About 80 miles south of Cancun is the small town of Tulum, best known for its ruins, which overlook turquoise coloured waters and soft sandy beaches on the Caribbean coast.
Tulum was built during the dying days of the Mayan empire, and was actually a fort. It's quite tame in comparison to the archaeological site of Chichen Itza, but it does have one overwhelming attraction: its location next to the sea.
There are a number of small hotels, villas and beach cabanas that allow travelers to come and stay in Tulum and explore the area. Or you can come here for a day, enjoy the ruins and then walk down to the great beaches and stunning water for sunbathing, paddling, swimming or snorkelling.
Just 15 minutes' away from Tulum is the Sian Ka'an Biosphere, a UNESCO listed and federally protected area which is more than 2000 square miles in size. You can find out more about this in the Key Attractions section, below.
Tulum is easily accessible by road from Cancun or Playa del Carmen and if you like archaeology, should be included as a fun trip instead of an awe-inspiring archaeological find, with the opportunity to see some stunning scenery and have a refreshing swim.
Tulm is about a 45 minute ride (by bus, taxi, or rental car) south of Playa del Carmen. The only Mayan city built directly on the sea, Tulum is thought to date from 400-900A.D. After exploring the ruins and enjoying the spectacular view from atop EL CASTILLO. You can take a refreshing dip in the Caribbean from the pristine beach in front of the site. Tulum, in Quintana Roo near the town of El Crucero, is the place to go for ruins on the beach. It is the most visited Maya ruin and is the biggest attraction on the coast. It was the only Maya city built on the coast, possibly having housed 2000 people and once functioned as a trade center...
This port city was never conquered by the Spaniards and was one of the last Maya outposts left standing during their revolt against Mexican rule in the War of the Castes during the 1840's. There is no question why Tulum holds great significance to the Mayans. An impressive sight at Tulum is an imposing castle standing on the edge of a 12 meter cliff at the top of the ruins. Visitors may wish to bring a swim suit to cool off in a cove at the bottom of the site but there are no facilities. The area prime trekking ground for those who want to experience jungle wildlife living amidst pristine rain forest and unrestored Mayan ruins.
No inoculations are required to enter Mexico, though you should check with your medical practitioner for current requirements. Get a tetanus booster if you are overdue for one. You might consider wearing an ID tag provided by Medic Alert International (Box 1009, Turlock, CA 95381; Tel. 800-ID-ALERT; fee) if you have a medical condition such as epilepsy, diabetes, allergies to ordinary medications, or heart disease.
The area code for Tulum and the Riviera Maya is 984. All local numbers have seven digits, and all numbers begin with 8. If a number is written (984) 873-1234, when in Riviera Maya you must dial 873-1234.
It is rare for Riviera Maya to get hurricanes, but it is a fact of life. Hurricanes tend to move slowly enough for people to avoid danger, and there is a 3-day warning system in the area that will advise you of the situation. Hotels and villas are experienced in keeping guests safe and happy during one of these storms. So, you should not worry about vacationing during this season when many times you get the best deals and the best weather.
Driving is on the right, as it is in the United States, and rental cars, taxis, bicycles and mopeds are also available. An International Driver's License is not required, and Mexico recognizes the license that was issued by your state or province.
Mexico spans three different time zones. Mexico City and Cozumel, for example, are on central time, putting them in the same time zone as Chicago, or 6 hours behind Greenwich mean time, 6 hours behind London, 3 hours behind São Paulo, 9 hours behind Moscow, and 16 hours behind Tokyo. Two of Mexico's time zones observe daylight saving time during the summer months; during that time clocks are advanced by 1 hour.
The closest banks to Tulum are located in Playa del Carmen. The majority have ATM machines and will issue cash advances on your credit or bankcard. Money exchange is available in Tulum in a "casa de cambio" or money exchange house (# 27 on the map). Dollars are accepted almost everywhere.
Common sense can greatly reduce your chances of coming down with food or water related illnesses. Firstly, do not over indulge in spicy Mexican foods and pitchers of margaritas or strong Mexican beer during the first few days of your trip. Eat and drink in moderation. Go slowly if you are not used to the Mexican spices and cooking.
Like many countries, do not eat from street vendors since they tend to be less sanitary. Only eat foods that have been thoroughly cooked and are served either oven-hot or refrigerator-cold. Many people eat at street vendors' stalls without problems, but you should be cautious.
Be sure your unpeeled raw vegetables and fruit are washed in purified water and dried with a clean cloth. Peeled and thoroughly cooked vegetables are okay, as the boiling water will sanitize them.
About 80 miles south of Cancun is the small town of Tulum, best known for its ruins, which overlook turquoise coloured waters and soft sandy beaches on the Caribbean coast.
Tulum was built during the dying days of the Mayan empire, and was actually a fort. It's quite tame in comparison to the archaeological site of Chichen Itza, but it does have one overwhelming attraction: its location next to the sea.
There are no resorts or fancy hotels nearby - you can come here for a day, enjoy the ruins and then walk down to the great beaches and stunning water for sunbathing, paddling, swimming or snorkelling.
Just 15 minutes' away from Tulum is the Sian Ka'an Biosphere, a UNESCO listed and federally protected area which is more than 2000 square miles in size. You can find out more about this in the Key Attractions section, below.
Tulum is easily accessible by road from Cancun or Playa del Carmen and if you like archaeology, should be included as a fun trip instead of an awe-inspiring archaeological find, with the opportunity to see some stunning scenery and have a refreshing swim.
There are 2 main taxi stands. It is usually easy to find a taxi for hire in most locations. Prices should be posted and agreed upon before your journey.
Citizens of many countries - including the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Argentina, Chile and virtually all Western European countries - do not require visas to enter Mexico as tourists.
The local Climate is the same as it is for nearby Cancun.
Cancun is Hot - and humid, but the humidity is not as drenching as it can be in some other places in Mexico. August through October is hurricane season in this part of the world - and the weather becomes more changeable and less predictable during these months. The rainy season is May through October. November through February is the high season in Cancun, and quite hot, although evenings can be cooler, so a wool pullover may be a useful item to pack with you during these months.
A valid passport or a birth certificate with an official state seal (official document only). A valid photo I.D. if you don't have a drivers license. All drivers will need a drivers license.
Not only does Mayan Riviera have the warm sun year-round, but the average year-round temperature is 80°F (27°C) and hardly humid! But during the winter the temperature can go down to a warm 65°F (19°C) at night. And in the summer temperatures can be as high as 100°F (38°C). Not to worry, the ocean breeze keeps Mayan Riviera comfortable, compared to other areas of Mexico.
November through February is the best time to go since that's when the sun shines the most days. And during the "rainy season" from July-November, rainfall is rare even then.
The busy winter tourism season, when prices reach their peak, overtakes the area from mid-December to April. This time of year is attractive not just because it's winter in North America and Europe, but also because it's not raining and the heat isn't so muggy. May, the end of the dry season, and June, the start of the rains.
Tropical Storms:
It is rare for Riviera Maya to get hurricanes, but it is a fact of life. Hurricanes tend to move slowly enough for people to avoid danger, and there is a 3-day warning system in the area that will advise you of the situation. Hotels and villas are experienced in keeping guests safe and happy during one of these storms. So, you should not worry about vacationing during this season when many times you get the best deals and the best weather.
High travel season is August and December to Easter. Low season is all other months.
There is little crime in Riviera Maya. In the tourist areas, you are generally safe late at night. Car break-ins are just about the only crime, especially around the shopping centers. So be sure to lock your door like you would back at home. Like any other beach resort, do not leave money or valuables unattended on the beach.
Bottled Water is the absolutely safest drinking water. Many first-rate hotels use purified water in their taps. Budget hotels may provide agua purificada in bottles or carafes. Request beverages sin hielo (without ice) - do not take chances. More up-scale establishments use purified water for everything, but be sure to ask.
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Tulum Mexico Overview
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