The only major Mayan city built next to the sea, Tulum enjoys a spectacular setting, perched on a bluff above the Caribbean. The city was still inhabited when the first Spaniards arrived, and it was said to be larger than Seville at that time. What remains today, however, is a rather small collection of buildings, at least when compared with such Mayan sites as Chichen Itza. Unfortunately, Tulum has become a victim of its own success, and most of its buildings have been roped off to protect them from being damaged by hordes of visitors. Get there early in the morning to avoid the tour-bus crowds. Nonetheless, the ocean setting is lovely. On the beach near the ruins, you can rent hammocks and small cabins for the night. Tulum is a convenient day-trip destination from Cancun and Cozumel. Its popularity is growing, however, and visitors are now stylish world travelers, rather than the budget backpackers of the past. The town is still laid-back, but it has become casually chic.
Tulum is 80 mi/130 km southwest of Cancun.Hotel Overview
Tulum has become very popular, so advance reservations are recommended. Most hotels do not have air conditioning and use solar power or generators for energy. Sea breezes and fans keep things fairly cool except during the sultry summer days and nights.
