Mayan Ruins of Tulum: Tickets

Mayan Ruins of Tulum FAQs‍

• What are the Mayan Ruins of Tulum?
• The Tulum Castle, or 'El Castillo', is a prominent structure within the ruins. It would have served as a ceremonial centre and possibly as a navigational aid for coastal traders, like a modern day lighthouse!
• How did Tulum get its name?
• The word "Tulum" is a Mayan word meaning "wall" or "fortress," aptly named for the site's well-preserved defensive walls. You will understand when you get there!
• What is the significance of Tulum and why did the Mayans build the city there?
• It's believed that Tulum served as a major trading and seaport city for the Mayans. Its strategic location allowed control over maritime trade routes in the region.
• When was Tulum built?
• It's believed that the Mayan Ruins of Tulum were constructed in the late Postclassic period of Mayan civilization, around the 13th century.
• Where are the Tulum ruins located?
• The ruins are located on the east coast of the Yucatán Peninsula in the state of Quintana Roo, in Mexico overlooking the Caribbean Sea.
• What are the most notable structures in Tulum?
• The most famous structure is ‘El Castillo’ (The Castle), which is a pyramid-like building perched on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean. Other buildings include the ‘Temple of the Frescoes’ and the ‘Temple of the Descending God’.
• Why is El Castillo at Mayan Ruins of Tulum so important?
• El Castillo served as a lighthouse and a ceremonial site for the town. Its strategic location also helped guide Mayan sailors along the coast through the coral reefs, making it critical for safe navigation.
• What is the Temple of the Frescoes at Mayan Ruins of Tulum?
• The temple contains well-preserved murals which depict Mayan deities and astronomical symbols. It was likely used for religious rituals and tracking celestial events.
• What is the Temple of the Descending God at Mayan Ruins of Tulum?
• The temple is dedicated to a deity depicted as descending headfirst, believed to be associated with the evening star or the setting sun. The temple is unique to the Tulum site.
• Can you swim at the beach near the ruins?
• Yes, there is a small beach at the base of the cliffs below the ruins where you can swim. The stunning turquoise water makes it a popular spot for tourists.
• What is the best time to visit the Tulum ruins?
• The best time to visit is early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and the heat. It is also best to visit during the dry season (November to April) for more pleasant weather.
• Are guided tours available of the Mayan Ruins of Tulum?
• Yes, guided tours are available at the site. Click HERE to see our guided tour ticket options.

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Mayan Ruins of Tulum Interesting Facts‍

• Ancient Port City: Tulum was a major port for the Mayan civilization, strategically located to control maritime trade routes along the coast of the Yucatán Peninsula.
• Tulum: The name "Tulum" means "wall" in the Mayan language, referencing the protective wall that surrounds the city on three sides, with the Caribbean Sea on the fourth.
• City of Dawn: Tulum was also called "Zama" by the Mayans, meaning "City of Dawn," because it faces the sunrise over the Caribbean Sea.
• One of the Last Cities: Tulum was one of the last cities built and inhabited by the Maya, peaking during the Postclassic period (1200-1521 AD).
• Walled City: Unlike many other Mayan cities, Tulum was fortified with walls on three sides, which is unusual for a Mayan settlement. This suggests it had significant political and religious importance.
• Influence of the Toltecs: The architecture of Tulum shows a strong Toltec influence, evident in serpent carvings and other design elements, reflecting cultural exchange between different Mesoamerican civilizations.
• Astronomical Alignment: Many of Tulum’s structures were built with astronomical precision, aligned with solar and lunar events, allowing the Maya to track the seasons.
• Trading Hub: Tulum was a bustling trading hub, with goods like jade, turquoise, cotton, and obsidian flowing through the city from various parts of Mesoamerica and beyond.
• Cliffside Location: The ruins of Tulum are perched on a 12-metre (39 feet) cliff which overlooks the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea, offering one of the most picturesque settings of any ancient city.
• Spanish Encounter: Tulum was still occupied when the Spanish arrived in the early 16th century. It was one of the few Mayan cities still standing when Spanish explorers made contact.
• Protection from Pirates: The high cliffs and surrounding walls provided protection against pirate attacks and invading tribes, as Tulum was a valuable trade hub.
• ‍Cenotes Nearby: The region around Tulum has lots of cenotes (natural sinkholes), which provided fresh water and were considered sacred by the Maya. They believed these were entrances to the underworld.