Exploring the Archeological Site of Tulum: Gateway to the Maya World

Unveiling the Wonders of Tulum’s Archeological Site

The Archeological Site of Tulum is a must-visit for anyone traveling to the southeast of Mexico. It stands as the sole Maya city built on the seashore, boasting an exceptional state of preservation despite its origin dating back to approximately 1200 AD.

Here, one can marvel at the most breathtaking views an archeological site can offer: the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. The prominent structure known as “El Castillo,” adorned with serpentine columns and zoomorphic masks, dominates the landscape. Additionally, the “Casa del Cenote” reflects the significance the Maya placed on aquatic life.

Structures within Tulum’s Archeological Site

The formidable walled city served as a fortress, and over 60 remarkably preserved structures can still be admired within the site. Surrounded by three perimeter walls, each five meters thick, the decorations remain well-preserved, featuring niches on door lintels and murals depicting ancient Maya cosmogony.

The site is dominated by “El Castillo,” the tallest and most recognized structure with three entrances on its facade. These entrances are adorned with deities, serpent columns, and zoomorphic masks. It is equally important to explore the “Templo del Dios Descendente,” showcasing a sculpture of the deity, and the “Templo de los Frescos” to admire its internal paintings.

Other structures include the “Casa de Chultún,” the “Casa de Halach Uinic” (or Great Lord) with sculptures and paintings, and the “Casa del Cenote” with a sacbé leading to a cenote. Located within the Tulum National Park, it is nearly a two-hour drive from Cancún and less than an hour from Playa del Carmen.

Though not a sprawling city, Tulum played a significant role in maritime and land trade in the region between the 13th and 16th centuries. Its main buildings were constructed in the late Postclassic period, and it served as both an astronomical observatory and a defensive system.

How to Get There

Archeological Site of Tulum, Cancún-Chetumal, Zona Hotelera Tulum, 307, Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico.