Tulum
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Tulum has long been a peaceful and secluded town. It has however been growing exponentially in recent years, as many bohemian travelers and expatriates are abandoning the accelerated growth of Playa del Carmen and its hulking tourism industry. For now Tulum maintains its charm, but an international airport larger than that of Cancun will shortly be opening its doors to a new generation of tourism.

The name originally believed to identify Tulum was Zama or “to dawn,” fitting for its unique location. Its current Mayan name, Tulum, “Wall” (an appropriate name as it was on of the only walled cities), was given long after the city was in ruins. Though not as structurally impressive as theh other better-known Mayan ruins, its cliff location overlooking the turquoise Caribbean Sea could not be better imagined. The chief structures of Tulum are the “Temple of the Descending God,” the “Temple of the Initial Series,” the “Temple of the Frescos” and the city center, where the tallest structure, El Castillo, is found. The ruins are open year-round, from 8am to 7pm during the summer and 7am-6pm during the winter. The entrance fee is US$3 (35 pesos), well worth it as much of the fee goes toward its preservation and protection.

Minutes from the Tulum ruins is the downtown area of Tulum, which until recently was a series of dirt roads and small restaurants. Today there are several more restaurants, serving a combination of Mexican and international cuisine, as well as a couple of Internet cafes and mellow pubs. Due to its remoteness and mellow nightlife, the town attracts backpackers and nature buffs, many of them trying to extend their travels by selling their wares on the street or playing music in local bars.

The 6km stretch of beach that makes up the southernmost point of the Mayan Riviera was once occupied by just a few palapas, built initially to serve visitors to the Tulum ruins. Though some of these palapas still exist, the majority of the lodging along the Tulum coast is composed of resorts with dreamy spas and yoga and fitness retreat centers, such as Amansala Beach Club, Maya Tulum, and the Mayan Spa at Copal. There are several restaurants, mostly serving healthy, natural food, as well as freshly caught seafood.