TULUM, RIVIERA MAYA MEXICO

Tulum

The history of Tulum is one of magic, culture and mystique. Tulum is a beautiful village on the south end of the Rivera Maya that enjoys a deep rooted history in the important culture of the ancient Mayan people. In recent years, Tulum has flourished in trades that stem directly from the skills utilized by the ancestors of the area. To appreciate the history and making of Tulum, one must understand the history of the Mayan people.

Tulum means wall or trench in Yucatan Maya and refers to the walls surrounding the city. The ancient name may have been Zama, meaning City of Dawn because it faces the sunrise.

The most imposing building in Tulum is the 25 feet (7.5 m) tall El Castillo (the castle) set above the cliff. It was once covered in with stucco and painted. A small shrine appears to have been used as a beacon for incoming canoes. On the beach below, where the canoes came ashore, tourists combine a visit to the Mayan ruins with a dip in the Caribbean.

The Temple of the Frescoes, directly in front of the Castillo, was used as an observatory for tracking the movements of the sun. Its decoration was among the most elaborate at Tulum and include relief masks and colored murals on a inner wall. Entrance to the temple is no longer permitted.

It is important to know that there are really three different areas all referred to as Tulum, located near each other, but not close enough to walk to and from., this information is just for the Ruins.

How far is Tulum from Cancun? Here's the quick answer if you drive this relatively short distance without making any stops.

Nonstop drive: 87 miles or 140 km

Driving time: 2 hours, 9 minutes aprox

Even though you can drive this distance straight through, it might be more interesting to stop along the way. You can scroll down to calculate how many hours it would take if you drive with stops.

Price$ 70 mexican pesos

Enjoy the Tulum Ruins