I spent many years living in Mexico, and two of my favorite places are easily Playa del Carmen and Cancun. Not far from those Caribbean hotspots lies the ancient Maya city we now call Tulum—or Zama, which means City of Dawn, since it faces the sunrise.
Tulum is an incredible place, full of history and culture, but what really makes it stand out is its stunning location. This ancient Maya city sits right on the coast of the Yucatán Peninsula, perched on cliffs overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Tulum was a busy trade hub from around the 13th to 15th century, with goods like jade and textiles flowing through its port. It was also one of the few Maya cities surrounded by a thick stone wall, probably for protection, which is a rare feature among Maya sites.
But what draws visitors from all over the world today isn’t just the history—it’s the beauty. Standing in Tulum, you get the perfect mix of history and nature: ancient pyramids, temples, and a blue sea stretching out as far as you can see.
Incredible view at the temple of the Gods at Tulum. Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons.
The History of Tulum
Tulum was an essential part of the Maya trade network. Because of its position right on the coast, it served as a key port for trading goods between different Maya cities and even other regions. Items like obsidian, turquoise, and jade passed through Tulum, making it a commercial powerhouse.
What’s different about Tulum is its location. Most famous Maya cities like Chichen Itza are located deep in the jungle. Tulum, on the other hand, had direct access to the Caribbean, giving it a strategic advantage. Its large stone walls, which still stand today, are another feature that sets it apart from most other Maya cities, and these walls likely helped protect it from attacks by rival traders or civilizations.
This is an extraordinary view at the ruins of Tulum. Credut: Yayimages.
Exploring the Pyramids and Temples of Tulum
Tulum has several important structures, each with its own story to tell about life during the height of the Maya civilization.
1. El Castillo (The Castle)
The most famous building in Tulum is El Castillo, a pyramid that overlooks the sea. It’s smaller than the pyramids at places like Chichen Itza, but El Castillo wasn’t just for show—it was practical too. The Maya used it as both a temple and a lighthouse. The structure sits high on the cliffs, making it a guidepost for sailors navigating the dangerous coral reefs just offshore. It’s a great example of how the Maya blended religious significance with practical design.
2. Temple of the Frescoes
Close to El Castillo is the Temple of the Frescoes. It served as an observatory to track the movement of the sun, but what makes it special are the murals inside. These frescoes show Maya gods and scenes from daily life, giving us a glimpse into what mattered most to the people who lived here. The temple also has carvings of the descending god, a figure often seen in Tulum’s art, which adds to the temple’s religious importance.
3. Temple of the Descending God
This smaller temple is named after the descending god, who’s shown coming down headfirst—an unusual image in Maya art. Historians aren’t exactly sure what the god represents, though some think it might be linked to fertility or the planet Venus. Despite its smaller size, this temple is significant, especially for those interested in Maya religion and symbolism.
4. The House of the Columns
This structure, likely used as a palace or the home of a high-ranking official, is larger and more complex than many other buildings in Tulum. With its several rooms and columned halls, it shows that Tulum wasn’t just a place of religion and trade—it also had a functioning political and social system, with leaders who lived in more elaborate homes.
Tulum’s Fall and Legacy
Main temple at Tulum, lithograph in 1844 by Frederick Catherwood. Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons.
When the Spanish arrived in the 16th century, Tulum was still an active, inhabited city, making it one of the last Maya cities to hold out against European colonization. Unlike other Maya cities that had long been abandoned, Tulum remained a hub of activity, though it would soon face its decline. The fall of Tulum, like many other Maya cities, was largely due to the collapse of trade routes that had sustained the region for centuries. The arrival of Europeans brought not only new goods but also devastating diseases to which the native population had no immunity. This contributed heavily to the city’s eventual abandonment.
What amazes me, even more, is that despite the passage of time and the hardships it endured, much of Tulum still stands. The stone walls, temples, and pyramids remain in remarkable condition, allowing us to step back in time and imagine what life might have been like here centuries ago. These structures, some located literally next the Caribbean Sea, continue to defy the elements, reminding us of the resilience and ingenuity of the Maya people.
I absolutely love Tulum because it’s not just about history—it’s the perfect blend of ancient culture, stunning natural beauty, and the turquoise waters of the Caribbean. Walking among the ruins, with the sea breeze in your face and the sound of waves below, is a reminder of how connected the Maya were to their surroundings. For me, Tulum is where history meets nature in the most beautiful way possible. Whether you’re fascinated by the Maya civilization or just want to appreciate one of the world’s most scenic archaeological sites, Tulum offers a truly unique experience that I can never get enough of.
