ZONA ARQUEOLÓGICA DE TULUM

Fortified city dominating the sea, Tulum is really a magnificent and unique port: it is the most imposing archaeological complex of the Eastern coast: it overhangs the Caribbean from the top of the cliffs on which it rests. The pre-Hispanic name of this city was Zama, which means "dawn", a logical name since its geographical situation allows to observe the sunrise every day. Tulum, the name given to it when the city was already in ruins, translates as "palisade", referring to the three sides of the site that are surrounded by walls, with watchtowers at the corners; the other side is open to a ledge that overlooks the sea.
Tulum reached its peak in the late post-classical period (from the 1200s until the Conquest), inhabited by about 8,000 people (200 to 300 of whom were privileged to live within the city walls). Commercial activities were carried out in distant regions: along the coastal shipping route that connected Honduras (obsidian and jade from Guatemala) to the central Altiplano (copper rings) via the Yucatán peninsula (flint and ceramic dishes). The city is representative of the Mayan "eastern coast" architectural style, which is distinguished by its small buildings with flat roofs. Tulum is one of the few Mayan cities that were still inhabited when the Spaniards arrived; other southern ports include Xelha and Xcaret.

The visit : We enter the site from the west side, where we first come across the Casa de Chultún. Right in front of it is the Palacio de los Frescos and then, in enfilade towards the north, the Casa de las Columnas and the Casa de Halach Uinic face each other; just after the Gran Plataforma is the Casa Noreste, almost stuck to the wall. From there, towards the sea, you can visit the Casa del Cenote, from which you can access the Templo de los Dioses Descendientes by crossing the Plataforma de los Caracoles; it opens the way to the famous Castillo, the most important building of the site. The small cove for bathing is below, dominated by the Templo del Dios Viento. It is worth taking a guide. The most pleasant period is from December to February. In July and August, it is difficult to pay attention to the explanations of the guide, the temperatures are close to 40°C! In high season, the tourist influx spoils the visit a little, but the site is so beautiful that we can only understand the craze.