Tulum

Atop a sheer cliff, high above the shimmering blue waters of the Mexican Caribbean, towers Tulum, the largest of Quintana Roo's coastal archeological sites. This post-Classic Maya city, occupied after 1200 A.D. boasts aver sixty well-preserved structure of great historical and cultural importance.

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TULUM, Maya for "wall", is protected by three massive wall and a 40-foot (12 m) cliff with a sandy cove at its base. From this beach, the seafaring inhabitants of Tulum launched fishing and trade boats establishing Tulum as the principal port on the coast, and as the eastern gateway to the Maya civilization which opened trade routes to the north and into central Mexico.

Perched at the cliff's edge and dominating the turquoise waters is the Castle, the largest and the most impressive structure. It is crowned by a two room temple, finished with serpent columns and the distinctive winged descending god, which archeologists believe was Tulum's most important deity. Exactly what this god represented continues to be a mystery. The view from the top is breth taking of the sweeping sea to the east and the dense jungle to the west.

To the north of the Castle stands the Temple of the "Descending God" which is built upon an older structure. Notice the figure of the winged god that appears above the entrance. This building also contains wall paintings of the Sun, Rain, and Corn gods.

West of the Castle is the temple of frescoes which contains murals preserved in the original colors, and carved in stucco figures typical of many building of Tulum.

Access to this religious city was the privilege of the ruling elite: the priests, astronomer and architects. The majority of the population lived outside the city walls in palapa huts similar to the homes many Yucatecs live today.

South of the archeological site, the road to Boca Paila takers the traveler alongside some of the most beautiful and solitary beaches of Quintana Roo. Restaurants nestled under palm trees on the beach offer local specialties. For those captured by Tulum unique charm, low priced accommodation with ocean views are available.

The town of Tulum is a few miles south of the entrance to the ruins on the main highway. Traditionally populated by Mayas, this small village has been adapting slowly to the changes that have occurred along the rest of the coast. Conscious of the need to preserve their culture and of the importance of the nearby archeological site, residents are attempting to promote cultural ecotourism. Small restaurants and gift shops line the highway, which functions as the town's main street.

As the southern entrance to the Riviera Maya, Tulum represents a fusion of the elements which make Quintana Roo a very magical place: Maya constructions, the ocean, beaches, and the traditional culture. For this, most travelers including Tulum in their plans.