Just 130 kilometers south of the bustling resort city of Cancun, and separated by 700 years of history, lies Tulum. The contrast between these two destinations is stark, a journey through time and culture. Cancun, a modern creation born in 1974, caters to predictable vacation experiences. Tulum, however, stands as a testament to the Mayan civilization, constructed in the late thirteenth century during the Mayan post-classic period.
With a touch of curiosity and historical context, the ruins of Tulum transform into an intricate puzzle, inviting visitors to explore and understand its secrets.
For those seeking a break from poolside relaxation, a visit to Tulum offers an enriching day trip. What distinguishes Tulum from other archaeological sites in Mexico is its remarkable state of preservation combined with the allure of a pristine beach nestled right below.
Each Mayan city served a specific purpose, and Tulum was strategically designed as a vital seaport, primarily engaged in trading precious goods like turquoise and jade.
Uniquely positioned as the only Mayan city built on a coast, Tulum was also among the few fortified by a protective wall.
This impressive limestone wall, stretching 784 meters, encircles the site on three sides. It measures seven meters in thickness and reaches heights between three and five meters. This robust fortification undoubtedly played a crucial role in safeguarding the prosperous seaport.
The reasons behind Tulum’s wall remain a subject of debate, mirroring the broader mysteries surrounding the decline of the Mayan civilization. One theory suggests it sheltered a Mayan population of 600 from potential invaders. Another proposes a more segregated society, where only priests and nobles resided within the walls, while the peasant class lived outside.
Entering the ruins through one of the five doorways in the wall, visitors are greeted by a landscape of gentle hills. Dark and light grey stone structures, remnants of ancient buildings, are scattered across the sun-drenched terrain.
Here, the evocative nature of Tulum becomes apparent. As a former gateway to the world, could these ruins hold clues to the fate of this once-thriving civilization? This question continues to engage historians and archaeologists, and visitors are encouraged to contemplate the unanswered mysteries.
The most imposing structure within Tulum is El Castillo, or the castle. It commands a breathtaking position on the edge of a 12-meter limestone cliff, overlooking the turquoise expanse of the Caribbean Sea. Navigating its steep steps, particularly on the descent, requires a cautious, sideways approach.
Before making your way down, pause to absorb the panoramic view of the Caribbean stretching out behind El Castillo. The vista, coupled with the refreshing sea breeze, is truly invigorating.
Alt text: Panoramic view of El Castillo ruins in Tulum Mexico, standing majestically on a cliff edge overlooking the turquoise Caribbean Sea, showcasing the unique coastal setting of this Mayan archaeological site.
Facing El Castillo is the Temple of the Frescoes, recognized as one of the best-preserved buildings within the site. Peering inside reveals a mural divided into three distinct sections. These sections represent the Mayan underworld, the realm of the living, and the celestial sphere of creator and rain gods.
Intriguingly, the central panel depicting the world of the living features a god astride a four-legged creature, possibly a horse. If this interpretation is accurate, it would suggest that Tulum was still inhabited in 1518, coinciding with the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors who introduced horses to the Americas.
Alt text: Close-up of the Temple of the Frescoes at Tulum ruins Mexico, highlighting the well-preserved diving god carving above the temple doorway, a significant element of Mayan art and cosmology at this archaeological site.
Carved above the temple doorway is a figure adorned with what appears to be bird wings and a tail. This “diving god” figure is believed to represent a Mayan deity who served as a protector of the people. Remarkably, this motif is well-preserved and appears on various structures throughout the Tulum site.
Unraveling the story of Tulum as it stood a millennium ago is a captivating endeavor, although it can be a warm experience under the Yucatan sun. Therefore, it is advisable to bring refreshments, sun protection like a hat, and swimwear to fully enjoy your visit.
Just north of El Castillo, a path descends to a beautiful sandy beach and the vibrant hues of the Caribbean Sea. A walk along this beach offers spectacular photographic opportunities, capturing the ruins from a unique perspective. Exploring the nooks and crannies carved into the cliffs is an adventure in itself. Each turn reveals a new, secluded stretch of Caribbean coastline, inviting visitors to swim and contemplate the ancient history surrounding them.
Alt text: Stunning view of the beach beneath the Tulum Mayan ruins in Mexico, showcasing the turquoise Caribbean Sea meeting the white sand beach at the base of the cliffs, emphasizing the breathtaking coastal location and accessibility to swimming.
Tulum’s enduring popularity stems from its stunning location atop dramatic limestone cliffs, overlooking the breathtaking turquoise Caribbean Sea. As the only Mayan city built directly on the coast, Tulum offers a unique blend of historical intrigue and natural beauty, making it an unforgettable destination within the Riviera Maya and a must-see for anyone exploring Mayan Mexico ruins.
