A city facing the sea
Tulum held a strategic spot on the coast, between the ancient provinces of Cochuah and Cozumel. Mexico's INAH links its location to trade routes and the use of marine resources.
The wall
Its most famous feature is the wall, which encloses the main complex on the north, south and west, while the east side faces the Caribbean. According to INAH, it has five gates and two watchtowers.
16th-century sources called the site Zamá; the later name Tulum refers to the wall itself.
When it flourished
Most visible buildings belong to the Middle and Late Postclassic, between 1250 and 1550 CE. A stela found at the site is dated to 564 CE, pointing to earlier occupation.
What to see
- El Castillo: the tallest structure, overlooking the sea.
- Temple of the Frescoes: preserves murals with human and animal figures in profile.
- Temple of the Descending God.
The architecture of Quintana Roo's east coast has its own features, distinct from other Maya styles.
Tips
- Bring a hat, water and sun protection: there's little shade.
- Respect areas closed for conservation; they may change.
- Comfortable shoes for rock and sand.
Tulum from Mérida
Mary Tours' Tulum and Casa Tortuga Cenotes trip includes a visit with a certified guide to the walled city (El Castillo, the Temple of the Frescoes and the Temple of the Descending God), followed by four cenotes with lunch included. It's one of the three trips with a group discount. It leaves from the office on Calle 61 in downtown Mérida; schedule and price are in the booking section.
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Visible buildings | 1250–1550 CE |
| Oldest stela | 564 CE |
| Wall | North, south and west; five gates and two towers |
| Ancient name | Zamá |
| Tallest building | El Castillo |
Fun facts
- Tulum's wall has five gates and two towers.
- In the 16th century Tulum was called Zamá.
- A Tulum stela is dated to the year 564.
Related tours
Coupon −$300 MXN per personCaribbean · 14 h
Tulum and the Casa Tortuga cenotes
The only Maya city built facing the Caribbean
from $2,500 MXN per person
See itinerary
6:00 AM – 8:00 PM · daily
- 6:00 AM Boarding — We leave from the downtown office. If your accommodation is on the way, we collect you there — agreed beforehand on WhatsApp.
- 6:30 AM Motorway to the rest stop — An hour and three quarters, with fifteen minutes for toilets and something light.
- 8:30 AM On to Tulum — An hour and a half more to the Quintana Roo coast.
- 10:00 AM Tulum archaeological site — Guided visit to the walled city: El Castillo, the Temple of the Frescoes and the Temple of the Descending God, with the sea behind.
- 12:15 PM Casa Tortuga cenotes and lunch — Four cenotes of different kinds, with a guided route, trails and changing rooms. Lunch is on site.
- 4:00 PM Back to Mérida — Four hours back, with a stop halfway.
Included: Guide accredited by the Ministry of Tourism, Round-trip transport, Lunch, Cenote entry
Not included: Tulum archaeological site entrance, Drinks
Coupon −$300 MXN per personCaribbean · 17 h
Isla Mujeres
Playa Norte, which makes every list for a reason
from $2,500 MXN per person
See itinerary
5:00 AM – 10:00 PM · daily
- 4:45 AM Boarding — We leave from the downtown office. If your accommodation is on the way, we collect you there — agreed beforehand on WhatsApp.
- 5:30 AM Drive to Valladolid — Two hours on the motorway, with a fifteen-minute stop.
- 7:45 AM Drive to Puerto Juárez — Two more hours to the pier in Cancún.
- 10:00 AM Isla Mujeres — Sailing the Caribbean, snorkelling at the reef with gear included, a stop at Playa Norte, buffet lunch at the beach club and free time in town.
- 6:00 PM Back to Mérida — Four hours back, with a stop halfway.
Included: Transport, Guide, Boat transfer, Snorkelling gear, Lunch
Not included: Environmental tax, Shopping on the island, Extra drinks
Coupon −$300 MXN per personCaribbean · 17 h
Bacalar, the lagoon of seven colours
Seventeen hours for water that changes colour every metre
from $2,800 MXN per person
See itinerary
5:00 AM – 10:00 PM · daily
- 4:45 AM Boarding — We leave from the downtown office. If your accommodation is on the way, we collect you there — agreed beforehand on WhatsApp.
- 5:30 AM Drive to José María Morelos — Two hours. Fifteen minutes there for toilets and to stretch your legs.
- 7:30 AM Drive to Bacalar — Two and a half hours more, now crossing into Quintana Roo.
- 10:15 AM Boat trip on the lagoon — Pirates’ Channel, Cenote Negro, Cenote Esmeralda and Bird Island, with an explanation of the stromatolites and the ecosystem.
- 12:15 PM Lunch — Lunch in the town, beside the lagoon.
- 1:30 PM Bacalar magic town — Three and a half hours free: the San Felipe fort, the square, the piers, the cafés and the crafts.
- 5:00 PM Back to Mérida — Five hours back, with a stop halfway. Arriving around ten.
Included: Transport, Guide, Boat trip, Lunch
Not included: Drinks
Frequently asked questions
What does Tulum mean?
It's a later name referring to the wall; in the 16th century the site was called Zamá.
How old are Tulum's buildings?
Most date to the Middle and Late Postclassic, between 1250 and 1550 CE.
What's special about the Temple of the Frescoes?
It preserves murals with human and animal figures.
Can I visit Tulum on a day trip from Mérida?
Yes, on Mary Tours' Tulum and Casa Tortuga trip.
