What we know today as the current Tulum was formerly called zamá (dawn in the Mayan language), this archeological zone is located in the southeastern part of Mexico in the state of Quintana Roo. Today, the ancientamá is a very important tourist attraction of the Mayan Riviera and is very close to what we know today as Tulum.
What does Tulum mean?
Tulum in Mayan means wall, and it is said that this name was given when the archaeological site was found, besides, it also has large cliffs which allow you to see the ocean.
History of the archaeological zone of tulum
As we have already mentioned, Tulum was one of the Mayan cities located in southeastern Mexico, which prospered between the eighteenth and fifteenth centuries, known as the Psclassic period. The archaeological center of tulum was an important trading and commercial city, which also took advantage of the cliffs to be a Mayan city that fulfilled a defensive role.
El Castillo building in the archaeological zone of Tulum
The most important attraction of the archaeological site of Tulum is undoubtedly the castle, one of the most important buildings, which offered one of the largest panoramic views of the ocean and the temple of frescoes. However, more than 500 years ago it must have been more beautiful, because the entire facade is painted with vivid colors and decorated with countless sculptures; in addition, in all its corners it had large stucco masks,where some parts of it are still preserved.
What are stucco masks?
Stucco masks are those architectural and decorative elements found in most of the structures of the Mayan culture. They are facial sculptures or mythological figures, which were always placed on the facades of buildings.
The masks are made of a mixture of lime, sand and water, to which some other materials could also be added to strengthen the mixture, crushed shells were one of those materials.
How old is the archaeological zone of Tulum?
The specialists in archaeology have not yet found an exact time that determines the life of this archaeological center, but it is estimated that it was between the thirteenth and fifteenth centuries AD, therefore, the approximate age of the city of Tulum is around 700 to 900 years.
Tulum Archaeological Zone Schedule
The archaeological center of Tulum has a timetable that is from 8:00 AM until 17:00 hrs but the last access is until 16:00 hrs, so it is estimated that the last group to access would be leaving before 5:00 PM.
Price of the archaeological zone of tulum
The ticket price for the archaeological site of Tulum is 90 Mexican pesos according to INAH, which would be about 7 or 8 dollars approximately.
Turtle nesting area
Between the months of June and October, some varieties of turtles usually arrive at the coasts of the archaeological center to lay their eggs.
After several years and thousands of miles, those turtles that have reached reproductive age usually return to the place where they were born to lay their eggs and eventually repeat the cycle.
How to get to the archaeological zone of Tulum?
To get to the archaeological site of Tulum there are several ways to do it, here we will show you some of the most common and economical ones.
Tours in Tulum
Perhaps one of the fastest and most economical ways not only to know the archaeological zone of Tulum is by hiring a tour of the archaeological zone of Tulum, in this case we offer a tour that offers a tour to the historic center of tulum and xelha.
Travel by ADO to Tulum
If you are only interested in visiting the ruins of Tulum, a more comfortable and pleasant way is to take an ADO bus from Cancun or Playa del Carmen. ADO tickets to Tulum can cost between 250 to 150 Mexican pesos, an estimated 15 USD to 12 USD. Keep in mind that ticket prices can vary from year to year and season to season, if you want to check the current price, you can visit the ADO website.
The bus will drop you off right at the archaeological site and from there you can walk to the ticket office which is about 800 meters away, or you can choose to get on a little train.
Not recommended ways to get to the archaeological zone of tulum
Taxi
Unfortunately the cab service in Tulum is usually too expensive, unless spending a lot of money is not a problem you could opt for this means, but in particular this means of transportation would be my last alternative.
Walking
Another option that I would not take as a good option is to walk to the archaeological site, because it is tiring and more because the heat of the Mayan Riviera is too strong. However, if you are passionate about walking and you don't have any inconvenience because of the heat, you could consider doing it. In order to get to this center you will have to walk approximately 8 km, and added to that you will have to walk inside the ruins, the distance could vary depending on where you want to start from.
Photos archaeological zone of tulum
Here we leave you some beautiful pictures of the archaeological site of Tulum and discover the beauty that is in each of its buildings, come and visit this archaeological site located in southeastern Mexico.
Flying a drone over the archaeological center is prohibited and can result in heavy fines.
At the entrance to the archaeological center you will find a variety of parking lots where you can leave your car while you walk around the site, the price of parking will depend on the establishment to which you go.
Tulum was a Mayan city of great commercial and religious importance in the 13th and 15th centuries. Its coastal location made it a strategic port for maritime trade.
Tulum began to be built around the 13th century and continued to develop in the centuries that followed, with many of the main structures dating from the 13th and 14th centuries.
Tulum' is a Mayan word that means 'wall' or 'walled enclosure', in reference to the large cliffs that are at the edge of its beaches.
Among the most outstanding structures in Tulum are El Castillo, the Temple of the Frescoes, the Temple of the Descending God and the House of the Cenote.
It is recommended to reserve at least half a day to visit Tulum and explore the main structures and points of interest. The duration may vary according to the interest and time available for each person.
In general, you are not allowed to climb the structures in Tulum to preserve their integrity. However, there are designated areas to take pictures and enjoy panoramic views.
The best time to visit Tulum is during the dry season, from November to April, when the weather is more pleasant and there is less chance of rain.
The approximate age of the city of Tulum is around 700 to 900 years old.
The archaeological center of Tulum has a timetable that is from 8:00 AM until 17:00 hrs but the last access is until 16:00 hrs, so it is estimated that the last group to access would be leaving before 5:00 PM.
The ticket price for the archaeological site of Tulum is 90 Mexican pesos according to INAH, which would be about 7 or 8 dollars approximately.
It is not mandatory, but it is recommended to hire a guide to gain an enriching perspective and better understand the history and culture of Tulum. A guide can provide detailed information and answer additional questions.
