Day Twelve - Maya Ruins of Tulum

// August 8th - Tulum, México //

Since all bus tickets to Chichen Itzá were sold out for today, Karla and I bought some to Tulum instead, another archaeological site with ancient Maya ruins.

The trip started kind of bumpy. We got ripped off, because a guy sold us a boat tour as an educational experience where we could learn about the ruins from a Mayan guide. In addition we would have the option to snorkel. But that wouldn't be such a big part of the trip, he said, after we told him we don't have swimwear with us. So, we booked the tour.

When we got on the boat, party music was playing, everyone was wearing swimsuits, people were asking when we go snorkeling already, and nobody spoke English.
They didn't explain anything at all, they just drove up to a spot where we could the the largest ruin from the waterside, pushed everyone to the front to take a picture and as soon as that was done, they already turned around the boat. One moment, please...

We asked the "guide" about the explanations about the pyramids. We weren't here to snorkel after all. He was baffled. Helplessly seeking eye contact with the other "guide". Asking the captain. He didn't know anything about it. Oh, and as mentioned - nobody spoke a single word in English.
He started, stuttering "Well, uh, this is a Mayan Pyramid. It's old." WOAH NO WAY, I learnt so much!
Actually, he realized that it was a pretty stupid idea, talked to the captain again and when the boat turned around, he just said that they're taking us back to the beach, we basically didn't have anything to say. And also he explained that they have this problem with the guy who sold us the tour quite frequently.
Back at the beach we explained the situation and they reimbursed us, half of the price we paid for the tour. At least this covered our lunch, some ice cream and the cover for the actual archaeological site.

The ruins were pretty impressive to see, they were well preserved, some even still had some colored handprints on them. Which made me wonder what exactly they used to create this color (it's a plant called achiote) and if they were ever able to wash it off their hands (haven't found an answer).

After spending most of the day at the ruins, at the beach of Tulum and talking, recapping our life at Disney, we had a great day after all.

I guess I'll just stay away from dodgy boat tours from now on.