Tulum As Paradise?

Located just 78 miles south of Cancun, Tulum is one of Mexico’s most popular destinations on the Yucatan Peninsula. Visitors can treat themselves to the ancient Mayan Ruins of the Quintana Roo Coast or take a stroll down Tulum Beach and melt in the beauty of some of Mexico’s finest white sand beaches and crystal clear water.

If one is keen on visiting the archaeological sites of the area, there are roughly 60 Mayan Ruins that stand atop the limestone cliffs and look over the crystal clear waters of Tulum Beach and have rested here since 900 A.D. Though not as grand as Chichen Itza, Tulum still offers a fine example of the Post-classical period of the Mayan Culture and the largest Mayan construction on any coast. The Spanish are believed to have first set eyes on the Mayan coastal fortress, El Castillo, which is believed to have housed 2,000 people at its height and functioned as a trade center. The Spanish never conquered El Castillo, and luckily, the ruins were left standing during the War of the Castes in the 1840’s.

Today, the Mayan ruins in Tulum rank as Mexico’s most visited pre-Hispanic site. Perched atop 40ft limestone cliffs and overlooking the Caribbean and the pure white coastline of Tulum, these Mayan ruins are arguably the Yucatan’s most well restored site.

While visiting the ruins, tourists are also privy to Tulum Beach in all of its pristine beauty and lazy ways. One can walk right down to the white sand beaches directly below the old Mayan Ruins. Here, nestled amongst the ancient ruins and towering cliffs, one can relax in the silky white sands. These beaches are some of Mexico’s finest and all should feel free to stroll down the beach and check out the cabanas or BBQ shacks along the way. Some of these beautiful Cabanas are rentable for nightly, weekly and monthly stays. One should contact these different resorts ahead of time to check for availability.

Also in this area one can take a dip in the Caribbean and experience some great diving and snorkeling. There are numerous different companies throughout the area and one needs only call to make a reservation. At times the water can be very murky and the snorkeling might be mediocre, but this should not hold you back because this is the world’s second largest barrier reef and you have to at least check it out. And if you are not up for diving/snorkeling, maybe you should look into ocean kiteboarding or kitesurfing. There are accompany or two that gives lessons and will let you work on your skills.

Lastly, it is also worth your while to stop by Sian Ka’an Biosphere and Punta Allen just a little down the road. Sian Ka’an Biosphere serves as a model of Ecotourism and sustainable development in tropical ecosystems. This educational center’s income is derived from the tours they offer, the fishing, their accommodations and other activities located on the premises. And with this income, the Sian Ka’an Biosphere is able to conserve and fund the educational programs. Also, it must be noted that the Biosphere utilizes ecologically responsible expertise such as wetland waste management, rainwater collection and Solar and Wind energy.