Tulum Ruins

Tulum is one of Mexico's most popular archaeological sites, and for good reason: it's breathtaking. The ruins are perched on cliffs overlooking blue waters that stretch as far as the eye can reach. True, the constructions are little in contrast to other Maya metropolises. Tulum, on the other hand, catches your imagination like no other, conjuring images of pre-Columbian traders arriving in boats packed with goods, and the Maya laborers who greeted them, both gazing out at the same breath-taking views.

Tulum was first settled in 564, but it wasn't until 1200–1521 that it became a major port town, commanding marine trade down the Caribbean coast to Belize. The fortified city, with its houses painted in sparkling red, blue, and yellow, and a ceremonial fire blazing atop its seashore watchtower, astounded the Spanish conquistador Juan de Grijalva when he sailed through in 1518.

Tulum is a small archaeological zone surrounded entirely by massive stone walls. The entrance is on the north side of the building. You can see everything in a couple of hours if you start at the coastal structures and go clockwise across the complex, or longer if you remain for a swim. The south wall serves as an egress.

Location: tulumruins.net/tulum-location/