Caleta Tankah is a beautiful bay on the Mexican Caribbean, 4 km from Tulum archaeological zone, ideal for snorkeling. Its beautiful white sand beach makes it one of the most beautiful beaches of the Riviera Maya, where you can see the Mayan ruins of Tulum. There is also a restaurant offering a delicious and well-stocked buffet every day, and the option of ordering à la carte seafood specialties. Caleta Tankah is a very special place where you come in contact with nature and forget the hustle and bustle of the city. At dusk, you can go to Margarita Bar and restaurant opening night with a huge frozen margarita flavor of your favorite drink served in Mexican-style blown glass. Margarita Bar, has an excellent menu of margaritas of various flavors, recognized as the best in the Riviera Maya. In addition, every night there are different events in the Mexican Caribbean atmosphere outdoors with a variety of music in the parking lot of the Mayan pyramids of Tulum. Also the restaurant La Palapa Hemingway appears in the list of favorite restaurants in Tulum. A fun place for teenagers and adults who like to enjoy fine cuisine while enjoying the rhythms of bolero, merengue and bachata making it a fun place to eat and dance after you have explored  the majestic Mayan pyramids of Tulum and have enjoyed all the water activities that the beautiful beach of Tulum has.

At about 109 km from Cancun and 43 km from Playa del Carmen and 22 km from the Mayan ruins of Tulum, there is a very attractive beach set amidst the lush green of the Riviera Maya. A completely calm bay surrounded by jungle, with shallow waters making it an ideal place for a holiday with children. The water here is so exceedingly clear and the beach features so fine sand that it seems talcum powder. In addition to its tranquility, it is one of the favorite trips to the Tulum beach areas, since it is a cherished haven for those running away from excessive tourism. This site is a wonderful place for snorkeling and diving, because of the clarity of its waters and abundant marine life. Lately, Chemuyil and all areas around the Mayan pyramids of Tulum, have had construction activity. The entrance to the public beach at Chemuyil has not very good signaling, and is very hidden, usually people get lost and take some time to find it but once arriving at the place, the beautiful view is a great reward. There’s no place in the world with the clarity of Chemuyil’s seawater. In addition, there are sun loungers and huts available for the general public with no charge. Chemuyil is one of the secrets of the Riviera Maya. It is well worth making a stop here on your way to or from the Mayan ruins of Tulum. There is a rocky area in the bay, which is easily accessible, where you may notice a stream of cold water into the sea from a nearby cenote (sinkhole) that you can also visit. The area surrounding the Mayan ruins of Tulum, has abundant underground rivers and cenotes. In Chemuyil, there are very few, but rich and cozy beachfront restaurants offering local cuisine and excellent seafood and fresh fish. From the area of the Mayan pyramids of Tulum to Chemuyil there are some camping sites with basic services like, health, for the adventurous tourists.

There are beautiful hidden places we do not know when we take an express tour to Tulum. Normally the tours to the Mayan archeological site of Tulum, limit your time, because they have defined routes and schedules, which barely give you time to explore the Mayan ruins of Tulum and then you immediately go back to your hotel. A good alternative to see more, are the excursions to Tulum on your own. It is a way to know a lot more beyond Tulum Mayan pyramids. When it comes to lunchtime, head to Bahia de Punta Soliman, and stop at a delightful one-hundred-percent  family restaurant with a thatched roof and sand floor, called Oscar and Lalo, which serves incredibly versatile cuisine; succulent ceviche, soups and fresh salads, fine seafood, traditional Mexican dishes, regional dishes, grilled, and excellent dishes of the house in an exotic natural environment. You will simply love it!. Here, you can peel your shrimp Jumbo yourself and lick your fingers while eating. All shrimp are the catch of the day and all meals are prepared at the time. Do not miss the mango shrimp cocktail, it is a true delight. The purpose of the Oscar and Lalos menu is to make all customers want to comeback. Here, you can snorkel and enjoy the cayaks in the beautiful beacj of the restaurant.

During the Mexican Holidays from April 30th to May 6th, 2010, the flow of tourists in Tulum Archaeological Site, had a significant increase not only with the presence Europeans, Asians and American but also with domestic tourism.

The occupancy of the 226 thousand rooms in Tulum  hotels is above 80 percent. This increased flow of visitors to Tulum Mayan Ruins is of  tourists  mainly from the U.S. and Europe. However, during this extended period of Mexican holidays which celebrates children’s day, Labor´s Day and the Battle of Puebla Anniversary, many Mexicans took advantage of the different deals to spend a vacation in Tulum, crowding Tulum Archaeological Zone  Ruins and Tulum beach, reaching almost 90% of Tulum Hotels occupancy and marking  so, a decidedly tourism increase registered in the ninth municipality of Quintana Roo, Mexico, which according to some estimates made by Tulum authorities, will remain on average for July and August 2010, which indicates a gradual decline in the economic crisis that affected the tourist industry  in 2009.

The Maya city of Tulum, on the Riviera Maya,  Southeast coast of the Yucatan peninsula, in the State of Quintana Roo, North of the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve,  145 km south of Cancun, on a spectacular 12 meters cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea.

Tulum, Mexico is one of the greatest cities of the ancient Mayan world. Among other important archaeological sites are Coba, 42Km northwest of Tulum Ruins and Chichen Itza, 159Km in the same direction.

Around the Ruins of Tulum Archaeological Zone, and the small neighboring towns, the Maya people have kept their customs and traditions alive, and most of them live in houses with thatched roofs. The main activity is fishing, building huts, making crafts and furniture, among other activities. 

Tulum, in the Riviera Maya  is home to a system of underground rivers and cenotes connecting with the sea, along the coast, making it an extremely attractive place for tourists. Also, Tulum beach is so beautiful, that  every year thousands of marine turtles arrive to lay their eggs.

Tulum is divided into three different areas, Tulum Hotel Zone, Tulum town and Tulum Archaeological Zone (Ruins). In the zone of  Hotels in Tulum, there are some of the most spectacular beaches, many of them are still pristine and considered among the best beaches in the world.
 
The architecture of the Hotels in Tulum shows a deep respect for the environment and a lovely harmony with the natural beauty of the surroundings.

There is only one avenue with commercial activity; craft shops and supermarkets, restaurants, cafes, bus station, bank and post office in the area of Hotels in Tulum.

For years, Tulum beach has been the mecca for travelers seeking spiritual and physical relaxation, tha is why Tulum, Mexico is certainly the ideal destination for nature lovers, sun, and culture.

Due to the dynamic growth of the Riviera Maya, including Tulum and the great demand of services, the construction of Tulum International Airport will begin on this year, so you can travel directly to Tulum in a very near future instead of arriving at Cancun.

If you want to combine Mayan culture and water activities take one of  Tulum Xel Ha Tours. This tour combines nature, archeology and culture and also is familiar.

The Tulum Xel Ha Tours are available at most hotels in Cancun. However, the best thing you can do, is to book Tulum tours before arriving to Cancun or the Riviera Maya, to save money and time of your precious vacation in Tulum.

With these tours to Tulum you will first stop is at Tulum Mayan ruins, and you will know this major city of the Mayan culture, which faces spectacularly the Mexican Caribbean.

The visit to the ruins at Tulum archeological zone  takes about 2 hours. Then you will visit the largest natural aquarium and most beautiful in the world to enjoy water activities that characterize Xel Ha Natural Park.

Some of the Tulum Mayan ruins that you will see at Tulum Archaeological Zone, in the Riviera Maya are:

• El Castillo Pyramid
• Temple of the Frescos
• Temple of the Initial Series
• Temple of the Descendent god
• Temple of the Wind god
• House of Columns, Halach House and House of the Cenote
• Kukulcan Group

The stay at  Xel Ha is 5 hours. Tulum-Xel Ha tours include round trip transportation from Cancun, bilingual guide, entrance to the ruins of Tulum Archaeological Zone and Xel Ha, food and drinks.

The buses of Tulum Xel Ha tours are luxurious, with special service on board and toilet. It is important to be in the hotel lobby at least 30 minutes before the hour of scheduled transportation.

Bring your own towels, comfortable clothing, and swimsuit, walking shoes and extra money for expenses like, souvenirs, photo, video, tips and other services with additional cost within the locations. Remember to always use biodegradable sun lotion to your skin care and the environment.

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.

If you are looking for a beachside destination without the bustle of a typical resort, escape from the crowds and daily routine, and spend a memorable holiday in contact with nature, start planning a vacation in Tulum.

At the southern tip of the Riviera Maya you will find a magnificent beach and the mystical Mayan ruins of Tulum  archaeological site that make this secluded tranquil vacation destination, one of the all-time favorites . Here is a list of 7 reasons why you should visit Tulum, in the Riviera Maya, Mexico.

1. Tulum hotels are for all budgets. Lodging ranks from beachside rustic cabanas, with a ceiling fan (thatched roofs and hooks to hang a hammock) to luxurious resorts with higher prices. For accommodation options, visit bestcancuntrip.com

2. Tulum, Riviera Maya  is a perfect place for diving & snorkeling enthusiasts. Experienced guides can take you to the coral reefs, or deep into the cenotes. Go to the Yal-Kú lagoon near Akumal, about a half-hour drive north of Tulum beach; the warm, clear waters are home to countless fish. Remember to use only biodegradable sunscreen lotions, as standard sunscreen damage local ecosystem.

3. Tulum, Riviera Maya is situated close to many Mayan archaeological sites. Visit the only Mayan archaeological site that faces the Caribbean Sea. The Mayan ruins in Tulum archaeological site used to be part of an ancient Mayan port on top of a cliff overlooking the ocean. Other Mayan archaeological sites located close to Tulum are Coba, aslo in the Riviera Maya and Chichen Itza, in Yucatan.

4. Tulum beach is located  on the eastern coastline of the Yucatan Peninsula, which is composed of an intricate system of underground rivers. Near Tulum beach, there are cenotes (sinkholes) and underground rivers, that are natural crystal water wells that run through the Peninsula´s limestone layers and flow towards the sea. The cenotes (sinkholes) used to be sacred sites for the Mayas, and today they are unique places for swimming, snorkeling or diving.

5. Tulum Beach is some minutes away from Sian Ka´an Biosphere Reserve. This is the largest protected are in the Mexican Caribbean that was also declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. A local fishing boat will take you through the mangrove canals to watch the regional wild life, snorkel in an unspoiled reef and swim in a natural pond as finish your day with a buffet lunch by the beach.

6. Tulum beach features  a great natural spectacle during the Turtle Nesting Time. From May to August it is Turtle Nesting Time in Tulum Beach. Every night, after the sun comes down, the amazingly huge sea turtles amble slowly up the beach, dig their holes and lay their eggs. It’s truly a spectacular sight which can be seen at the beach of most hotels in Tulum.

7. Tulum, in the Riviera Maya is an eco-friendly destination. It´s Hotel Zone uses mostly limited electricity from wind-driven generators. Other eco-friendly actions at Tulum beach include organic bed linens, water and trees conservation measures. 

The Mexican Caribbean coast is dotted with many Mayan archaeological sites, Mayan ruins and temples that were once ancient ports to Mayan traders that navigated Tulum beaches in sturdy canoes, venturing as far south as Honduras.

Yet one site surpasses all others, a sacred cliff top city that greets the sun as it rises over the Caribbean known as the ruins of Tulum Archaeological site. Here is a list of some interesting facts on Tulum Archaeological site ruins.

1. Tulum ruins are located in the Archaeological site that was once known as “Zama” which means “place of the dawning sun” in Mayan language.

2. Tulum ruins are in the most important Mayan archaeological site in the state of Quintana Roo coast and is the third most visited site in Mexico.

3. The Mayas inhabited around Tulum ruins as far back as A.D. 564 but Tulum  archaeological site reached its peak during the Post-Classic period (1250 – 1521) as a strategic port on the sea and land trade routes.

4. It is believed that trading canoes may have anchored in the tiny bay below Tulum Ruins at the  archaeological site, at the foot of the cliff crowned by El Castillo, the main temple in the city. Trade goods such as jade, obsidian, copper, flint and ceramics have all been found at the site.

5. Tulum Archaeological site ruins feature the religious and ceremonial zone of the ancient city that includes the temples and palaces of the ruling class.

6. Apart from El Castillo, other important ruins at Tulum Archaeological site are the Temple of the Descending God, the House of the Columns, the Temple of the Wind and the Temple of the Frescos, which still has traces of murals on its inner walls.

7. Tulum Archaeological site is one of the very few walled cities found to date in the Maya World. A massive stone wall surrounds Tulum ruins on three sides, the fourth being the ocean.

8. Archaeologists believe that rather than being used for defensive purposes, the wall surrounding Tulum Archaeological site ruins was used as a class barrier, separating the ruling elite from their subjects. The word Tulum actually means “wall, trench or fence” in Maya.

9. Spanish explorer Juan de Grijalva and his men are believed to have been the first Europeans to spot Tulum  Archaeological site ruins, in the Riviera Maya from afar during their voyage along the eastern coast of the Yucatan in 1518.

10. During the19th-century, the Maya World pioneers, J.L. Stephens and Frederick Catherwood placed the ruins of Tulum Archaeological site on the map. They visited the long-lost site in 1841 when the crumbling temples were covered in jungle creepers and published their findings a year later to great acclaim. Catherwood’s detailed drawings of El Castillo became world famous.