Tulum National Park in Mexico

One of the most impressive Mayan ruins in the Yucatán Peninsula, with spectacular underground formations, lies on the sun-drenched Caribbean coast. Tulum National Park is an eco-archaeological monument protected by the state. The park has a beautifully preserved archaeological site, surrounded by stunning landscape that includes cenotes and some of the most dramatic coastlines in the Yucatán.

The city of Tulum reached its peak between the 13th and 15th centuries and was one of the last Mayan cities to fall into Spanish hands. Today, despite its relatively small size, the ruins are one of the most visited archaeological sites in Mexico.

The park contains numerous cenotes that were of great importance to the Maya as a source of water and places for rituals. The park also preserves various types of vegetation such as tiny trees, coconut palms, tropical shrubs and creepers. Fauna of interest include the anteater, the agouti (a large native rodent), and the white turtles, sea turtles and loggerheads that visit Tulum once a year to lay their eggs.

It is worth coming here early in the morning before the arrival of tourist buses. Even better, arrive in Tulum Park just before dawn to watch the sunrise as the sun slowly rises over the Caribbean Sea and illuminates El Castillo. Sailing in the crystal clear waters of Tulum, you can imagine the merchant ships and boats that once landed in the bay below the towering ruins. It is worth noting that Tulum is included in the top 15 National Parks of Mexico.

The ruins are an hour south of Playa del Carmen and about 80 minutes from Cancun. Regular buses and minibuses run to the park. Let the driver know that you are going to the ruins because there are three parts in the area called Tulum: the ruins, the city and the beach where many hotels are located.