Tulum is a Mayan ruin located on cliffs along Mexico's Caribbean coast. It was inhabited between the 13th-15th centuries and survived about 70 years after the Spanish arrival, though diseases brought by the Spanish may have contributed to its demise. Today, the ruins are a major tourist attraction offering tours and activities to learn about the history and culture of the Maya people. Nearby attractions within 40 minutes include beaches, scuba diving, snorkeling, and a ferry to Cozumel island with shopping and tours. Transportation options to get around Tulum include taxi, rental car, bus, or bicycle rental.

1. Tulum, Mexico Tulum is the only Mayan ruin to be found on Mexico’s Caribbean coast. It is located in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo, on the Yucatan Peninsula. The ruins are situated on 12 meter (39ft) cliffs along the eastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. Tulum was at it’s height between the 13th and 15th centuries and survived about 70 years after the Spanish began to occupy Mexico. Diseases brought by the Spanish appear to have caused it’s demise. Today, the Mayan ruins at Tulum are a major tourist attraction and offer many activities for fun and adventure.

2. Attractions in and around Tulum

3. Attractions in and around Tulum The history and Mayan culture that surrounds Tulum serves up countless things to do in Tulum. Tours, adventure parks and ruins on all sides of Tulum ensure that visitors will be steeped in the exciting and rich history of the Mayan people who are still seen all over Tulum to this day. The modern day Maya hold hard to traditions and share their special story with visitors to this very special place.

4. Attractions in and around Tulum A guided tour of the ruins (ask for Raul) is a great idea, since in addition to experiencing the ruins, you will learn a lot about them and the Mayan culture. Tulum is very close (approximately 40 minutes) from Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen has some of most beautiful beaches ad offers scuba diving and snorkeling in some of the clearest water you will find. A short ferry ride from Playa del Carmen will take you to the island of Cozumel. Cozumel has a cruise port with duty free shopping, as well reasonably priced tours of local attractions. The area offers many natural treasures (such as cenotes and some of the most beautiful tropical fish you can find. As well as adventure parks and an exciting night life.

6. Things to Know Tulum is one of the best preserved Mayan sites. Most businesses will accept either Mexican pesos or US dollars. Temperatures vary from the daytime highs in the lower 80s to lower 90s to nighttime lows from the upper 60s to mid 70s. For price, the best time to travel to Tulum would be July to December. The risk would be that that this is the middle of the hurricane season. For weather, the best time to travel would be February through May, but you will pay more. Tulum is thought to have been formerly known as Zama, meaning City of Dawn, because it faces the sunrise. Tulum had access to both land and sea trade routes, making it an important trade hub, especially for obsidian. The three major structures of interest at Tulum are El Castillo, the Temple of the Frescoes and the Temple of the Descending God. The wall around Tulum averages 5 meters (16ft) in height, and 8 meters (26ft) thick.

9. Transportation The most common way of getting around Tulum is probably by taxi. However you can rent a car (the cost may vary depending on the airport you arrive at). There is also a bus service that goes to most other cites in the area (you could visit some of the other Mayan sites). If you are staying local, you could also rent a bike. This can be a great way to see the area, but the price can vary from 100 to 400 pesos. If you participate in an organized tour, many will include transportation to and from the pick up point. Tulum offers many fun and exciting (or even relaxing) things to do, regardless of how you choose to get around.