Tulum’s beaches
Cross the powdery, white sand and dip your toes in the pristine, aquamarine waters of the Caribbean at any of Tulum’s beaches. A group of centuries-old ruins behind you, overlooking the beach, like awaiting the arrival of something, or someone, with the tide—it doesn’t get any more mystical than that, does it?
Tulum’s beaches
Tulum’s beaches stretch for miles. There aren’t as many people here as in other popular spots, like Playa del Carmen—45 minutes away—or Cancun. As such, this place has a very different feel. Here is the perfect place, between the powdery, white sand and emerald-green jungle, to experience a connection with nature and history; you’ll understand right away why those who disembarked here in the past didn’t want to leave.
Tulum’s rich history
While modernity and contemporary life might be the main attraction in Playa del Carmen or Cancun, Tulum’s is quite the opposite. It’s the very center of the Mayan culture, one of the oldest and most important in the whole of Mexico. As you can imagine, historical sites are not lacking here. The most famous, the ruins of Tulum, the last Mayan city, were built and inhabited between the 13th and 15th centuries, making them half a millennium old.
The Ruins
Though the whole of the Yucatan peninsula is rich in historical sites, the Tulum ruins feel special, as they are the only ones to be right on the beach. It’s like the Mayans built a lighthouse or something. You can book a visit with one of the many guided tours, either locally, or from Cancun or Playa del Carmen. You can visit on your own, too. One of the most popular ways is by riding a bicycle, which you can rent close by for a few dollars.
With your admission to the ruins, you’re granted access to the beach, right in front of them, just down the slope. Keep in mind there are no lockers or a place to leave your things. Also, there’s not a lot of shadow in the ruins. Since you’re likely to visit them during the hottest hours of the day, bring plenty of water. Have a dip in the sea before you leave. You won’t be disappointed.
