Tulum-Mexico-Beach-Ruins.jpg About 80 miles south of Cancun is the small town of Tulum, best known for its ruins, which overlook turquoise coloured waters and soft sandy beaches on the Caribbean coast. Tulum was built during the dying days of the Mayan empire, and was actually a fort. It's quite tame in comparison to the archaeological site of Chichen Itza, but it does have one overwhelming attraction: its location next to the sea. There are a number of small hotels, villas and beach cabanas that allow travelers to come and stay in Tulum and explore the area. Or you can come here for a day, enjoy the ruins and then walk down to the great beaches and stunning water for sunbathing, paddling, swimming or snorkelling. Just 15 minutes' away from Tulum is the Sian Ka'an Biosphere, a UNESCO listed and federally protected area which is more than 2000 square miles in size. You can find out more about this in the Key Attractions section, below. Tulum is easily accessible by road from Cancun or Playa del Carmen and if you like archaeology, should be included as a fun trip instead of an awe-inspiring archaeological find, with the opportunity to see some stunning scenery and have a refreshing swim. Tulum-Mexixo-Coastline.jpg Tulm is about a 45 minute ride (by bus, taxi, or rental car) south of Playa del Carmen. The only Mayan city built directly on the sea, Tulum is thought to date from 400-900A.D. After exploring the ruins and enjoying the spectacular view from atop EL CASTILLO. You can take a refreshing dip in the Caribbean from the pristine beach in front of the site. Tulum, in Quintana Roo near the town of El Crucero, is the place to go for ruins on the beach. It is the most visited Maya ruin and is the biggest attraction on the coast. It was the only Maya city built on the coast, possibly having housed 2000 people and once functioned as a trade center... This port city was never conquered by the Spaniards and was one of the last Maya outposts left standing during their revolt against Mexican rule in the War of the Castes during the 1840's. There is no question why Tulum holds great significance to the Mayans. An impressive sight at Tulum is an imposing castle standing on the edge of a 12 meter cliff at the top of the ruins. Visitors may wish to bring a swim suit to cool off in a cove at the bottom of the site but there are no facilities. The area prime trekking ground for those who want to experience jungle wildlife living amidst pristine rain forest and unrestored Mayan ruins. http://www.caribbeanmag.com/search/Tulum_Mexico/ en-us Copyright 1998 e-TravelMedia.com/CaribbeanMag.com Tue, 14 Feb 2012 15:19:55 EST Tulum is located on what's named the Riviera Maya or sometimes called the Mayan Riviera. This area stretches from Cancun all the way south to Tulum. Geographiclly speaking the entire area is part of the Yucatan Peninsula. Tulum is on the tail end of the Riviera Maya. Going farther south on the road to Xcalak the area becomes what's called the "Costa Maya". * The state is called Quintana Roo. * The Yucatan peninsula is an area that swoops up toward Florida. It is only approx. 500 miles from Miami, Florida. * Latitude/Longitude at the Cancun airport is: 21* 02' 000" lat. 86* 53' 000" long. For great maps of the area check out: http://www.cancunmap.com/ http://www.caribbeanmag.com/search/Tulum_Mexico/ Tue, 14 Feb 2012 15:19:55 EST Not only does Mayan Riviera have the warm sun year-round, but the average year-round temperature is 80°F (27°C) and hardly humid! But during the winter the temperature can go down to a warm 65°F (19°C) at night. And in the summer temperatures can be as high as 100°F (38°C). Not to worry, the ocean breeze keeps Mayan Riviera comfortable, compared to other areas of Mexico. November through February is the best time to go since that's when the sun shines the most days. And during the "rainy season" from July-November, rainfall is rare even then. The busy winter tourism season, when prices reach their peak, overtakes the area from mid-December to April. This time of year is attractive not just because it's winter in North America and Europe, but also because it's not raining and the heat isn't so muggy. May, the end of the dry season, and June, the start of the rains. Tropical Storms: It is rare for Riviera Maya to get hurricanes, but it is a fact of life. Hurricanes tend to move slowly enough for people to avoid danger, and there is a 3-day warning system in the area that will advise you of the situation. Hotels and villas are experienced in keeping guests safe and happy during one of these storms. So, you should not worry about vacationing during this season when many times you get the best deals and the best weather. High travel season is August and December to Easter. Low season is all other months. http://www.caribbeanmag.com/search/weather/Tulum_Mexico/ Tue, 14 Feb 2012 15:19:55 EST Buy Mexican auto insurance. Driving is on the right hand side of the road. Be aware that many roads are not in the best of conditions. Driving at night should be avoided if possible: cars without lights, drunk drivers, cows in the road, drunks in the road, no reflective lines on the highway, potholes, etc. Always be aware of livestock. Gringos call them "speed bumps", in Mexico they are called tope (TOE-pay). Tope are common even on some major roads so keep your eyes on the road as they are nearly invisible but very tall, which can rip off your muffler. There are not a lot of gas stations in the Mayan Riviera. There are gas stations at Puerto Moreles, Playa del Carmen and Tulum (also one on the island of Cozumel). To be safe, don't let your tank get down below 1/4. Credit cards are NOT accepted at PEMEX, the state run gas company. http://www.caribbeanmag.com/search/car_rentals/Tulum_Mexico/ Tue, 14 Feb 2012 15:19:55 EST Restaurants and Dining: http://www.caribbeanmag.com/search/restaurants/Tulum_Mexico/ Tue, 14 Feb 2012 15:19:55 EST