Near the modern town of Tulum, 80 miles from Cancun, you will find the glorious, ancient Mayan city of Tulum perched above the shores of the Caribbean. Although the Mayan city of Tulum is small in extent, it is incredibly interesting and its location is gorgeous.
The name Tulum ("wall") refers to the thick walls that surrounds the Mayan site on three sides (cliffs protect it on the Caribbean side). The major edifice in Tulum is the temple known popularly as the Castle which dominates the site. El Castillo is the most outstanding building for its location (constructed on a rock 40 feed from the beach) and its high facade is decorated with serpentine columns, animal figureheads and a descending deity.The city is walled and you can enjoy its various public, civic and religious buildings. Here priests, astronomers, mathematicians, architects and engineers lived, but the common people lived outside of the city walls.
Be sure to bring water, a sun hat, suntan lotion and an umbrella. Protection from the sun is a necessity, as not only will you be outside a lot, but the sun will be shining at a higher angle than at home and can do damage quickly unless you are lathered up and wearing sun gear. In addition, the inlet has a fine little beach and you just might want to take a swim, so be prepared. Tulum is a popular site that is on the tour bus circuit, so expect huge crowds most of the season. If you want good photos, arrive either early in the day or late in the afternoon, when the sun’s rays seem to make Tulum even more magical. Enjoy the beautiful view of the sea from the cliff and observe with care the animals of the region like the iguana and don’t forget to visit the beach where you will without doubt enjoy the Caribbean sea.
The Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve located south of Tulum, was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its sensitive tropical ecosystems. The Biosphere Reserve includes tropical forest, mangroves, marshes and a marine section intersected by a barrier reef. Its habitat contains a remarkable diversity of plants and animals. The reserve, which is over a million acres in size, is funded by "limited" tourism. If you visit, your "contribution" will help sustain the reserve. There is a lot to see and do, although all of it is related to nature and observing nature.
Tulum is growing in popularity, especially with those who are not attracted to the twenty-four hour a day action and large crowds found in Cancun. The town of Tulum is located 5 minutes from the archaeological zone on both sides of Federal Highway # 307, here you can find supermarkets, craft shops, dive shops, tour operators to the cenotes, fishing and ecological reserve Sian Kaan. If you want to stay on the beach , the Tulum hotel zone is your best bet .You will love Tulum for its great sunbathing, good quality diving and snorkeling, an abundance of water sports.
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