Tulum Mexico

Tulum is a cultural and environmental paradise on the Caribbean coast of Mexico that is famous for its incredible beaches, Mayan ruins on the ocean, and bohemian artist community that puts sustainability first. Tulum is made up of three areas; Tulum Ruins to the north, Tulum town to the south and the Tulum beach to the east. Each area is a destination in and of itself that provides a mosaic of historical, cultural, and environmental experiences. Tulum is a community not just a beach town and offers a very personal experience, one of the reasons this destination has grown in popularity.

The Tulum Ruins located at the northern entrance to the town is the only Mayan settlement that was located on the ocean. This small but important archeological site was an international port for the Yucatan Peninsula and protected the community from foreign threats. The views seen from this Mayan Ruin are outstanding and provide an insight into the Mayan culture that used astrological and spiritual understandings to guide them. Today, the Tulum Ruins is one of the most visited Mayan ruin sites in the area that showcases an alternative aspect of the Mayan culture.

The town of Tulum is located on the main highway that leads into the town center. The road is home to local restaurants, artisan shops, and the entrance to Tulum's residential community. Tacos, paletta's, ceviche, and fresh fish can be found at family owned restaurants that take pride in their local recipes. One block east or west off the main highway will have your walking through local neighborhoods that are the heart and essence of Tulum. To the north and south of the town's center lies fresh water pools, called cenotes, that have played an integral part in Mayan spiritual ceremonies. Today, cenotes are explored by divers and snorkelers who have a breathtaking experience in these crystal clear fresh water caverns.

The Tulum beach and beach road is only accessed through one road just before the town center. This hotel and restaurant beach community is a haven to both local and international owners and chefs that are putting Tulum on the map for creativity, eclectic accommodations and sustainable ways of living. Hotels and villas are small and overlook the white sand and vast beach that people adore. Cabanas, boutique hotels and vacation rentals are all eco-friendly to preserve the delicate environment. Chefs utilize local ingredients and historical cooking traditions to create the food-centric location Tulum is popularly known as. Sustainable cooking practices are used to create a festival of flavors along the beach road. Whether you are looking for a simple life or a more pampered experience, Tulum beach hotels and local businesses offer an array of choices unfound in other beach communities.

Tulum beach road is the entrance to the UNESCO protected biosphere Sian Ka'an that is over 1.3 hectares of protected ocean, wetlands, lagoons, and Mayan ruins. This was an important area for the Mayas and remains an important environmental and cultural area south of Tulum. Local tours are conducted by licensed companies who have the sustainability credentials to educate visitors about this environmental treasure.

Tulum has earned its reputation as a diverse and culturally important area that is coveted by residents. Sustainable practices are used to protect the area and the community continues to work with visitors and residents to preserve and maintain its historical significance.