If you are thinking of visiting Tulum, without a doubt, the ruins of Tulum is a must on your list. That is why I have written this article with information that will make your visit more enjoyable.
It is necessary to know a little of the history of Tulum to appreciate what we currently know as its emblematic ruins, the importance of Tulum in the pre-Hispanic cultures is due to its commercial link, and refuge in navigation along the coast, connecting Central America with Yucatan and the Gulf of Mexico, it was inhabited at least since the sixth century AD and mid-fifteenth century with the arrival of the Spanish began the decline of Tulum.
Even after its abandonment, the populations near Tulum continued to make offerings that only the influx of tourism made disappear.
It has an infrastructure that left the Spanish chronicler Juan Díaz speechless in 1518, who described it as “A city as big as Seville”.
In addition to serving as the central point for merchants, it was fundamental for observing the stars and understanding them. The Mayan civilization built specific buildings for this function; many are still standing, ready to receive visitors from all over the world.
Mayan Ruins in Tulum
One of the most recognized structures of the ruins “the castle” was built with the aim of following the movement of the sun, for its height and location also served as a lighthouse so that the surrounding ships did not crash into the reef corals that are near the coast, the building stood out for its height, an element that allowed as a compass indicate maneuvers at sea, is located on the edge of a limestone cliff of 12 meters, overlooking the Caribbean coast. The best way to climb its steep steps is sideways, something that is confirmed in the descent.
In front of the Castle is the Temple of the Frescoes, one of the best-preserved buildings.
Inside the temple, you can see a mural painted in three sections. The first level represents the Mayan world of the dead, the middle one is that of the living, and the final piece, the highest, is that of the creator gods and the rain.
Where are the Tulum Ruins
The Mayan city of Tulum is located 130 km south of Cancun, 102 km from Valladolid and 48 km from Coba is also only 144 km from another famous Mayan site, Chichen Itza is also 100 miles (62 km) south of Playa del Carmen is about 30 minutes.
How old are the ruins in Tulum?
It was built at the end of the 13th century, during what is known as the Postclassic Maya period.s in Tulum, according to archaeological findings in the ruins of Tulum, the site began to be inhabited as early as 564 AD. Although it is estimated that it never had more than 1,600 inhabitants, the site remained occupied until shortly before the end of the 16th century.
Tulum Ruins Beach
The beach is part of the ruins and the entrance to the site allows you to swim in the sea,. it normally takes 45 minutes to an hour to see the ruins. adding a dip in the sea to your trip can extend the visit and make it even more worthwhile.
The Mayan ruins of Tulum are open between 8 am and 5 pm. It is best to arrive early in the morning or late in the day to avoid crowds.
