentra). These are excellent little go anywhere-do anything rigs. I had one stateside right after college...and lets see 11 years later, I stll have it as a back-up car. Anyways...my problem with executive was that they insisted I take insurance when I got to airport. That made the rate 198 a week. I argued for half an hour...I was really pissed! Finally I was tired and hungry and worked a deal with the renter for 143 (the 108 plus 5 dollars a day for a liability insurance....but I checked with Visa before I left and my CDW was covered! I am still pissed...lol) Anyways....easy to get from airport to Playa...dont need a map...just remember..Tulum equals south and Cancun equals north. Merida / Valloidad (sp?)equals west. Ok, to get to Playa ... leave airport and veer to right when sign says tulum....Playa is well marked and lit. No worries there. To get over to Chichen Itza...head north from playa and when sign says points left to cancun and right to Merida/ chichen itza...go right. Its that simple. Signs are well marked. When you get off tollway, pay attention and return the same way! Its easy. Just know that the toll road over and back is gonna set you back about 40 bucks....but easy drive...I bet I didnt pass or see more than 30 cars over and back!!! Was doing about 150 kph on some stretches...but I have driven the road before...so maybe dont use my example! I've been there a few times now...and it really is an easy...although long trip. I say leave really early, go to Chichen Itza, then go on to Merida for an overnight stay, drive back the next morning...and stop at Crocoon (sp?) on the way back. Thats our favorite way of doing it. Search this sight too...there is lots of info on the ruins, driving, etc. One more recomendation....check out mapchicks stuff. Here maps are great...really have lots of info. And really, the one for riviera maya...it will be all you need to go from Cancun to Tulum and from Coba to Chitzen Itza. Relax...and have a blast...we are!!!!

[jeffandbecky]

You also might want to check out Ek Balam. This set of ruins is far more impressive than either Tulum or Coba. CI and Ek Balam are a very long day from PDC. Both cities are close to the town of Valladolid. If I had to see only one ruin CI is hard to beat but Ek Balam comes very close. One option would be to spend the night close to CI and catch the other site on the trip back to PDC.

Sincerely,
jeff and becky