Tulum is the “echo-chic” destination of the Riviera Maya. A World Heritage Site, National Park, Magic Town and one of the most scenic places in Mexico, it has everything for an unforgettable Caribbean vacation.
Originally called Zamá, which in Mayan means place where the sun rises, was a city of merchants and fishermen in which, on a beautiful cliff facing the Caribbean Sea, stands its archaeological zone that is the third most visited of its kind after Chichen Itza and Teotihuacán.
Later it adopts the name of Tulum, from the Mayan "wall", due to the walls that separated the social classes from the commercial city. Its oldest vestiges date back to 564 but the city became famous in the 13th century when the first constructions appeared. The city was uninhabited in the 16th century and suffered a long slumber of 3 centuries.
Currently, Tulum is a fashionable destination, perfectly integrated into nature. Its archaeological zone, 9-kilometer hotel zone, beaches and town attracts almost two million tourists a year with a population of only about 20 thousand inhabitants.
The predominant segment of visitors is from 20 to 39 years old which is easily reasonable given that Tulum offers some of the best-preserved beaches in the Riveira Maya, of fine sand and transparent waters combined with archaeological ruins, a fun nightlife, restaurants and bars and accommodations set among jungle, logs made of wood, trees and palm trees, all perfectly integrated and keeping alive the fishing traditions of the city.
A minimum of 3 days is recommended in Tulum to be able to enjoy, in addition to the ruins and beaches, at least some of its other memorable attractions such as the Xhel-Ha Park, its cenotes and the Kaan Lumm Lagoon among others.
It is not an inexpensive destination due to its high demand and it is recommended to book early or it may be difficult to find accommodation. Access to public beaches is free, and you can find more affordable accommodation in the town.