Tulum lies in the State of Quintana Roo, which is easily accessible from Europe, South America, Canada and the USA. Fly into Cancun’s International Airport, drive two hours south of Cancun with its mass tourism and it all changes, it is the real Mexico. Tulum town with its 15,000 inhabitants is spread across the highway with no real redeeming features except it feels Mexican with its traditional restaurants, small hotels and colourful market stalls.
Only 4km from the town of Tulum are some of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico with fine powder like sand. A Turquoise sea lies within the reef and then intensely green waters can be seen all the way to the horizon. Thatched beach cabanas are sprinkled along the rugged coastline and there are no souvenir shops or people trying to sell trinkets. There are, however, signs that this stretch of the coast will not stay like this forever as the vast resorts are gradually moving further south stretching towards these unspoilt shores.
The Mayan Ruins of Tulum
The ruins of Tulum do not compare to the more famous Chiché n Itzá , on both scale or design but the location can not be beaten. Perched on the craggy shores with tiny coves only accessible from the ruins and stunning views of the sunrise, who wouldn’t want to live there? The ruins are thought to have been occupied between the period 1200 AD - 1521 AD. The city served as a fortress and its thick walls protecting it are still intact today. Tulum was still inhabited after the Spanish took over and after many of the other ancient Mayan cities had long been taken over by the jungle. Hire a guide or use a guide book to get the most from your visit. It is extremely hot walking around the ruins so take plenty of water, a sun hat or umbrella and apply mosquito repellent.
There is a lovely beach accessible from the ruins so also take swim gear and a towel as a dip in the sea may be welcome after an hour or so walking around the ruins. Whilst meandering through the ruins there are many large Iguanas to be seen and although not tame, they will allow people to get close enough to photograph them, the largest being just under a metre in length.
Snorkelling and Diving the Reef
Snorkelling and diving is offered on the reef that sits about 400m off the beach. These trips can be arranged in town or with one of the many fishing boats that congregate just south of Tulum ruins. If there are a few people, it is possible to barter down the cost to as little as $10 each for 2 hours. It is only a short boat ride so get the boat captain to stop at more than one site and take water as it is only the snorkel gear included in the price. Snorkelling from the beach is possible but most of the coral is covered in sand and has sustained hurricane damage. Be very careful as there are some strong currents and small boat traffic.
Deciding Where to Stay
Whether to stay in the town of Tulum or on the beach pretty much depends on how long the trip is for and what is the main purpose of the visit. If it is only a few days to go and see the ruins, maybe do a dive and eat in some local restaurants then stay in the town and taxi or cycle to the beach and ruins. To kick back, relax and wake up to the sounds of the waves crashing and the beautiful sunrise head for the beach.
Tulum and its surrounding area offers lots of interesting activities, enough to keep busy for four or five days or longer if a few days relaxing on the beach is to be included. Whether its archaeological sites, snorkelling, diving or just chilling for a few days away from the hoards of package holiday makers and cruise ships, this place is most certainly worth a visit. Combine it with a trip to Isla Holbox or Isla Mujeres also in Quintana Roo and have the perfect two centre vacation.
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