The Tulum ruins are a walled Maya city perched on a rocky cliff overlooking the Caribbean in the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico. The site is of modest scale and was built during the post Classic period when the Mayan culture was in decline and therefore lacks the elegance of some other famous Mayan ruins. The tropical beach backdrop however makes this a unique site which should not be missed.
The most imposing building in Tulum is the 25 feet (7.5 meter) tall El Castillo (the castle) set above the cliff. It was once covered in with stucco and painted. A small shrine appears to have been used as a beacon for incoming canoes. On the beach below, where the canoes came ashore, tourists combine a visit to the Mayan ruins with a dip in the Caribbean.
It is important to know that there are really three different areas all referred to as Tulum, located near each other, but not close enough to walk to and from.
The town center, sometimes referred to as Tulum Pueblo, lies across the highway south of the Coba junction. There are frequent buses to Cancun, Merida, Playa del Carmen and Valladolid from the town center. Tulum Playa or Zona Hotelera extends for more than 6 miles (10km) of great white sandy beaches along the Caribbean coastline while Tulum Ruinas is the archaeological site where the Tulum Mayan ruins stand.
Encantada Tulum, a small eco-friendly beachfront hotel, is one of the newest and most intimate of Tulum hotels. Tulum Mexico, part of the Mayan Riviera, is a magical place, preserved in Mayan culture and history, situated between the Sian Kaan biosphere reserve and the nearby Mayan Ruins of Tulum.
Our luxuriously appointed, rustic Tulum cabanas sit on a secluded stretch of white, powder-fine sand where one can enjoy the view from your private deck, steps away from the crystal clear Caribbean waters. Up and down the coastline you will find a natural peacefulness, gentle breezes and the hypnotic sounds of waves crashing against the sand, all in the simple tranquility of Tulum.
Activities:
Encantada is located on an endless stretch of Tulum beach, less than 10 km from Tulum Pueblo. Here, both on the beach and in town, you will find world-class restaurants, boutique shops, Mexican hand-crafts and exciting nightlife. The Tulum ruins, which sit directly on the Caribbean coast are only a short five-minute drive away. Explore these or one of the many other near-by archaeological Mayan sites, such as Coba, Uxmal or Chichen Itza.
Diving/Snorkeling
Dive into Tulum's crystal clear ocean waters and explore the amazing colors of the abundant sea-life and coral found on the off-shore reef or head inland for a magical cave diving tour of one of the many subterranean fresh-water cenotes.
Fishing
Take a guided fly fishing or bone fishing tour offshore from the sian ka'an nature preserve or try deep sea fishing off the barrier reef. We can arrange day trips with local guides and have a boat pick you up from a near-by location.
Kiteboarding
Take a lesson at one of the local Kiteboard schools along Tulum beach. The warm Caribbean waters and off-shore winds create a perfect environment to learn, or improve your kiteboarding skills.