Cruise -- Mayan Temple at Tulum

This Mayan temple to the gods was the third of three temples built at this site by the Mayan people.   The other two temples couldn't be seen because this temple was built on top of the second temple, which was built on top of the first temple.  Tulum was one of the youngest Mayan cities, established in about 1100 AD.  The location of the community was chosen because of a freshwater stream that is about 200 m north of this photo.  Mayan civilization disappeared due to wars between the cities, not because of the arrival of the Europeans.  The language of the Maya is still spoken in the Yucatan peninsula and is being taught in Mexican schools again.

This is a door through the walled city of Tulum.  The Mayan people were very short.  It was easy to tell which Mexicans had Mayan ancestry because I towered over them.

Part of this excursion was supposed to be a swim at the beach at Tulum. Unfortunately, the tide and winds were high making swimming conditions so close to the rocks pretty dangerous. Mexican authorities had closed the beach accesses, but I was able to take this photo from the ruins.  Too bad . . . it was a very hot and humid day, and the break from the heat would have been very welcome.