About Tulum
Tulum is a walled archaeological zone of the Mayan culture located on the beautiful Caribbean coast. Most of its buildings were constructed during the post-classic period of Mayan civilization, and the city seems to have been inhabited even in the early years of the Spanish colony. At the end of the 16th century, the city was completely abandoned. The word "Tulum" means "wall" in Mayan, and it seems to have taken its name after the city was in ruins. Its original name was "Zama," which means "Dawn" or "Tomorrow." The city was considered a kind of "fortress" due to the wall that surrounded the site, which served as a strategic defense.
Based on the records found on the city's walls, we know that Tulum was an important site for the worship of the "diving god." One of its main buildings, The Castle, served as a beacon for Mayan sailors, indicating the precise moment they had to turn to enter the channel that divided the world's second-largest coral reef, allowing them to safeguard their goods.
Tulum is one of the main tourist attractions on the Yucatán Peninsula and one of the best-preserved Mayan archaeological sites.
We can find a variety of interesting constructions in Tulum, such as:
The Castle: This is the most outstanding building at the archaeological site due to its size, location, and exceptional upper facade. It features a temple with three entrances decorated with serpentine columns, a descending deity, and two zoomorphic masks. The current image of the Castle shows various stages of construction, with the most recent being two small temples located on either side of the main staircase. In front of El Castillo is a platform, possibly for dancers, and the Temple of the Initial Series, where the earliest documented record in Tulum was found: 564 A.D.
Temple of the Descending God: This building consists of a small foundation with a structure decorated with the image of a deity, a main iconographic symbol of the city.
Temple of the Frescoes: Originally, this building had one room surrounded by a portico on three sides. The wall paintings preserved inside depict a series of supernatural beings living in the underworld, and they are one of the most important testimonies of pre-Hispanic Mayan mural painting. The corners of the building are decorated with masks featuring serpentine elements, possibly symbolizing their association with Kukulcán.
The House of Columns and Halach Uinik House: Located in the road area, these are interesting examples of Tulum's residential architecture. The House of the Cenote, in the northern sector, documents the importance the Maya gave to water worship, especially when linked to the dark waters of cenotes.
Kukulcán Group: Located just north of El Castillo, this group comprises several smaller structures. The most notable is the Temple of the Wind God, named for the roundness of its basement, traditionally associated with Kukulcán as the god of the winds, or Ehecatl, a central Mexican deity.
We can find a variety of interesting constructions in Tulum, such as:
The Castle: This is the most outstanding building at the archaeological site due to its size, location, and exceptional upper facade. It features a temple with three entrances decorated with serpentine columns, a descending deity, and two zoomorphic masks. The current image of the Castle shows various stages of construction, with the most recent being two small temples located on either side of the main staircase. In front of El Castillo is a platform, possibly for dancers, and the Temple of the Initial Series, where the earliest documented record in Tulum was found: 564 A.D.
Temple of the Descending God: This building consists of a small foundation with a structure decorated with the image of a deity, a main iconographic symbol of the city.
Temple of the Frescoes: Originally, this building had one room surrounded by a portico on three sides. The wall paintings preserved inside depict a series of supernatural beings living in the underworld, and they are one of the most important testimonies of pre-Hispanic Mayan mural painting. The corners of the building are decorated with masks featuring serpentine elements, possibly symbolizing their association with Kukulcán.
The House of Columns and Halach Uinik House: Located in the road area, these are interesting examples of Tulum's residential architecture. The House of the Cenote, in the northern sector, documents the importance the Maya gave to water worship, especially when linked to the dark waters of cenotes.
Kukulcán Group: Located just north of El Castillo, this group comprises several smaller structures. The most notable is the Temple of the Wind God, named for the roundness of its basement, traditionally associated with Kukulcán as the god of the winds, or Ehecatl, a central Mexican deity.
The creek area is a small inlet of the sea between rocks, large enough for the Mayan ships that engaged in trade around the peninsula to dock. Today, this area is closed to visitors and is dedicated to sea turtle conservation and nesting.
Useful Travel Information
- We offer a variety of excursion choices to Tulum from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and the Riviera Maya for all tastes and budgets.
Tulum Express Tour: A tour that visits only the archaeological zone with a guide, followed by free time to enjoy a refreshing swim in the Caribbean waters and its beautiful beach.
Trip to Tulum and Xel-Ha All-Inclusive: This tour includes a visit to the archaeological ruins with free time, followed by a trip to the largest natural aquarium in the world at Xel-Ha Natural Park, which is all-inclusive.
Tulum and Tankah Adventure: For those who like adventure, this excursion to Tulum and Tankah allows you to visit the archaeological site and this ecological reserve where you can enjoy a walk through the jungle on zip lines and 4x4 Jeeps, canoes, and cenotes.
Private Van: For those traveling in groups of friends or family, we offer first-class vans with a driver so you can make your own itinerary, also visiting Playa del Carmen or some cenotes along the way.
Ready to Explore the Mexican Caribbean?
You've read about the stunning beaches, the ancient Mayan ruins, and the endless activities. Now it's time to choose your adventure.