Tulum, Mexico Photo Gallery

Once called Zama, meaning "dawn," Tulum flourished between 1200 and 1400 AD. It was one of the most important Mayan cities on the Caribbean coast, particularly as a trade port, and today is one of the most popular Mayan sites, attracting more than two million visitors each year.  

Tulum means "enclosure" or "wall," not surprising given the extent and massiveness of the walls guarding Tulum. But it's the setting along the Caribbean, the contrast of the stones against the deep green of the lawns and vivid blue of the sea, that makes this place so compelling.  

In El Castillo, the Castle, visitors glimpse the genius of Mayan builders. A small shrine here appears to have served as a beacon for incoming canoes. Its placement exactly marks a break in the barrier reef and cliffs where traders arriving by sea could access the city.  

Set on a bluff of its own, this small, often photographed building is separated from El Castillo and the main ruins by a small curve of white-sand beach and rocky cliffs dropping down to the sea.  

Many visitors to Tulum combine immersion in the culture and archaeology of the Mayan civilization with immersion in the sultry Caribbean Sea. Here a resident iguana stands guard on the wall as tourists make their way down steps to the beach and turquoise sea.  

You can tour the ruins on your own, but the experience is far richer if you go with a guide who can bring the history, architecture, and symbols of Tulum to life in a way that brochures and guidebooks cannot.  

Temple of the Frescoes is notable for the beautiful frescoes inside. You can no longer enter Tulum's buildings, but you can search the exteriors for fascinating carvings like this mask representing a Mayan god, perhaps Chaac the rain god, who is depicted on the frescoes inside.  

It's believed that Tulum was the center of worship of the descending or diving god, shown here. The Descending God Temple flanks El Castillo, but the image appears throughout Tulum in ancient and modern form. He’s associated with bees, indicating the importance of honey to the Mayan people.  

Tulum has the most famous of Mayan walls. They average 16 feet in height and are up to 26 feet thick in places. On the side of the city paralleling the sea, the wall is more than 1,300 feet long. Small openings present interesting photo ops.  

Mayan performers dance and play the ancient Mayan ball game just outside the walls of the ruins. Be aware that they expect to receive payment for being photographed.