Traveling to the Riviera Maya is probably one of the most exciting things to do no matter what time of year. It has so many lovely cities and towns to visit that it can be overwhelming to think that you might have to pick just a few cities to visit during your stay. Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and a few other destinations have a lot to offer, but few offer as much as Tulum.
Tulum is home to a pre-Columbian Maya site that is so much more than just archaeological ruins. If you travel all the way to the southernmost point of the Riviera Maya, that’s where you will find this beautiful destination that so many tourists have begun to explore. Though it may be known for its archaeological ruins, Tulum can really be said to have three different zones. Let’s check them out, shall we?
Tulum Pueblo is where you will find all of the hostels, small hotels, and inns you can stay at if you prefer those over bigger name hotels and resorts. There are tons of restaurants and bars, plus some great shopping areas. It’s the perfect spot for getting all of your shopping done as well as booking any tours you might want to go on. You can even take some Spanish classes at the local Spanish school.
Tulum Ruinas refers to what everyone has come to know Tulum as, a place where one can find the most contemporary Maya archeological site in the world. Surrounded by walls, the site sits on top of some amazing cliffs that overlook the sea, making the visit not just culturally enriching, but also a feast for the eyes and soul. The ruins are right next to a beautiful and mysterious cenote, which you can explore with the help of a guide. The site itself is not far at all from many resorts and hotels, and is even reasonably close to Dolphinaris Tulum, where you can experience swimming with dolphins.
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Tulum Playa is where ecologically minded tourists go looking to relax. Unlike Playa del Carmen and Cancun, which have started to suffer from ecological problems, this area of Tulum is dedicated to keeping the area just as it is for as long as possible. This means that you will enjoy white sand beaches and all of the bars and restaurants along the beach, but since resources are limited, you may not be able to party all night like you can in other places.
Aside from these three zones, Tulum also has a monkey sanctuary as well as an ecological reserve. Take the time to check these out to wrap up your time in this environmentally friendly and archeologically fascinating destination.
