The exceptional combination of ancient history and up-to-date ambiance make Tulum a coveted getaway for everybody who wants to escape a dull routine and immerse in the tropical paradise.
Tulum has no shortage of things to do and see, attracting 2 million visitors every year, and its ruins are one of the fascinating sights that tourists visit with great curiosity.
In this article, we will share ten fascinating facts about Tulum ruins that will encourage you to go to Mexico and see this archeological site with your own eyes.
10 Was Once A Flourishing Mayan City
Tulum was built 820 years ago by a highly developed civilization in human history - the Mayans. They lived in Tulum until the 15th century, but with the arrival of Spanish conquistadors, the Mayans had to leave the city and settle down in the nearby jungles.
Mayan ruins in Tulum are incredibly well-preserved and are one of the city's most popular touristic sites.
9 The Choice Of Location Isn't Random
Tulum ruins are situated on the east side of the Yucatán Peninsula, covering around 12 acres. Stretching along the coast, the location of the former Mayan civilization was chosen with a precise calculation.
Proximity to the sea allowed Mayans to nurture trade relationships with other natives from Central America, transforming Tulum into a prosperous commercial center. Mayans mostly traded cotton, cacao beans, and tobacco in exchange for other goods.
8 Popular Destination Among Tourists
People who want to explore Mexico's most incredible Mayan ruins always include Tulum in their itinerary. In fact, this archeological site has become especially popular among history enthusiasts in recent years.
In the past decade, the number of visitors to Tulum ruins almost doubled, reaching 2 million people. So, if you've always wanted to learn more about the astonishing history of Mayans, you know where to go.
7 The Only Mayan Clifftop Ruin
Tulum ruin is an excellent example of advanced Mayan knowledge in construction planning. Interestingly, they haven't been recognized by UNESCO like Chichen Itza, but they still demonstrate fascinating architectural skills and are absolutely worth a visit.
Besides, Tulum is one of the best-preserved ruins in Mexico and the only one located high on the cliff!
6 Was Forgotten For Centuries
Mexico has many ancient ruins whose history is shredded in mystery, and Tulum's ruins are no exception. In the 16th century, with the arrival of the Spanish, Mayans left the town, which was completely forgotten for several centuries!
Tulum was rediscovered only in 1840 by explorers Frederick Catherwood and John Lloyd Stephens. Interestingly, archeologists continue exploring the site and carrying out underwater excavations. So, who knows what secrets remain hidden out there?
5 Was A Site Of Worship
Besides being a Mayan trade center, Tulum was also a worship site. Mayans used it to glorify the Great Descending God, also known as Kukulcan and the Feathered Serpent, whose image you can find on the Temples of the Frescoes.
At the harvest festivals and ceremonies, Mayan priests dressed up like jaguars and wore scary masks to frighten the demons. To please the Gods, they worshiped different animal species and sometimes even human beings.
4 Choose Your Visit Time Wisely
As people from around the world come to Tulum to explore its ruins, you should choose the date for your trip wisely (unless you don't mind crowds.)
The best time to visit Tulum is November and December. That's when the hurricane season is over, the weather is splendid, and the tourist season hasn't started yet.
3 Its Original Name Is Zama
Another interesting fact is that Tulum's original name is actually... Zama. In the Mayan language, it means "place of the dawning sun."
Tulum is situated on the eastern side of the coast overlooking the Caribbean Sea, where you can witness the beauty of sunrise every day. So, the original name is a perfect match.
2 You Can't Touch The Ruins
Tulum is an archeological site with over 60 buildings, with three of the most notable: the Temple of the Descending God, El Castillo, and the Temple of the Frescoes.
Even though the ruins are well-preserved, they are still fragile and can easily be damaged. That's why visitors aren't allowed to touch or climb them. So, be respectful and just follow the marked paths.
1 Home To Incredible Species
Tulum ruins are situated in the National Park of Tulum, a true paradise for wild animals. You can easily meet turtles, spider monkeys, deer, parrots, and toucans.
It's also known to be a home of jaguars, but don't worry! They keep a low profile and never show up to crowded places like Tulum ruins. So, you have nothing to be afraid of.