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.

When you go on vacaction to Tulum, take a day to drive on the coast road south of the Zone of  Hotels in Tulum that leads to the entrance of the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, in the Riviera Maya, Mexico. Straddling northern and central Quintana Roo, this UNESCO World Heritage Site comprises 1.3 million acres of jungle, marsh, mangrove forest, Caribbean beaches and a 110-kilometer-stretch of coral reef, all of which are rich in flora and fauna. The biosphere reserve was established by government decree in 1986 to protect these incredibly fragile ecosystems.
Sian Ka’an, which means “where the sky is born in Maya,” is home to 103 different mammals and over 350 resident and migratory species of birds, including herons, ibis, roseate spoonbills, wood storks and frigate birds. This reserve in the Riviera Maya, Mexico also has a large breeding population of ospreys and protects a tiny colony of the rare jabiru stork, the largest bird in the Americas.
Include a day trip to Sian Ka’an in your Tulum Vacation Itinerary, this will  give you the opportunity to know more than Tulum Beach and ruins only in the Riviera Maya. Visit at least two of the reserve’s 23 archaeological sites, Muyil and Xlapak. You’ll also get an overview of the reserve’s jungle and wetland ecosystems and take a boat ride through the lagoons to see the birds.

A 20-minute drive to the south of Tulum ruins lies Muyil, also known as Chunyaxche, an archaeological site in the forest on the shores of a lagoon that shares the same name. The largest archaeological site found to date in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, Muyil was an ancient trade enclave with links to cities in the Yucatán and Central America. Over 1,000 years ago, Mayan traders were shipping goods to and from the coast by means of a natural canal in the mangroves that they dredged and widened.
Many of the buildings at Muyil are still covered by jungle creepers but the principal temple known as El Castillo has been restored. Wildlife is abundant in the surrounding forest and gleaming blue morph butterflies, the agouti or tepescuintle, a rodent the size of a small dog and flocks of parrots are often spotted. Visitors can follow a nature trail through the trees to the mangroves at the water’s edge and climb a wooden observation tower for spectacular views of the forest canopy and the wetlands.
Getting there: Take Highway 307 to the south, the entrance to Muyil is clearly marked. Local fishermen from the Muyil cooperative also offer boat trips through the lagoons and mangroves of Sian Ka’an to the coast. If you are spending your vacaction in Tulum, this is an incredible day to see more than Tulum beatiful beach and nature.

During your vacation in Tulum, visit Xel-Há by car. Xel-Ha Park lies a few minutes only to the north of Tulum Mayan Ruins. No matter if you are staying in Cancun or in la Riviera Maya, Tulum-Xel Ha is one of the most popular Tours. Xel Ha is a chain of cenotes, lagoons and inlets nourished by fresh water from underground streams which mixes with the waters of the Caribbean. Fish from nearby reefs congregate in the lagoons to feed and breed and local people proudly call Xel-Ha the world’s largest natural aquarium. Whether the claim is true or not, the crystalline waters are ideal for a close encounter with rainbow-colored reef dwellers such as solitary butterfly, trigger and angel fish and shoals of porkfish and French grunts.
Snorkeling and swimming are permitted in designated areas of the park and you can float through the water on an over-sized inner tube. There are hammocks and palapas, restaurants, shops, restrooms and lockers.
Paths wind through the jungle around the inlet leading to secluded pools, the lazy river, the cliff, the Mayan cave, the dolphin area and other attractions. For a breathtaking view of the turquoise waters, walk back across the floating bridge at the mouth of the inlet. You’ll see larger fish such as snappers and jacks.
Xel-Ha was also a Post-Classic port and trade enclave. The archaeological site is across the highway from the park and you pay a separate admission charge to visit it. During excavations in the park, archaeologists found traces of Mayan occupation on the shores of the inlet, including temples and offerings at a shrine in an underwater cave, thought to be in honor of the Diving God, a mysterious deity that was the focus of a regional cult. There are Many hotels in Tulum to stay.
Getting there: Highway 307 to the north of Tulum Ruins.

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.

When you visit Tulum, in the Riviera Maya,  Mexico, you don´t have to worry about staying overnight. You can find Hotels in Tulum for all budgets, from the most standard accommodations to luxurious eco-friendly suites. The zone of hotels in Tulum Zone features small boutique hotels, tropical retreats for backpackers, five-star all inclusive resorts and beachfront cabins surrounded by lush tropical vegetation.

The most common style of hotels in Tulum is a legendary Cabaña, which is a rustic, thatched roof independent villa located right on Tulum´s beach. Most hotels in Tulum offer healthy and relaxed ambiences featuring natural therapies such as yoga and meditation classes, and the ultimate Asian, Mexican and vegetarian cuisine blends.

 In general, the Zone of hotels in Tulum is a very tranquil candlelight getaway, situated parallel to the beach, where most hotels are nestled in dense jungle and unspoiled patch of sand, resembling a lost Mexican Caribbean paradise rather than the hot trendy beach destination than a Tulum, in the Riviera Maya,  Mexico. 

Private terraces, master suites, platform beds draped with sheer netting, rooms lit by candles, spas with ocean views, beach parties, eco-resorts, romantic bungalows, tropical gardens and white sand beach make Tulum, a quiet oasis for families, couples and single adventurers. 

There are many options when choosing a Tulum Hotel such as beach hotels, downtown hotels, hotels in Tulum surrounding areas and houses for rent which are also divided in the following star rated facilities:

2-Star Hotels in Tulum are cheap rate hotels only covering basic needs.

3-Star Suite Hotels in Tulum are ideal for business travel, extended stays or family vacations, which include house amenities like kitchenette, microwaves, silverware and more.

4-Star Boutique Hotels in Tulum provide comfortable accommodations with a unique atmosphere at an affordable price. Amenities include beachfront rooms, restaurants and garden patios.

5-Star Luxury Hotels/Resorts offer upscale facilities such as a spa, gym, swimming pools and entertainment including service oriented amenities for weddings and special events.