Tulum ruins worth it?? how rugged?

[disneydawn6]

I am taking my parents and aunt and uncle on the 7 day western. They are all in their 70's. They are not beach people and thought they might enjoy the ruins. Has anyone been? Were they worth it? Would they be OK for the elderly??.
Thanks

 

[MrsG]

DH and I went this past July and loved it, but we are able 40 somethings. I would hesitate with older people because of the heat and the amount of uneven walking. It was like walking on rocks and pebbles and hills. There is no place to rest or sit except on a rock in the sun. Think twice about it.

 

[halloween1031]

It is an excellent experience, especially for those who seek a little more cerebral stimulation than the typical cruise fare. However, MrsG is correct that it can be a bit of a workout in the sun. My folks are in their 70s and would go in a heartbeat—but then again their idea of fun (aside from Disney cruises of course) is taking a two week canoe voyage in the Galapagos to see the rare Blue Footed Boobie (it’s a bird, not a Vegas show!).

If they are in good shape and can walk a mile or so without fatiguing and have no balance problems, they shouldn’t have a problem. Seeing the ruminants of a culture that had the calendar down to a few seconds a century (let alone the one we use that is so poor we have to throw an extra day in every four years) is a remarkable event!

Have fun either way!

 

[saturday97]

I am wondering about this excursion as well. My DH is really into ancient civilizations and wants to do this, but I don't know if it's too much for my DS who will be 5. He has a good time just about anywhere, so I'm not worried about him enjoying it, but I'm wondering if it's too rigorous for him. Any thoughts?

 

[MDDisneyFan]

Two points on this excursion. . . .

1. My DH and I went on the Oct 26th Magic cruise (it was wonderful). It was still very hot when walking around the ruins. So, depending upon the time of year you go and whether or not heat is a factor, that would play into the decision.

2. The boat ride from cozomel to the Mexican mainland was, for me, a little rough. I had to take Dramamine (non-drowsy) on the boat. I was fine for the return trip to the ship, I just wish I had known to take the Dramamine before getting on the boat for the trip to the mainland.

Overall I really enjoyed the the excursion and am glad I went.

 

[Doctor P]

Thanks for all the feedback--we, too, are looking forward to trying this shore excursion next July.

 

[disneydawn6]

We are going on the Jan 4th cruise... Do you think it will be extremely hot at that time??? Thanks so much for all your replys... My Dad is in great shape but not my mom.... Not sure about auntie and uncle........

 

[sandygirl]

I actually booked the Tulum Ruins excursion and then canceled. I am sailing 1/04/03 and chose the Western specifically to see the ruins. Problem: my daughter will be 5 1/2. Just wasn't sure if the excursion was too much for her, a long day, rugged terrain. She is wonderful and very mature, being basicly raised as an only child with adult siblings.

Has anyone taken a child on the excursion? It is a lot of money but I know I will be sorry to have been so close and not experienced the history of the area. Any suggestions?

 

[Doctor P]

I can speak to the January weather issue. If the sun is out, it will be extremely hot (though the water may temper it somewhat). We visited Cancun and Chichen Itza in January and it was the hottest I can remember being in my entire life. The tropical sun is indescribable until you experience it (it is very intense, IMHO).

 

[okiemomx5]

We went in the month of May (although we were on the Norweign Sea Cruise Ship) and it was VERY HOT. You need a hat and sunscreen for sure......there is also a lot of uneven walking like many have said. You can also sorta climb down to the beach and it's beautiful......very great for picture taking, but we got sand fleas! Ick! They do have outdoor souvineer shops while you wait for the trams. All I can say is it's beautiful, walking, no place to really sit, but rocks.....and HEAT HEAT HEAT.
We enjoyed it but at the time we were in our mid-30's. I think the bus ride over there was harder...for some reason the long drive.......and riding on the buses ALWAYS made me drowsy.
I TRIED hard to stay awake. I know my in-laws (late 60's) would NOT be able to do ......but my parents (mid 60's) would have but they are more agile and fewer health problems.

 

[jlawall]

How long does it take to get to Tulum from the ship?


and.....

I have visited Tulum when vacationing in Cancun and it was hot, rocky and......THE HIGHLIGHT OF MY TRIP. It was definitely worth the discomfort to see something that ancient. I highly recommend it! The beach there is very beautiful.

 

[okiemomx5]

We were docked away from Cancun because there was no dock there......so we took a ferry type boat and that took 30 min one way.....then boarded a bus and that trip took about 45 min one way and we made one stop at a roadside souvineer place.

When we docked at Cozumel we took a long boat ride over to Playa De Carmen and drove by bus to Xcararet.....a neat park (lots of walking, but not much climbing.......where we floated through caves -- out of this world experience!).
XCaraet ended up being not very far from Tulum but it was a longer trip due to being docked at Cozumel.

We loved that trip! Our 3rd place was Hondurous.....where we snorkeled on a beautiful beach!

Okay, more than you wanted to know, but I get excited ...that was a fun cruise!

 

[jlawall]

I have been to Xcaret twice and I highly recommend this stop as well. The underground freshwater caves are amazing.