Tulum
Tulum
means fence, trench or wall, and is the name given to
the site in recent times because of the wall surrounding
it, although its ancient name was possibly Zama, a corruption
of Zamal (morning), associated with the dawn. This is
an ideal name for the site, as sunrise in Tulum is a
superb sight.
Tulum is
the only Mayan site constructed next to the sea.
It is located in the Yucatan Peninsula in the State
of Quintana Roo, in the South Eastern corner of
Mexico, and is approximately 145 km to the south
of Cancún.
Tulum
is divided into three different areas, the Hotel Zone,
the Town and the Archaeological Zone. It has some
of the most spectacular beaches of anywhere along the
Caribbean Coast.
The
town of Tulum consists of a main avenue on which all
the commercial activity is carried out. There are
plenty of craft & souvenir stores as well as
a supermarket, small restaurants, basic services,
bus-station & a bank.
In the Mayan Zone and the small neighbouring villages,
the natives maintain their language and traditions.
The majority live in typical palapas with marijuana
leaf rooves. Their main sources of income are derived
from fishing, construction and manufacture of goods
for the tourism industry.
The
old walled City, erected on the top of a 12 metre high
cliff allows marvellous views out over the
Caribbean Sea. The area is filled with incomparable
natural beauty. Not only are there beautiful beaches
but also areas of lush tropical rain forest. Hidden
from view amongst the trees are a series of natural
wells that were used by the Mayans.
Every
year this part of the Caribbean Coasts receives thousands
of marine turtles who choose this paradise to lay
their eggs. You may see members of the Marine Turtles
Program around the beaches between May &
September, as they guard the beach to protect the females
that come to lay their eggs.
Pictures
of Tulum Ruins
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