TULUM ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE

The name Tulum comes from the Yucatec word for "wall". It is likely that the city’s original name was something like Zama or "place of the dawn", which makes sense when you see the sites’ dramatic outlook toward the east.

The site was probably occupied from the Early Classic period (AD 250-600), but most likely did not develop into an important city until the Late Post classic (1200-1530). In the 13th century Tulum had links with Mayapán, and was still a thriving trading community when the Spaniards arrived. The first Spanish sailors to see Tulum reportedly were so impressed that from sea they said it looked as big a city as Seville. 

Tulum remained occupied for several decades after the Conquest, longer than other places on the coast. It was actually reoccupied in 1890 - 1910, by a breakaway sect from the Talking Cross Maya. They were led by a woman "high priestess" who held rituals in the temples of the castillo.  

As you enter the ruins you notice the walls that surround it. In fact, Tulum was one of the few walled Mayan cities. Opinions differ if this was a defensive measure or a barrier to separate the royalty and the ceremonial center from the rest of the city.  

Bilingual guides are available near the entrance to the ruins, you will find most of them to be very knowledgeable and entertaining.

Tulum ruins are open all week, 8:00 - 17:00 hrs. Sundays free.