The Tulum Ruins are situated just off a beautiful beach with turquoise waters. The believe of most archaeologists are that it was occupied during the late post-Classic period ( AD 1200- 1521) and that it was an important port town during its heyday. The Maya sailed up and down the coastline maintaining trading routes down into Belize. The town amazed Juan de Grijalva when he sailed past in 1518 due to the brightly painted buildings in red and blue. Several metres thick and 3 to 5m high the walls protected the city during a period of of considerable strife between Mayer city states.
The city was abandoned about 75 years after the Spanish Conquest . It was one of the last of the ancient cites to be abandoned, long before the arrival of the Spanish. However the Maya Pilgrims continued to visit over the years and war refugees took shelter here from time to time. '
Tulum' is Maya for 'Wall', although its residence called it Zama (Dawn). The name Tulum was given by explores during the early 20th century.
The most impressive part or the ruins for me was the El Castillo (the castle) which is in the heart of the complex and is Tulum's tallest building also used to a watch tower. The beauty of these ruins are that they over look the sea which gives them an individuality and not 'just another Maya ruins.'!
Tulum is a nice little town and although it has its fair amount of tourists it is a much more remote place to spend your time compared to the serial Americanised Player del Carmen just up the cost which basically consists of a mini America, with Starbucks, Burger King and Mc Donald's on every corner.
Another fun thing to do when you want to cool of from the heat is to visit one of Tulum's many Cenotes. When I was there I visited the Gran Cenote which is just 3km from the centre of Tulum. You can Snorkel in the cool water and see turtles, small fish and underwater formations in the caverns.
If you ever get to visit this lovely place stay in the Weary backpacker in town to meet some friends or a secluded cavana on the beach.
(Papa Playa-Cavana on one of the beach's of Tulum)
Weary Backpacker Hostel, Tulum
Possibly one of my favorite places, the beaches are incredible and tranquil. I went Quad Biking round Tulum, there isn't much to see but its defiantly worth stopping at the Cenotes to Snorkel. This makes me very nostalgic.
ReplyDeleteyeh the cenotes are insane are nt they! so refreshing in the hot wether!
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