During his fourth voyage to the New World in 1502, Christopher Columbus came across a heavily laden Mayan trading canoe near the Bay Islands in Honduras. Packed with cotton from the Yucatán, cacao from Belize and a variety of other goods from faraway places, the canoe is testimony to the size and importance of the Mayan trade empire.

The Maya were shrewd merchants who forged trade links with other Mesoamerican cultures in the Mexican highlands such as the Aztecs, and with their Central American neighbors, as far south as Panama.

One of their principal trade routes was the maritime route that skirted the Yucatán Peninsula and extended south into the Caribbean. Merchants used a network of overland routes and rivers to transport their cargo from the coast to cities far inland. During the Post-Classic period (A.D. 1200-1521), ports on the Mexican Caribbean coast including Tulum, Xaman-Há, Polé, Xel-Há, Muyil and Cozumel controlled the traffic of goods to and from the area.

Archaeologists have identified at least 75 trade goods, including honey, beeswax, salt, cotton, cacao, henequen, stingray spines, cinnabar, natural dyes, shells, jade, quetzal feathers, animal hides and ceramics. Mayan traders obtained obsidian and basalt, used to make knives and grinding stones, from central Mexico; turquoise came from the far north and gold was introduced to the area from Costa Rica and western Panama.

The Mayan deity associated with trade, cacao cultivation and war is Ek Chuah.

Archaeological Sites in Quintana Roo

Admission Fees

Source: INAH, subject to change without prior notice.

Tourists from around the globe who like nature and Mayan culture have discovered Tulum, in the Riviera Maya,  Mexico as the perfect beach destination to enjoy with a limited budget.  Tulum beach is not famous for being a sophisticated commercial hot spot; on the contrary, Tulum is worldwide known for its tranquil and beautiful sun-blessed white sand beach and its spectacular Mayan ruins.

Tulum is not only famous for its historical Mayan ruins and its beautiful beach backdrop, but also also famous for its cenotes, which are natural crystalline fresh water pools with underground rivers where you can snorkel or dive just minutes away from Tulum´s Hotels. The tours to Tulum Cenotes are amazing experiences that allow you to take a break from the beach and swim in ancient fresh springs.

Hotels in Tulum are specially designed for every budget. The Hotel Zone seems to be very rustic, most hotels feature thatched roofs but the facilities rank from the most basic services to luxurious five star facilities, including romantic accommodations for a special Tulum vacation such as honeymoons and weddings.

There is a lot to do and see in Tulum, Riviera Maya, Mexico regardless of how much you spend in your stay, or what is your budget limit. A Tulum vacation is a life changing experience that enraptures all the mystery and beauty of the Mexican Caribbean and Mayan culture.

 Actually, there are even more reasons nowadays to travel to Mexico, one Tulum travel tip is that your USD money will go further. Another reason to plan a Tulum vacation at these times is that you may find cheaper flights and low-discount hotel deals. If you have any spare cash; this is the right moment to take advantage of it. And your third reason to enjoy a Tulum vacation is that traveling is a remedy for stress that doctors have always recommended! 

When I visited Tulum Mexico, it was the first time that I heard about Xtabentun legend, then I realized that  Mayan culture is not only rich because of its Mayan ruins but also for the history, traditions, folklore and legends that are part of a legacy. There is an ancient Mayan legend that concerns the most traditional drink of the Yucatan Peninsula: Xtabentun that is pronounced (ish-ta-ben-toon), which means– “twisting vine that grows on rocks” is fermented from a flower with the same name (Rivea corymbosa) that comes from a seed that causes a sense of euphoria and drowsiness, due to its psychotropic nature.

The Xtabentun Mayan legend from the Yucatan Peninsula, tells the story of two women who lived in the same town long ago. Xtabay, was a beautiful woman that used to be with every man in town; however, she was a kind soul who gave help to those in need. The other woman´s name was Utz-Colel who was considered an exemplary woman in the town. But her goodness was limited because she was cold hearted, and never helped anyone.

The Xtabentun Mayan legend tells that when Xtabay died, her tomb was covered by white flowers which gave off that same delicious sweet scent that filled the town. When Utz-Colel died, a nasty plant began to grow on her grave, it was a spiny cactus called Tzacam, revealing a nauseating smell. The white flower on Xtabay’s grave was called Xtabentun, from which nectar is prepared the famous drink made of honey and anise, native to the Yucatan Peninsula.

The Xtabentun Mayan legend says that when you drink a cup of Xtabentun, the dizzy drunkenness that follows is the effect of the love and charm that Xtabay had on the men she frequented. And if you get lost in the Mayan jungle, the mean Utz-Colel will come along to take your heart forever.

There is no place on earth like Tulum, in the Riviera Maya, Mexico. A Tulum vacation will be filled with the most exciting experiences and activities that are unique in the world. Tulum tours and attractions are offered in many forms and styles; tourists can enjoy the most extreme adventures and the relaxing, family activities.

Choose your favorite  activities from our list of things to do in Tulum, Riviera Maya, Mexico, and start planning your vacation in Tulum.

1.Tulum´s Town has a European essence, that can be admired at the different shops, cafeterias and bars along an avenue that is specially designed for a tranquil walk without car traffic. At downtown Tulum you will find a supermarket, two banks, several ATM’s, money exchange offices, two gas stations, restaurants, pharmacies, cafeterias, souvenir shops, boutiques, handicrafts and more. This charming site in the Riviera Maya is located10 minutes away from Tulum´s Hotel Zone.

2.Tulum´s Hotel Zone is located right in front of the ocean, featuring the most beautiful beach in all the Riviera Maya. Tulum turns magical at night with spectacular full moon nights were you won’t even need a flash light to walk in the dark. If you want to hang out in Tulum, there are some relaxed coffee shops and bars along the main road, or you can also get there walking from beach.

3.Tulum Ruins. One of the most fascinating Mayan archaeological sites in the Riviera Maya coastline about 900 years old, located 4 km south the town of Tulum with amazing views to the Caribbean Sea. Tulum Mayan ruins are open every day from 8 am to 5 pm and has an entrance fee of $4 approximately. If you want to take photographs with a tripod you must need a special permission.

4.Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve: Sian Ka’an in Mayan means “the place where the sky is born” and is the biggest  natural Protected Area and Biosphere Reserve located also in the Riviera Maya, minutes away from the south end of Tulum´s Hotel Zone. It features 1.3 million acres of tropical ecosystem that can be visited with a tour that takes you to see the amazing wilderness of mangrove canals, and unique wild life amidst white sand beaches.

5. The great Coral Reef Barrier: This barrier in the Riviera Maya coastline is the longest coral Reef Barrier in the World, where you can snorkel just a little distance offshore or take a snorkel or diving tour. There are plenty of dive shops in Tulum taking you out to the coral reefs where you can see at least 30 different species of coral and numerous colorful tropical fish. Snorkeling and diving at the reef is a must do on your Tulum vacation. Dive shops will provide snorkeling and diving equipment.

6. Swimming, snorkeling and diving in Cenotes. Tulum area has the most impressive system of natural cenotes or sinkholes in the Riviera Maya, with spectacular stalactites and cavern formations that you can see under water with a snorkel. The Cenotes charge different entrance fees, and some of the most visited ones are Gran Cenote, Cenote Calavera, Cenotes Cristal & Escondido, and Dos Ojos.

7. Fly fishing in Boca Paila lagoon: The fresh water lagoons in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve offer some of the best fly fishing in the world. Tarpon, Permit, Snook, Barracuda, Jack Crevalle and Cubera Snapper are some of the species to catch. Boca Paila Bonefish average is less than 3 pounds. You will be fishing in rich, clear waters that border the mangrove thick shoreline.  Fishing in Tulum is easy, peaceful and rewarding. 

 If you want another good reason to visit Tulum, in the Riviera Maya, Mexico here it is…from May to October it is Turtle Nesting Season! Every night, after the sun comes down, the amazingly huge mother sea turtles amble slowly up the beach, dig their holes and lay their eggs. It’s a truly spectacular sight which can be seen at most sections of Tulum beach.

Tulum beach and all along the Caribbean coast of Mexico are nesting grounds for two endangered species of sea turtles: the Loggerhead (Caretta caretta) and the Green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas). After mating at sea, mother turtle swims to shore and digs with her flippers to lay her eggs and she covers them with sand.  Then she crawls back to the surf zone and swims out to the Caribbean sea. Baby turtles hatch after 50 or 60 days from the nests and struggle to make their way through the sea. 

To witness such event in a beach of Tulum,  is an amazing experience, but if you happen to miss turtle season, The Centro Ecologico Akumal (CEA) offers weekly slide presentations about sea turtles conservation programs and turtles nesting season including addition printed material. For the past four years CEA has been actively participating in the sea turtle protection programs to protect some of the nests of eggs in the long stretch of beach from Akumal to Tulum.

Environmental care is a rising concern and everybody’s responsibility; all of us can help on the turtle conservation purpose. Here is a quick list of things you can do when you visit Tulum beach to help the  sea turtles reach their goal. They will appreciate it!

1. Don’t make campfires on Tulum´s beach. Sea turtle hatchlings are known to be attracted to the light emitted by campfires. They crawl into the fires and die.

2. Avoid flashlights and flash photography; it may cause mother turtles to abort their nesting attempts.

3. Minimize beachfront lighting during sea turtle nesting season in Tulum, by turning off, shielding, or redirecting lights. You can close the blinds and drapes in oceanfront rooms to keep your indoor lighting from reaching the beach.

4. If you encounter a turtle on Tulum´s beach remain quiet, still, and at a distance. Otherwise, the frightened turtle may return to the ocean without nesting.

5. Leave any tracks left by turtles in every Tulum beach undisturbed. Researchers use the tracks to identify the turtle species and to find and mark the nests for protection.

6. Remove your gear (lounge chairs, cabanas, umbrellas, boats, toys, etc.) from the every beach in Tulum at night. Their presence can deter nesting attempts and interfere with the journey of the hatchlings.

7. After a beach day in Tulum, properly dispose of your trash. Turtles mistake plastic bags, Styrofoam, and trash floating in the water as food. If they eat it, they will die when this trash blocks their intestines.

8.  Celebrate events without helium balloon releases. Like trash, balloons end up in the ocean, and sea turtles mistakenly eat the balloons and die.

Tulum, Mexico is located in the Riviera Maya, 130km/86 miles south of Cancun, a secluded beach destination that nestles the Tulum archaeological site; a relatively small Mayan site, but one of the top attractions in Riviera Maya due to the fascinating combination of pristine beach, Mayan ruins, and a picturesque relaxed town.

Tulum Mayan ruins are located on a 12-meter (39 ft) cliff which has a wonderful view to the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea.  

Tulum in Maya means “Wall”, which resembles the history of this walled city that served as a major port for Coba, where the walls surrounding the site protecting Tulum ruins against invasion.  Research suggests that this Maya site was once called by the name Zama, meaning “city of Dawn”, which relates to the fact that Tulum, Riviera Maya  is one of the places were dawn first breaks in Mexico.

Tulum was first mentioned by Juan Diaz, who was part of the expedition of Juan de Grijalva who sailed along the eastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula in 1518, but the first detailed description of the Mayan ruins was published by John Llyd Stephens and Frederick Catherwood in 1943 in the book Incidents of Travel in Yucatan.

These explorers first visited Tulum Mayan ruins in the mid-19th century a.d, being greatly impressed by the tall building that is known as El Castillo, and made accurate maps of the wall and Tulum ruins. The works were continued with Sylvanus Moreley and George P. Howe in 1913 and by other researchers throughout the late 70´s.

Tulum ruins belong to the archaeological site that was occupied by the Maya civilization during the late post classic period around 1,200 A.D and continued to be occupied until they had contact with the Spaniards in the early 16th century, later to be completely abandoned by the end of the 16th century.

Tulum, in the Riviera Maya, Mexico used to be the major Maya trading port, since both maritime and land routes converged here. Everyday life evolved politics, religious rituals, art, and astronomical observations. The Tulum Mayan ruins that are appreciated today, used to be the ceremonial and political centers of those time.

El Castillo also known as the light house is the tallest and the most famous of Tulum´s Mayan ruins. It stands on a cliff taking over the ocean sights in all directions. It took several stages to build it and the upper rooms have a feathered serpent carved.

Another interesting building of Tulum ruins is the Temple of Frescoes, which features a sculpted descending figure that represents a deity. The Temple of Frescoes in Tulum´s archaeological site conserves most of its decorative elements. It stands in the middle of the walled area on the east west axis.

The Kukulcan group is located north of El Castillo and is formed by several minor structures. Being the most outstanding the Wind God Temple traditionally related to Kukulcan, the God of the Wind also known as feathered serpent god. 

Although smaller than Chichen Itza, Tulum is perhaps the best preserved Mayan archaeological  site and is the second most visited of all the Mayan ruins in Mexico.  It is unique and special in several ways.  The ancient city of Tulum is about 800 years old, being abandoned by the end of the 1500s.  Surrounded by walls, Tulum served as a fortress against enemies arriving by sea, and was also a major trading port for the inland city of Coba.  Tulum is settled on a 40′ sheer cliff over viewing the Caribbean Sea from it’s grounds.  It’s the kind of view that you’ll remember forever.

Tulum is located 130 km south of Cancun. You can’t miss driving the highway 307, which runs all along the Riviera Maya, which is the corridor that connects Cancun with Tulum with many interesting places to visit in between.  You can either rent a vehicle or take a bus.

The main bus terminal (ADO) is located on Tulum Avenue on the west side towards the South end of town. There is also a small bus station settled near the gas station. It is open from 9 a.m to 6 p.m. Buses also stop all along the road from Playa del Carmen to Tulum Archaelogical Site. There are numerous signs to arrive and there is a big pink hotel on the corner where you have to turn.

Tulum Mayan Ruins are not controlled by the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH). The access fee to Tulum Archaeological Site is $35~40 pesos; tickets are sold at the entrance. It is open from 8am to 5 pm, everyday. Park the car at the shopping center’s parking lot (an extra $30 pesos fee). The journey between the parking lot and the site’s entrance that is about one km, it can be made by walking or in a small train charges around $10 pesos. You can either arrange a guided tour or rent a car. Tulum is a 2 hour drive from Cancun (130 km). There is easy access by the Cancun – Tulum Highway 307. There is bathroom service and refreshments and a shopping area. If you want to introduce a video camera to the archaeological site you must pay a 4dlls extra fee that is not included in the entrance.

After exploring Tulum Mayan Ruins, you can swim or relax at the white sand pristine beach, visit the handcrafts shopping market. There are plenty of hotels to stay the night over in Tulum Hotel Zone.