TULUM
The breath-taking Mayan city

Tulum (tooLOOM), 130 km south of Cancun, was once called Zama, meaning “place of the dawning sun”. The way it got his name is obvious as this ancient Mayan city is situated on a cliff which faces east toward the beautiful turquoise waters of the life-giving Caribbean. This is surely one of the most scenically beautiful of all the Mayan archeological sites.               

Tulum was a site of main importance between 1,000-1,600. It was a place for the elite of the Maya world. At first glimpse one might confuse Tulum for an ancient marina or sailing club, with its beautiful grounds and sweeping views of the ocean. If one explores deeper, however, this illusion is disturbed by the presence of a large twenty foot wall that surrounds the site which bespeaks of the need for defense against invaders from both land and the sea.

Tulum was one of the first cities that the Spanish Conquistadors encountered in Mexico. It was the only Mayan city still thriving that they found. Intimidated by its size and grandeur they didn't stay to visit.

Some of its main archeological features are the Temple of the Frescoes, the Castillo pyramid and the Temple of the Descendant God. It is believed that at one time all the buildings were painted red.

The Castillo is known more for its scenic location than its size. Although its front facade has all the features of other Mayan temples, its back side seems more like a fortress. Small windows face out toward the sea, providing an excellent lookout post from which to watch for sea faring invaders.             

Perched atop cliffs overlooking the blue Caribbean, Tulum is a favorite among Mayan ruin enthusiasts. Its scenery and ruins are one of the most visited of the ancient Maya sites. Iguanas bask lazily on rocks in the sun; gentle waves caress the shore. The pristine beach is so beautiful it is almost surreal. It is easy to imagine the ancient Maya landing at this bustling seaport with their boats and canoes filled with trade goods.

The Maya, called the Phoenicians of the new world, bridged their vast empire with waterborne commerce. Sailors in this culture looked to a variety of gods, including a special one mayan god: Huracan. He was the Creator God according to the “Popol Vuh”, the sacred book of the Quiche' Maya.

Huracan is also famous for bringing destruction to people he doesn't particularly like. As you can guess, the English word "hurricane" is derived from Huracan .

Here you´ll discover why this place is treasured throughout the world in honor of its history, art, lush tropical forest and, of course, a perfect viewpoint to admire the beach plenty of “shell-less” sea-turtle goddesses.

SORRY, NO PICTURE He.. He.

 

El Gato de Hobie

December 2003