Tulum: Ancient Mayan Treasures Meet Pristine Beaches in Mexico’s Untouched Paradise
At the southern end of the Riviera Maya lies the archaeological site of Tulum, which overlooks a stunning stretch of coastline that has remained untouched by the massive tourist development that has impacted areas like Cancun and Playa del Carmen. Tulum is the perfect place to dive into the Yucatan as it was during the time of the Maya, with mangrove forests opening onto bays of white sand and turquoise waters, and ivory-colored rocks majestically overlooking the sunlit cliffs.
To reach Tulum and the nearby Sian Ka’an National Park, you must take Highway 307, which heads south from Cancun towards Playa del Carmen. After passing through Akumal and continuing towards Felipe Carrillo, you’ll reach Tulum just before the road veers inland into the state of Quintana Roo. Just before arriving at the modern town of Tulum, located along the highway, you’ll find the parking area on the left, from where you can begin your visit to the Mayan ruins.
Tulum is a Mayan word meaning “defense,” and this may very well have been the site’s purpose, given its strategic coastal location, which was unusual in Mayan tradition and vulnerable to attacks—especially if invaders found a way through the treacherous coral reef. In fact, the city also served as a navigational guide for sailors, functioning as an important commercial port. Light effects from the windows of the castle are believed to have guided boats, in line with the Mayan astronomical tradition.
The modern town of Tulum Pueblo, located about 3 km from the coast, is a neat and orderly town where visitors can find hotels, restaurants, and all the necessary amenities for their stay. However, it mainly serves as a base for exploring the area’s many wonders.
The fame of the Tulum site is largely due to its breathtaking location, which has driven its development and draws thousands of tourists every year, offering a unique combination of archaeology and the pleasures of seaside life. The Tulum beach (also called ruin beach due to its proximity to the ruins) is indescribable. The colors of the sea, the sand, and the emerald jungle intertwine with the allure of history and its ruins, creating a unique mix of ancient and wild beauty unmatched anywhere in the world.
Cenotes Galore
In addition to the beautiful coastline, the Tulum area boasts an abundance of cenotes—famous karst cavities filled with fresh water that provide a refreshing break from the Yucatan’s hot days. Around Tulum, there are at least 15 cenotes, some along the coast like Cenote Dos Ojos, Cenote Manatee, and Cenote Encantado, while others are further inland, such as Gran Cenote, Cenote Escondido, and Cenote Mul Tun Ha, located along the so-called Cenotes Route.
South of the archaeological site, heading towards Punta Allen, lies another major attraction: the Sian Ka’an natural park, where the environment has retained its primordial beauty. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, the park’s name, of Mayan origin, means “origin of the sky.”
Sian Ka’an is the largest protected area in the Caribbean, with at least 23 archaeological sites, 103 mammal species, and 336 bird species—making it a paradise for birdwatching. It is also an important breeding ground for sea turtles. Entrance to the park costs $4 per day.
What Is The Best Time Of Year To Visit Tulum?
The best time to visit Tulum is from winter to mid-spring, when the weather is drier and the heat is tempered by the trade winds. However, temperatures can still reach 32-34°C in April, just before the rainy season begins in June. The rainiest months last from June to October, often accompanied by heavy downpours. During this period, the sea temperature rises from 26°C in winter to 29°C by the end of summer, though this time is also marked by cloudy skies and the potential for tropical storms or hurricanes from the nearby Caribbean.
