THE CITY OF DAWN
Tulum: A town with symbolic attributes, legends, history, exceptional gastronomy, gorgeous beaches that take your breath away, and magical cenotes, located at the Riviera Maya, south of Playa del Carmen and Cancun.
What was once a small fishing village has now become an eco-chic-laid-back-but-very-hip vacation destination, the perfect setting for a wedding, bachelorette party or just a long break from the pandemic.
Originally called Zamá, Mayan for City of Dawn, located on a cliff, facing the sunrise. Surrounded by a trench and walls, which allowed the fort to be defended against invasions. Zamá had access to both land and sea trade routes, making it an important trade hub. It also appears to have been an important site for the worship of the Descending serpent-god Kukulkan.
Tulum, which means wall, is the name that was given to it when the city began to be abandoned and covered by the jungle. The conquest accelerated a process of abandonment that had already begun way before the arrival of the Spanish.
TULUM RUINS
Credit: infoquintanaroo.com/ruinas-de-tulum
The ancient Ruins of Tulum can be visited fairly easily on your own or you can book a guided tour. There are small informational plaques in front of each structure, written in English and Spanish, that provide interesting information on the history and how each building was used.
The buildings in Zamá do not only display Mayan characteristics, they also display a mix of different architectural designs too. Researchers suggest that there were a number of different inhabitants over this town’s centuries of existence who either brought with them new designs or built onto the existing ones, thereby transforming Tulum into what it is today.
IMPORTANT HISTORIC STRUCTURES
El Castillo, The Castle, is Tulum’s main pyramid. It’s believed to have been used as a lighthouse to guide merchant boat captains as they sailed through the bay at dusk. Even to this day, boat captains use it as a reference when approaching the beach; if they can see daylight through the two windows of this building, they won’t hit the reef beneath the water.
The Temple of the Frescos is one of the best-preserved and the most spectacular buildings at the Tulum Ruins. This is a structure that the Mayans used to track the movements of the sun. you’ll still find the remains of paintings still in their original colors.
The House of the Columns. It’s also called El Palacio (the Palace) as it’s believed to have housed the Mayan leaders. Although the weather has taken a significant toll on this building, its ruins are still very impressive and imposing today. The 6 columns of this L-shaped building make it very easy for you to understand where it derived its name
The Templo de la Serie Inicial remains an imposing structure among archaeologists, like John Lloyd Stevens who discovered the Tulum Stella 1– a popular limestone pillar that dates back to 564 AD and can now be found in London’s British Museum.
The Kukulcan group, small buildings located north of El Castillo. The most outstanding structure in this group is the Templo del Dios del Viento, a temple with a circular base, traditionally dedicated to the god of the winds.
BEACH TIME
Credit: topadventure.com
After you’re done walking around the ruins, the perfect way to cool off and relax for the rest of the day would be heading over to a beach club, ordering a nice drink, and grabbing a bite.
Playa Paraiso, or Paradise Beach, is a majestic stretch of sand, surrounded by palm trees and breathless views, is a popular place for yoga enthusiasts and travelers. There are plenty of boats offering snorkeling excursions in the warm Caribbean Sea, also many restaurants where you can buy food and cocktails.
There are quite many beach clubs to choose from, each one with interesting gastronomic options and exotic cocktails, that are totally worthy of your Instagram feed. I highly suggest Gitano Beach Tulum, it’s located at Boca Paila, in the hotel area. It’s pet friendly and for $600 pesos you can get a 2-hour open bar of mimosas and the view is amazing. You can ask Bali, (my dog) if she had fun.
Credit: (Bali by Abbey)
Less than 30 minutes by car from central Tulum, Akumal Beach is a popular area, great for families and snorkeling with turtles. Beach umbrellas are available to rent, and excellent food and ice-cold beers are on offer throughout the day.
Head to the Secret Beach, a secluded spot deep in the Unesco-badged Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve. This gorgeous spot has clear, calm waters and is often deserted. It takes about an hour to reach by bike from downtown Tulum.
TULUM HOT SPOTS
We owe the popularity of Tulum somewhat to Instagram, with wonderful views of the Caribbean, ecological and innovative architecture and art galore, everything, worth millions of Instagram stories.
“Ven a la Luz” or “Come into the Light” sculpture by Daniel Popper
Credit: danielpopper.com
A 10-meter (33 feet) tall sculpture made with steel, wood, rope, and greenery. Commissioned for the first “Art with Me” event at Tulum in 2018. The event was created to raise awareness for the sensitive ecosystem of Tulum. The piece symbolizes our deep connection with Nature and ourselves. It was designed as the entranceway into the pavilion area of the festival. The piece is permanently installed at AHAU Tulum.
Wedding dress curtain at Casa Malca
Credit: viajerosocultos.com
The most instagrammable spot in Casa Malca is without a doubt the grand foyer which is decorated with 20-foot (6 m) curtains made out of hundreds of wedding dresses, as well as hanging swing couches.
Azulik Tulum
Credit: azulik.com
For $55 USD/per person you can enjoy the sunset in a giant nest above the treetops overlooking the Caribbean Sea on one side and the Mayan jungle on the other. Or just like Kristin Cavallari, stay in any of their fantastic Villas for about $800 per night.
TULUM BEACH-HOTEL AREA
Everyone in the world is talking about the Tulum Beach-Hotel Area. By far the chicest part of the city. Celebrities have been posting a lot about Tulum in the last few years. Why not stay at the same hotels as they did? Hotel Escencia, which was originally built as a private home for an Italian duchess has been chosen by singers like Gwen Steffani and Blake Shelton, other stars have stayed at Habitas, which are luxury tented rooms right on the oceanfront that take the term “glamping” to a whole new level.
Most hotels offer free or cheap bicycles for guests, so getting around town might be easier so you can get to know the town much better.
The best places to stay in Tulum for partying are the Pueblo, Beach Town, or the Middle Beach Zone, for families, it’s the South Beach Zone or Aldea Zama, and for romance and honeymoons stay in the North or South Beach Zone.
If you’re looking for a fancy dinner, this is the place you want to be. While Downtown has more authentic, affordable restaurants, the Beach area has more chic, upscale, fine gastronomical spots. Most of these restaurants in the beach zone are on the jungle side of the road with outdoor seating.
TULUM “PUEBLO”
The real authentic Tulum. Party every night, great live music for every taste, and of course excellent small local spots to try real authentic Mexican food.
Apart from being a Vacation Paradise, Tulum is a city like many others. Home to over 30 thousand people, and it’s becoming one of the fastest-growing cities in Latin America. Full of people from various parts of the world with many different backgrounds it’s becoming a cultural melting pot, covered in street art around every corner.
Best way to get to know this part of town? Well, take a walking food tour with us at Eating With Carmen Food Tours, where you will be guided through an amazing foodie experience throughout Tulum town, catching some history and local tips for the rest of your stay.
THE CITY OF DAWN IS WAITING FOR YOU
Credit: islandlikemexico.com
As you can read, and as you will see, magical Tulum has a lot to offer to anybody who is willing to immerse themselves in the Mexican Caribbean vibe. Amaze yourself as you walk and look around, you will never be able to put your camera down, so make sure to pack THE best outfits to match your perfect vacation.
Can´t wait to see you around soon!!
-Abbey. (and Bali)
