Located deep in the Mexican forests on the Caribbean coastline, Tulum holds some of the most awesome Mayan ruins to be seen. While the main site itself is small compared to other Mayan sites, Tulum is in much better shape than any of the other ruins that are found throughout Mexico and other South American countries. Tulum Pueblo was only a small, quiet village just a few years ago, but thanks to a booming tourist industry, the area has grown in popularity. The main archaeological site around the ruins at Tulum has also grown due to the rise in interest in the ruins and there are many tours and digs that visitors can take part of on their stay here.

Most scholars believe that the Mayan site at Tulum was known as Zama, or the City of Dawn. The name of the town “Tulum” is also Mayan for “fence, trench, or wall”, hence the numerous walls that surround the ruins and the city itself. It is believed that this Mayan city served as a fort to protect other Mayan cities and help to repel invasions that might have come up from the south. This city also was a major worship center for the “Descending God” that the Mayan people made sacrifices to regularly. At the site, scholars have found an ancient inscription that dates back to 564 AD, and they believe that most of the ruins that are still standing were built somewhere from 1250 to 1400 AD. One of the first written accounts of the city was made by Juan de Grijalva around 1518 when his expedition came through the area. Although this city is mentioned in texts that Spanish Conquistadors wrote on their conquest of the Yucatan, it seems that for some reason, the Mayan city of Tulum was completely abandoned somewhere at the close of the 16th century. It is believed that local Mayans continued to come to Tulum to worship but it was not long before tourists discovered the ruins and began to come in drones. It was soon after the Mayans left the city to the tourists that one of the first detailed writings of the city made its way to the public. This description was written by John Lloyd Stephens and Frederick Catherwood in their book “Incidents of Travel in Yucatan” in 1843. This was the first written account that most people would use to learn about the Mayan culture and the ruins at Tulum.

While you are here in Tulum, the Mayan ruins are truly something that you cannot miss. Not only will you learn about the ancient Mayans and their culture, you will also enjoy some breathtaking scenery on your hike to the ruins. Inside the ruins, you will find wonderful murals and pictures that have lasted through the centuries and show you a view of the ancient Mayan way of life. The ruins and buildings themselves are a sight to see, and from the top of the buildings you will have a breathtaking view of the land that surrounds Tulum, so be sure to bring your camera.