Tulum
Tulum, the fabled Mayan City overlooking the exquisite turquoise waters of the Caribbean. Many come first to see the famous ruins, but decide to stay after feeling some of the inexplicable magic that still surrounds the area. It may be the beautiful white sand beaches, the swaying palms, the breathtaking sun rises, or the friendly and proud people of the surviving Mayan community.
The site was probably occupied from the Early Classic period (AD 250-600), but most likely did not develop into an important city until the Late Post classic (1200-1530). In the 13th century Tulum had links with Mayapán, and was still a thriving trading community when the Spaniards arrived. The first Spanish sailors to see Tulum reportedly were so impressed that from sea they said it looked as big a city as Seville.
Tulum remained occupied for several decades after the Conquest, longer than other places on the coast. It was actually reoccupied in 1890 - 1910, by a breakaway sect from the Talking Cross Maya. They were led by a woman "high priestess" who held rituals in the temples of the castillo.
Unique among Mayan ruins, the Tulum ruins offer a dramatic view overlooking the turquoise-blue waters of the Caribbean. The dominating structure at the Mayan ruins of Tulum is the Castillo (castle). This stone structure served as a fortress as well as a temple. Below the Castillo on the beach you will find tourists sunning themselves and swimming.
The Tulum ruins are stunning, a stone fortress perched high on the edge of the Caribbean that should not be missed.