tulum or chicken itza?

Tulum, the ruin, is about one hour south of Playa so it is very convenient and you can do this trip in a half a day. Tulum is actually divided in to 3 parts; the ruins, the town of Tulum 2K. south, and the beach of Tulum 3k to the east.Tulum is the only walled in Mayan ruin and is located right on the coast with one of the most beautiful beaches and gorgeous view of the Caribbean Ocean. It is smaller than most but a very important Mayan ruin. Included in this trip most guides will offer a stop at a cenote for fresh water dive or snorkel adventure or a tour of a second ruin located just west of Tulum the ruins of Coba.

http://tulum.com/

http://www.mayanriviera.com.mx/coba1.htm

Chitzen Itza is a 4 hour drive from Playa and is one the largest ruin on the Yucatan Peninsula. This ruin is a full day trip. The area is very large. wear good comfortable walking shoes and a big hat. Take along extra water. included with this tour guides may take you to Valladolid a Mayan town or even north to Holbox a beautiful island famous for the pink flamingos.

http://www.chichenitza.com/

http://yucatantoday.com/en/topics/valladolid

http://www.holboxtravel.com/

Hope this helps. got another question just ask.

Good answers so far.

Both are worth a visit, both can be visited in a five day vacation, and you might have enough info to make up your mind.

Here are my recommendations:

1- Combine Tulum with Coba and cenotes (near Coba).

Visit Tulum first thing in the morning, drive to Coba and visit the archaeological zone. Stop for lunch (about 1h30 in Mexico terms) at the Villas Arquelogicas hotel. Then drive to the cenotes near Coba (everyone there will give you directions). Back in Playa del Carmen at sunset.

2- Combine Tulum with Muyil (south of Tulum)

Visit Tulum early and be at Muyil dock by 11h00. Here you get in a boat, visit two small lagoons, traverse by boat a channel made by the mayans several centuries ago and leisurely float on a natural canal. An extraordinary experience.

No good food options to recommend, in Mil.

3- Combine Chechen's with Valladolid

Chichen-Itza is a magnificent site. After visiting it you can go to Valladolid for lunch and visit the town after that.

Whatever option you take... you will enjoy it.

What's you passion? Why not do it all? Chichen Itza is a full day trip from Playa/Riviera Maya. Coba, Chacchoben, Ek Balam, et. al are easily within range. At Coba you can actually meet and interact with Maya.

Not for nothing, but, Chetumal, a few hours down the road has a good museum, but, It's right there at the Laguna Bacalar (One of the most beautiful places I've ever seen)as well.

You really want to think about S'ian Kan, and Xcaret as well. Also right down the street a piece...

Where are you planning on staying? Packages of excursions can be had at a substantial savings over the individual prices.

Let me know if I can help. I love the place, the people, the food, and the culture, not to mention the Maya cooking!

Joe

I think Chitchen Itza is definately worth going to see. Yes, it is an all day excursion, but also a once in a lifetime experience. You get to see up close one of the wonders of the world! The pyramid there is not to be missed. Tulum is nice to see, but very different. Tulum is a half day excursion and is a lot smaller. You don't see nearly as much and you don't get the sense of history like you do at the pyramid.

look up pictures and decide for yourself.