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Tulum
 Today
explores of Tulum will delight in the main temple's splendor,
perched high on a bluff overlooking the Caribbean Sea. The entire
setting is one of the most delightful sights in the Maya
world. Of the 60 structures contained within the
archaeological park, " El Castillo" is the most obvious
and dominant. Located on a 45 foot limestone bluff, it commands
a breathtaking of the coastline. It also functioned as
navigational aid, directing Maya canoes though the break in the
reef to the beach.
The Tulum " Castillo" and the other
smaller temples and colonnaded palaces here, enclosed with a
protective wall, exude a unique charm. Section of painted murals
in the interiors of some building and the architecture reflect the
"East Coast" style, complete with Mexican influences.
Upon the cornices of some buildings, stucco sculpture of the
"descending god" are carved, a common motif of Late Post
Classic Yucatan that also appears at the site of Cobá. This deity
may represent the Maya maize god or, as most locals believe, the
god of the honeybee.
Tulum is the largest ancient construction still standing
along the coast of the Riviera Maya, and site found directly on
the sea. This was small but very important port town, a center of
commerce modern Maya name for "wall" or
fortification"; by extension "fortress". The ancient
name way probably Zamá, Maya for (city of ) dawn."
Although a stela (upright stone slab with carved
images and inscriptions) was discovered at Tulum dated to A.D.
564, most scholars feel that is was moved hee from another site,
probably Tankah or Cobá. The wall dates to A.D. 1200-1450, and
the structures are all Post Classic in style.
Another notable feature at Tulum is the mural
paintings, especially in the Temple of Frescoes (structure 16).
There are striking similarities with the Mitec codices from the
Mexican highlands, but the themes are clearly Maya.
Ride the tram or take a short walk from the
parking lot to get to the Tulum site. Visit the ruins with a
qualified guide and quench your thirst at a modern visitor's
center. Full facilities, open from 8 am to 5pm. Tulum is about a
45 miles ride by bus from the Playa del Carmen.
We have tours
available for the Maya Ruins of Tulum
Give us a call at for more information
888.319.8233
or
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