Tulum is where the Mayans built their only castle by the beach. The walled city was named Zama, and its iconic construction was placed on the cliff. The ruins should definitely be in your bucket list. But make sure you bring along some water and a hat!
What is Tulum best known for?
beachesTulum is known for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, ancient Mayan ruins, and excellent bars and restaurants.
How old is the city of Tulum?
about 820 years oldHow Old Is Tulum? Tulum is about 820 years old. It is believed to have been constructed sometime between the years 1200 AD and 1450 AD. So its true age could be different, but current estimates place it at 820 and 570 years old.
What is the original name of Tulum?
ZamaThe word Tulum means “wall, trench or fence” in the Mayan language and the ancient name of the city was Zama, meaning “dawn” or “sunrise,” which is appropriate given its location. Built on a bluff facing the rising sun, this ruin site is the only Maya settlement located on the beaches of the Caribbean.
How did Tulum get its name?
In the Yucatec language, Tulum means “wall”, referring to the large barricade that surrounds the settlement. In the Mayan language, Tulum was called Zama, meaning “dawn,” an appropriate name given its eastern location. It seems “Tulum” is the name given to the site by explorers Stephens and Catherwood in 1841.
How did Tulum become famous?
By the early aughts, however, celebrities and trendy photographers were spotted on the beaches, and Tulum's status as a “hidden gem” was quickly established — a pied piper call to tourists around the world to come discover Tulum.
Why do celebrities go to Tulum?
Back then it was a paradise place with crystalline turquoise sea, perfect white beaches, almost no people to have your privacy and mysterious romantic pyramids. Since then it was a place where rich and famous would come to let their hair down, walk without the shoes, relax and don't worry to be spotted.
What is the nickname for Tulum?
Tulum Archaeological Site, TulumYou can actually sunbathe at the beaches right at the base of the Tulum cliffs. The city's beautiful sunrises earned it the nickname “Zamá” which translates loosely as “place of the dawning sun.”
Why is it called Tulum?
The word “Tulum” is a colonial one, and it means wall. Researchers have found clues about Tulum's original name. It appears that the city was once referred to as Zama, which means dawn in the Mayan language. When Juan de Grijalva explored Mexico, he came across the walled city during the early 1800s.
Is Tulum a luxury destination?
While Tulum is trendy, note that most of the best hotels offer eco-chic luxury (if you're looking for a large resort experience, look elsewhere) and are located along the 6-mile-long stretch of beachfront from the Tulum Ruins to the soft sand beach in the south end.
What are 3 interesting facts about Tulum?
Is Tulum good or bad?
Tulum is one of the more reliably safe spots in Mexico. That said, you should still exercise caution, particularly when you leave the heavily touristed areas of town.
What is the secret island in Tulum?
Isla HolboxHaving come to the attention of a rather niche sector of the public for the vast quantity of gentle giant whale sharks that like to congregate off the tranquil turquoise waters of Isla Holbox, it's since become the place to come for those in the know, who want to escape the typical backpacker route of Mexico's Yucatán …
Is Tulum or Cancun safer?
Is Tulum safer than Cancun? Not really. They're both generally safe.
Is Tulum safe for girls?
YES, Tulum is safe. The Riviera Maya and Cancun have come under scrutiny in the press recently for some safety issues regarding gun violence, but these are isolated incidents, which don't usually affect tourists. Tulum is not Cancun and is a lot more laid back, there are no issues here with violent crime.
Is it safe in Tulum right now?
Is Tulum safe for tourists? Yes. Hotels, bars and restaurants in Tulum's downtown and along the beachfront are still safe. The ancient coastal ruins of Tulum are visited by thousands of people each day without any issues.
Where is the big lady in Tulum?
Where is the wooden sculpture in Tulum now? Ven a la Luz in her new home — a giant Sculpture Park located in an outdoor garden at Ahau Tulum Hotel, and no longer at the hotel's entrance. Ven a la Luz is still located at Ahau Tulum, but it's no longer right on Tulum Beach Road, and now lives in the Tulum Sculpture Park.
Is Tulum safe anymore?
Is Tulum safe for tourists? Yes. Hotels, bars and restaurants in Tulum's downtown and along the beachfront are still safe. The ancient coastal ruins of Tulum are visited by thousands of people each day without any issues.
Is Tulum good with kids?
Despite being best known for its party scene, Tulum has plenty to offer families looking for a beach vacation on Mexico's Caribbean Coast. Whether you're visiting Tulum on its own, or as a part of a bigger Yucatan itinerary, you'll find countless things to love about this destination.
Is Tulum safe to travel alone?
If you stay aware of yourself, your surroundings and your belongings, you should likely have a very safe Tulum vacation. Remember to watch your alcohol consumption, and never take a drink from a stranger (even a cute one), or leave a drink unattended with one.
Is Tulum safe from hurricanes?
From mid-summer to the early fall, Tulum is heavy in the throes of hurricane season and the hotels that are open offer some fantastic deals. However, you'll have to weigh the unbelievable rates against the chance of a bad storm.