The fabled ruins of Tulum are consistently ranked among Mexico’s most popular tourist destinations. A visit of just one day to this legendary location will explain why.
Tulum is one of the most popular destinations along the Riviera Maya due to its abundance of beaches with white sand, historical sites, and natural attractions. The impressive archaeological site that can be found in Tulum is the only one that looks out directly onto the Caribbean Sea. The
The “El Castillo” tower served as a lighthouse that directed ships toward this significant port that was located within the Maya kingdom.
Tulum is one of the eco-destinations in Mexico that is growing at the fastest rate, and as a result, it receives millions of tourists from all over the world each year.
Without further ado, here are seven interesting things to know about the mayan ruins tulum:
1. The people of Tulum referred to the ruins of Tulum as “Zamá.”
It is important to differentiate the original name of Tulum from that of its Cajun sister city to the north, New Orleans, also known as the “House of the Rising Sun” due to its location on the bayou.
Because it was one of the first places in the Maya kingdom to see the sun rise each day, the original residents of Tulum gave their city the name Zamá, which translates to “Place of the Dawning Sun.” Zamá is now known as Tulum.
As a result, the name Tulum derives from the Mayan word for “trench” or “wall.”
2. The city of Tulum was used as a fortress.
In connection with the topic of walls, were you aware that Tulum is one of the few walled cities that the Maya are known to have constructed?
The Maya constructed the walls as a form of defense while they were situated on a cliff overlooking the mesmerizing aquamarine waters of the Caribbean Sea.
As a consequence of this, Tulum was able to keep out not only land-based invaders but also Maya from lower on the social hierarchy.
3. Tulum Was a Major Maya Port
The Tulum Castle, located in the Riviera Maya of Mexico, seen here.
Tulum was a bustling population hub even after it was established as an important port for Coba, one of the most important cities in the Maya kingdom in the 13th century. Coba was the capital of the Maya kingdom. That is, up until a short time after the beginning of the Spanish conquest.
By that time, the disease that the Spaniards brought with them had already wiped out the last of the native population.
In spite of the significance of the city, there were never more than approximately 1,600 people living in Tulum at the same time.
4. Also a Major Force in the Commercial World
In addition to this, Tulum was an important trading post for a wide variety of inland and maritime goods brought in from faraway places.
Obsidian, for instance, originated in Ixtepeque, which is located in southern Guatemala. That’s a distance of approximately 700 kilometers (430 miles).
5. One of the Most Important Archaeological Sites in Mexico
Tulum is the third most visited archaeological site in all of Mexico, coming in third place behind the great Teotihuacan outside of Mexico City and Chichén Itzá, which is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
This ranking is a significant accomplishment in and of itself considering the amount of tough competition that was left behind by generations of talented Aztec and Maya ancestors.
6. There is a Natural Aquarium in the Neighborhood
In addition, not too far away from this tourist attraction that is known all over the world is another one that is famous more for what it is today than for what it was in the past.
Along the coast of the Riviera Maya is where you’ll find the stunning aquatic park known as Xel-Ha, which is billed as the world’s largest natural aquarium.
At this park that offers all-inclusive services, you can experience the splendor of the local flora and fauna while snorkeling in natural bays that are peaceful and unspoiled.
Xel-Ha features a variety of water-based activities, ecological attractions, dining options, and jaw-dropping vistas. You can take pleasure in all of this while you are unwinding in a hammock or strolling around a park.
7. A Trip to the Ruins of Tulum Can Be Enjoyed in Grand Fashion
Most notably, excursion packages to Tulum can be purchased for a minimum cost of $69 USD. This price includes transportation both to and from the attraction as well as a tour guide.
You have the option of going on a group tour, a private tour, or an excursion to the site that is combined with a visit to either Xel-Ha, Akumal, or Cobá.
There is no question that Tulum is an excellent location from which to appreciate the breathtaking natural beauty of the waters of the Mexican Caribbean.