Tulum is a Mayan archaeological site on Mexico's Riviera Maya. The buildings that are visible on the site date from the Post-Classic period, around 1200 to 1500 A.D., and the city of Tulum was functioning at the time of the arrival of the Spaniards.
The name Tulum (pronounced "too-LOOM") means wall, referring to the fact that Tulum was a walled city, protected on one side by steep cliffs facing the sea and on the other by a wall of about 12 feet in height. Tulum served as a trading port.
Highlights: Temple of the Frescoes
El Castillo - The Castle
The beach
Tulum Location:
The Tulum ruins are located 81 miles (130 km) south of Cancun. The town of Tulum is located 4 km south of the ruins. There are many options for accommodation here, from luxury boutique hotels to rustic cabanas.
Visiting the Tulum Ruins:
The Tulum ruins are some of the most visited ruins in Mexico, since it is a relatively small site this means that it can get very crowded. Your best bet is to arrive as early as possible. Since the ruins are small, a couple of hours is sufficient to tour the site. Bring along a bathing suit for a refreshing swim at the Tulum beach after viiting the ruins.
