Tulum
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On the southern tip of the Riviera Maya perches this mystical and welcoming town with streets filled with sidewalk cafés, handicraft shops, and bars and people coming and going on bike. The beach has a shared history with Mayan navigators.
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In the distance rise El Castillo ruins, offering the best views of the Caribbean. And, in spring, the first rays of sunlight illuminate the building’s exit.
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◆ Swim in one of the region’s many cenote pools.
◆Walk and relax on Tulum’s beach.
◆ Explore a spectacular cave.
At the end of October, the Festival de la Tortuga Marina (Sea Turtle Festival) is held. You can see loggerhead sea turtles, river turtles, and leatherback turtles, and sometimes even hawksbill turtles.
Picture: Gerardo Valdez Sanchez
❖ Archeological Zone of Tulum
This area has the best views of any archeological site: the turquoise waters of the Caribbean.
The site’s main structures are: El Castillo, topped by a temple whose facade features three access points adorned with deities, columns with serpent motifs, and zoomorphic figureheads; Templo del Dios Descendente, dominated by a sculpture of the deity; and Templo de los Frescos, with interior paintings depicting aspects of the Mayan cosmogony. While it was not a large urban center, it played a leading role in the region’s trade both at sea and on land between the 13th and 16th centuries. The main buildings were erected during the late postclassical period. It was also an astronomical observatory and point of defense.
❖ Venture into Sian Ka’an
Sian Ka’an, or Origin of the Sky.
The Reserva de la Biosfera de Sian Ka’an refuge spreads over more than 650,000 hectares and is made up of virgin beaches and spectacular landscapes where you can observe regional plant and animal life in rainforests, dunes, and wetlands. Pumas, spider monkeys, jaguars, dolphins, manatee, howler monkeys, sea turtles, and more than 300 bird species have made this paradise their home.
❖ Santuarios de la tortuga marina
Sea Turtle Sanctuaries
The Caribbean is, from time immemorial, a favorite sea turtle nesting site. We recommend Akumal, known as “tierra de las tortugas” (land of turtles), and Xcacel-Xcacelito–both south of Cancun–where you can experience the entire cycle: from nesting to hatching to venturing into the sea, you can even swim with the turtles!
Where:
Xcacel is 14 miles to the east of Tulum on federal road 307. Akumal is 5 miles beyond Xcacel on the same road, on the way to Playa del Carmen.
Operating Hours:
Daily, 9 am to 6 pm
❖ Swim in Cenote Pools
There are several natural freshwater cenote pools in the area, such as Cristal and Escondido 3.1 miles to the south, Aktun-Há 1.8 miles away, and Casa Cenote at 6.8 miles. The Gran Cenote, 2.1 miles away on the way to Cobá, is a system made up of several cenote pools created by an enormous sinkhole. Its depths hold stalactites and stalagmites that form incredible landscapes to scuba dive. Plus, you can swim, snorkel, and have a picnic in the designated area.
❖ Relájate en una
ceremonia con cacao
Llena tu alma de armonía, conecta tus sentidos y encuentra la paz con esta ceremonia que le canta a la madre tierra.
Es una meditación sensorial que lleva a tu cuerpo los cuatro elementos; se trata de un viaje a través de los sentidos, acompañados por música prehispánica y medicina. Llénate de energía con una bebida preparada a base de cacao.
❖ Beaches
Follow the shore that starts in the archeological zone and delight in its velvety, smooth sand.
Its beaches are one of Tulum’s main attractions, with their warm, turquoise colored water and fine sand that stretches for miles. They are perfect for sunbathing, lounging, reading a book, and taking a dip in the ocean. We recommend starting with the beach that opens out from the edge of the ruins. To reach it, pay the site’s entrance fee. Other options are Akumal, Xcacel, and Bahía Príncipe, which are also a sea turtle protection area.
❖ Fiesta Tradicional Maya
En ella se presumen las costumbres, los bailes y la lengua de la cultura maya. Se lleva a cabo dos veces al año, en marzo y en octubre, en el Centro Ceremonial, donde se hacen promesas, se regala comida y se venden artesanías de las comunidades mayas.
Magical Towns in
Quintana Roo
