On the Caribbean coast, on the southeast of Mexico, located in Quintana Roo, is the city of Tulum. This is the only Mayan city that was built by the water. It's a beautiful walled city which is one of the most visited places, and considered one of the big Mexican marvels. Tulúm, a word of Mayan origin, means "wall", it's the only archeological site by a beach, surrounded by walls on three sides: the fourth side of Tulum is the Caribbean Sea. The landscape is absolutely dazzling, from the reefs where the city is on you can admire the beauty of the Caribbean, with underwater caves and a tropical jungle.
Tulum is divided in three zones: the beach, the archeological and the town. The beaches are really impressive, and many of them are yet considered as virgins. In fact, every year thousands of turtles came to these beaches. Tulúm has three well differentiated areas: the beaches, the town and the archeological zone. The beach area is particularly breathtaking, many of them are still virgin, the cabins and small hotels were built in total harmony with the natural beauty of the surroundings. Tulúm is on the south point of the Mayan Riviera, which is very convenient to stay for a few days and visit the nearby ecologic parks: Xel-Ha to the north and Sian Ka'an to the south.
WHERE TO STAY AND HOW TO GO - HOTELS AND FLIGHTS
You can find every kind of accommodation here, for the most demanding tourists and you could also select the picturesque cabanas with different luxury levels, from the simpler ones to very luxurious ones.
Of course that many hotels use the typical Mayan decoration style to offer their visitors an accomodation totally incorporated to the amazing scenario that Tulum offers to the tourist..
From the International Airport of Cancún, you can take the Cancún-Chetumal highway, Tulúm is a little more than 130 kilometers away. There are buses that offer this service from the airport.
ACTIVITIES - WHAT TO DO
The archeological tourism, eco-adventure tourism and diving are only some of the activities you can do, besides all the water sports possible. Tulum is ideal for relaxing, physically and spiritually; you can practice meditation or yoga, or enjoy an old fashioned Mayan steam bath. Tulum is the eco-archeological destination, perfect for those who enjoy nature, sun and history; adventure, exploring and contact with nature.
Several of the best Mexican beaches are on the Mayan Riviera. Tulúm stands out, with the beautiful sky blue waters and for being next to one of the most impressive Mayan cities. Unlike Cancún or Playa del Carmen, Tulúm is a tranquil place with tourists who walk its extensive beaches. It's so quiet is not unusual to bump into people who practice nudism.
On the south of Tulum we can enjoy a gorgeous beach called Boca Paila, which is inside the Sian Ka'an Reserve, it's virgin and it's located between the Caribbean Sea and the Muyil Lagoon. It has a magnificient tropical vegetation, exotic birds, turquoise waters and white sands. You can get there by a narrow coastal highway, the local fisherman offer their services, and you can camp there as well.
WEATHER - WHEN TO GO
The weather in Tulúm is tropical, humid and hot, the average temperature starts at 25ºC to 35ºC. The best time of the year to visit is from November to May, because the rainy season goes from May to October.
