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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

Tulum beach, in the Riviera Maya has been selected the world´s top beaches for their immense beauty and free-spirit ambience; which are also wonderful natural scenarios were many women sunbath topless, and adults choose to go nude and skinny-dipping. Tulum beach has been traditionally known for years as a nude beach, and there are many hotels, cabanas and resorts that promote “clothing optional” policies which allow nude sunbathers, topless and “fully dressed” people in swimsuits to enjoy the beach and hotel facilities. 

Tourists who look for solitary beaches along the Riviera Maya where they can enjoy a naturist environment find Tulum´s beach the idea place where to swim nude, sunbath and even enjoy a whole nude vacation in Riviera Maya. Although nude bathing is illegal in Mexico, it´s usually tolerated at Tulum, in the Riviera Maya. 

In fact, a couple of years ago some hotels in Tulum promoted themselves as clothing-optional. Of course there are no signs anywhere in Tulum that say it is OK, but nudists do it though, and no one seems to give a care or raise an eyebrow about it. There are only two nude hotels in Tulum that actively advertise optional clothing, which are owned by an Argentinean company and include Copal and Azulik Resorts.

On balance, nude sunbathing in Tulum beach  is possible in a few areas that stretch from the Akumal resort zone to the beaches around the ruins of Tulum archeological site. No one else on the beach really cares how much or how little clothing one wears. It’s all part of the Tulum beach environment.

Although it may be possible to drop your clothing in many spots in Tulum´s Hotel Zone and get away with it, plan to limit your nudity to the villa or hotel and beach, since you run the risk of complaints from local residents or from other guests and families with children at villas or resorts nearby that may be offended and claim respect.

For nude-friendly adult-only hotels in Tulum, your choices are the following:

1) Renting a private villa with pool and beach access, there are many beachside villas for rental from Akumal to Tulum available for rent on a daily, weekly and even monthly basis. Most rentals are located near Akumal to the south, then on several secluded beach areas including Soliman and Tankah Bays.

 2) Staying at one of those small, simple resorts in Tulum that invite optional clothing in the facilities and beach. They feature a minimalist, holistic atmosphere, with a relaxation approach including yoga and other spiritual services available. These are not a choice if you’re looking for lots of active night life.