Tulum

The first position on the list of the best ancient cities in Mexico is Tulum. Located in Quintana Roo, Mexico, Tulum is a Maya complex that was inhabited during the thirteenth and sixteenth centuries. The Tulum ruins are still one of Mexico's most popular tourist destinations because of their stunning clifftop setting over the Caribbean Sea.

One of the final Maya settlements to be built, Tulum faces east and looks out over the Caribbean Sea, making it an ideal location to watch the dawn. Although Tulum's permanent population remained relatively tiny, the walled city was highly prosperous during its heyday, which is thought to have occurred between the 13th and the 15th centuries. Large quantities of obsidian and jade discovered are evidence of the riches brought about by the city's proximity to land and sea trade routes. The city was also fortified, which helped deter raids and invasions. The place was appropriately called because the Yucatan Maya word for "Tulum" is "fence, wall, or trench."

The ruins of Tulum are frequently busy with tourists, including day-trippers from the larger towns along the Riviera Maya and cruise ship passengers on excursions. If you intend to stay in town, go early or late to avoid the busiest times. The Yucatan is hot (although there may be a wonderful wind), and there isn't much shade there, so bring sunscreen, water, and a hat! Bring swimwear and perhaps a towel if you want to take a swim at the beach close to the Tulum ruins or anywhere along the coastline.

Location: Quintana Roo, Mexico