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| Area (sq km): | 1,972,690 | |
| Population: | 106,202,903 | |
| Nationality: | Mexican | |
| Local Name: | Mexico | |
| Language: | Spanish | |
| Time Zone: | -6 to -8 GMT | |
| Currency: | 1 peso = 100 centavos |
|
| Rate: | www.xe.com | |
| Capital: | Mexico City | |
| Dialling Code: | +52 | |
| Electricity: | 110V/50Hz | |
| Internet Code: | .mx | |
| Religion: | Roman Catholic | |
| Climate: | Tropical, Mountain, Desert |
|
| Government: | Federal Republic | |
| Inoculations: | None | |
| Driving: | Right | |
| Int'l License: | Required | |
| Banking: | M-F 9.00-16.00 | |
| Major Airports: | Acapulco(ACA), Cancun(CUN), Cozumel(CZM), Los Cabos(SJD), Mexico City(MEX), Oaxaca(OAX), PuertoVallarta(PVR) |
Mayan city of Tulum from Cancun resort villas
Tulum is one of the archaeological jewels of the ancient Mayan culture. It is a pre-Columbian walled city, built on top of a cliff with the limpid turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea as a background. This advantageous position served as a lookout post for possible invaders in years gone by, but these days there are no invaders expected and visitors from Cancun resort villas are more than welcome instead.
Tulum was also an important worship and commercial trading centre, being the only Mayan city built by the sea. It is located at approximately 130 km south of Cancun, in the State of Quintana Roo, Mexico, and so is a pleasant day trip from Cancun resort villas.
Tulum’s Mayan structures
Although there is an inscription dating back to the year 564, most of Tulum’s buildings were erected between 1200 and 1450. Some of Tulum’s Mayan structures are very well preserved. This is not surprising as the Mayans were accomplished architects.
These are some of the buildings that should be visited: the Castle, which also served as a primitive light-house that pointed to the only gap in the reef, the Temple of the Descending God, the Temple of the Winds and the Temple of Frescoes. It is advisable to visit Tulum early in the morning as it can get very hot. Don’t forget to bring your swimming costume, so that after the tour, you can cool down in the crystal clear waters of the amazing Caribbean Sea. Heavenly!
Tulum beaches
Tulum beaches are unspoilt and gorgeous, with white powdery sand and endless perfect spots for swimming, sunbathing and total relaxation. The beaches around Tulum are paradisiacal, full of coconut trees, luscious vegetation and a landscape not yet overcrowded with high-rise tourist developments.
The beaches offer an array of watersports for the energetic and also for the not so energetic, like kayaking, snorkelling, ski boarding and fishing. Scuba diving around Tulum’s immense coral reef is an unforgettable experience. In the evening, a visit to Tulum town could be full of fun, where you can enjoy "old Mexico" with its restaurants, bars and small shops.
The beautiful Mayan city of Tulum is a relaxing and tranquil place to visit from Cancun resort villas.