One of the fashionable resorts on the shores of the Caribbean Sea is Tulum. It is located on the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. Travelers learn about the history of the city, its attractions, and compare current flight prices.
Information about the city of Tulum
Tulum is known to the world because of the Mayan civilization. Numerous frescoes found by researchers depict the settlement as the center of worship of God of that culture. Today, the resort attracts tourists with its clean azure beach and snow-white sand.
How was it formed
The exact date of the opening of Tulum is not known. The first mention of it dates back to 1518, when the island was visited by an expedition of Spanish conquistadors. Later, British and American travelers wrote about the province in the book Moments from a Journey through the Yucatan.
Numerous studies have proven that the history of the settlement dates back to 1200.
Today, scientists consider Tulum to be a surviving Mayan island.
The peculiarity of the name of the city
The first name of the territory is Sama, which translates as “city of dawn.
The modern name comes from the word tulúm, which means “enclosure. This is due to the landscape. Rocks from 3 to 5 m around the settlement protected from enemy attacks.
Geographic location
The city is built on cliffs up to 12 meters high, on the east of the Yucatan Peninsula (Quintana Roo), 120 km from Cancun and 80 km from Playa del Carmen.
This situation allowed the population to achieve success in trade in the 16th century. Sea and land routes from Mexico passed through Tulum, and then the goods were distributed within the island. This period was the heyday for the settlement. Remaining a maritime fortress, the province became a commercial center. Researchers found copper and ceramic artifacts from that time, which confirms this fact.
However, scholars suggest that the later population left the city. Untouched nature and ancient architecture, preserved to this day, attract people and make people choose to vacation in Tulum.
City Square
The area of the province is 2,000 km². The territory of the ruins occupies half of it. The resort looks much smaller compared to other settlements of the peninsula, but no less beautiful.
The guides divide Tulum into three parts:
- the ruins of the old settlement;
- modern city;
- tourist area.
A visit to all 3 territories will be informative and interesting.
Population
As of 2020, 46,000 people live in the administrative center. Mostly they are descendants of Indians born in mixed marriages.
The language is Spanish and the religion is Catholicism.
Weather
The climate of the area is tropical. Summers in the city are short and hot, winters are comfortable, little cloudy, but humid. On average, the temperature in the resort ranges from +17 … +33 °C, rarely falls below +12 °C or above +35 °C.
The warmest month is May and the coldest is January. Statistics show that the best time of year to vacation in Tulum is from late November to mid-March, when the peninsula is at its clearest weather and receives less than 1 mm of rainfall. The average water temperature during this period is about +26 °C.
If you tolerate the heat well, a vacation in the city is good for you at any time of the year. However, be careful with the sun, it is very active on the peninsula.
Photos of Tulum’s landscapes
Tulum’s landscape has allowed the place to become one of the most “Instagrammable”. Ancient ruins on the bluff, dense jungle thickets, azure waters of the Caribbean Sea, sand dunes – it’s all here.
Previously, the province was used as a bus stop for tourists, with the opportunity to view the architecture. Only photographers were able to appreciate the incredible nature of the settlement and through the frames tell tourists about Tulum.
Where to go in Tulum
There are dozens of interesting attractions in the city. It will be of interest to researchers of the Mayan civilization, as well as to the ordinary tourist. The peninsula harmoniously combines modern facilities with ancient architecture. You will not be bored at the resort. Tourists are regularly offered thematic tours.
The Temple of the Winds
The temple is located in the National Park, right on the beach on a cliff. The construction of the building is not simple, there are special holes inside. The wind blowing through them causes them to whistle. The descendants of the city’s inhabitants used this mechanism as a way of warning of an impending hurricane. Depending on the velocity of the air flow, the strength of the sound also increased. Today, the architecture has been preserved and continues to fulfill its functions.
Rock paintings on the walls show that divine rituals were performed here.
In addition to its historical value, this place is notable for its beautiful views of the coast.
Mural Temple
The attraction is located on the main street of the city. The temple is best preserved from ancient times. Here you can see authentic frescoes by the Toltecs, Indian peoples in the eighth and twelfth centuries.
Some drawings have not survived into the 21st century, some have been restored by artists. The image of the Indian profile on the facade of the temple was especially noteworthy.
The cathedral is the unspoken symbol of Tulum. Scientists suggest that the building was intended as an observatory. There is a version suggesting that the building is a symbol of the trinity of the world of the dead, the living and God.
El Castillo Palace
This building is a pyramid more than 7 m high. The remains found here date back to the 6th century. The entrance to the palace is guarded by sculptures of serpents, and in one of them is hidden a figure of a deity, equated by the Maya with the departing sun.
There are also frescoes on the walls of the cathedral, which allowed us to describe and understand the culture of the inhabitants of the city at that time. At the top is a stone used by the indigenous population for sacrifice.
The current location is considered one of the best, as it overlooks the ocean. Researchers speculate that the palace may have served as a lighthouse and symbolized for sailors approaching home. The coast is surrounded by coral reefs, and only in front of the entrance to the palace there is a place suitable for the mooring of the ship.
Temple House Chultun
Most of the cities of the Mayan civilization depended on the weather. Water sources were not everywhere, so people developed their own supply system. “Chultun” literally means “place to collect rain.” The cathedral housed a tank for collecting sediments.
Similar structures have been found many times by scientists. They were bottle-shaped and dug in calcareous soils. Later, other things were stored there, garbage, or even used for burials.
Chultuns could be up to 6 meters deep and 500,000 liters in capacity.
Researchers of civilization suggest that water may have had sacred significance to the Maya, which is why sculptures of frogs, toads and monkeys were found in cathedrals.
Groundwater system
The city has its own underground rivers. The most famous of them is Sac-Actun. The cave of the same name, mostly filled with water, has long been considered the second longest in the world. The total area of the caves is about 371 km², of which only 5.8 are dry.
The study of Sak-Aktun began in 1987 and continued until 2012. Human remains were found inside, indicating the presence of life there.
Inside the caves are inhabited by bats. They fly freely over the heads of tourists, creating an even more magical impression.
The attraction strikes with crystal clear water, numerous stalactites of bizarre shapes, silence and a small glimmer of light. Each room is different from the other. 170 of them have access to the surface.
Before the tour to all guests are briefed on safety and provide the necessary equipment. Visiting Sak-Aktun, you can explore the dry galleries, as well as carry out a dive into the partially submerged. For holders of a diving certificate it is possible to visit the caves with 100% occupancy.
The water of the underground river contains a high concentration of minerals, so there are no inhabitants in it, but the scenery does not lose its attractiveness.
The facility is located 7 km from Tulum. You can get here by cab or by car. Visiting is possible only under the supervision of a guide in the group.
Biosphere Reserve
The reserve is a world heritage site. The name of the park translates as “where the sky begins. It is located in the eastern part of the peninsula and extends to 1/3 of the coast. The total area is 528 thousand hectares.
This area contains rain forests, swampy heaths, savannahs, mangroves, and a marina. The flora and fauna of the reserve are multifaceted. For example, about 100 species of mammals can be found here.
For tourists previously offered hiking tours, kayaking and boating on the lagoon. It is impossible to walk around the entire area in 10 hours.
Inside the reserve is a village inhabited by a tribe, the heirs of the Mayan civilization. This location is always popular with holidaymakers. It’s a good opportunity to learn about everyday life, cuisine, and cultural traditions.
Today, archaeological excavations continue on part of the reserved space.
Beaches in Tulum
Turquoise crystal waters and snow-white sands of Tulum attract tourists from all over the world. The beaches of the resort are ideal for a relaxing holiday. They are covered with fine coral sand.
The total length of the strip – at least 3 km. There are eco-bungalows and cozy canopies with palm leaf roofs around the perimeter.
The sea here is calm. High waves are formed only in strong winds and are rare. There is a convenient gentle entrance along the entire beach line.
Recently, algae from the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea began to be carried to the beaches. Now they can disappear and reappear in high season. It is impossible to match a month with a good situation. Guides advise to be guided by the fact, because there are many good beach areas in the city, where everyone can find something for themselves.
Playa Paraiso
Tourists who have been to the beach compare it to the famous candy bar ads. A suitable place for photo shoots.
On the coastal zone is a sufficient number of cafes with delicious local food and drinks. There are virtually no water activities, so the resort is suitable for a secluded pastime.
Santa Fe Beach
The site is located near Tulum National Park. The location with white sand, low waves and measured swaying boats. In the morning the beach is practically free. You can buy an excursion with scuba diving.
Tourists note the good service in the institution on the beach line.
Maya Beach
The location is part of Fisherman’s Beach and is small. It offers a view of ancient ruins, so the area is loved by photographers and those who want to get spectacular shots.
Clean water, fine sand and few visitors – the advantage of this place for recreation.
Esperanza
Esperanza is an extension of Tulum’s Paradise Beach. From here you have very beautiful views of the coast. The location is suitable for fans of quality service.
How to get to the city of Tulum
There are several ways to get to Tulum. The resort is best reached from major cities in Mexico, such as Cancun and Playa del Carmen.
This can be done as part of an organized tour or on your own. The peninsula is well developed transport links.
Tulum on the map
From Moscow
The distance from Moscow to Tulum is 10 122 km. The journey will take at least 24 hours. There is no direct connection between the points. You can buy a plane ticket with a flight from Domodedovo, Vnukovo or Sheremetyevo, as well as take a shuttle transfer.
From Cancun.
You can go to the resort by bus. Comfortable vehicles depart regularly from the bus station. You can buy a ticket in the office or in the mobile app. The trip will take two hours.
From Playa Del Carmen
A shuttle between the cities runs every 30-40 minutes. The departure takes place from a special terminal. The duration of the transfer is 1 hour. You can pay the fare online through the carrier’s website.
Current ticket prices to Tulum
The cost of moving to the resort depends on the season, as well as the availability of promotions and discounts on airlines. Guides recommend booking holidays well in advance. This will save you up to 50% on trips.
By plane
A ticket from Moscow will cost 20,000-80,000 rubles. Expensive tickets are sold less than 2 weeks before departure, and budget tickets are sold if you buy them a month in advance, with morning departures in the middle of the week.
By bus.
The price of a one-way ticket from Playa Del Carmen is 50 MXN, from Cancun it is 170. One Mexican peso is equal to 3.12 Russian rubles.