- (NB: This article was written about a trip we took in 2007. There have been many changes in Tulum since then. Check the current conditions before you travel there.)
Are you into white powdery sand beaches, palm trees, turquoise warm sea, jungle right down to the shoreline, Mayan ruins, turtles laying eggs on the beach, romance, and eco-friendly hotels? Then Tulum in Mexico is definitely for you.
When we traveled to Mexico, in the summer of 2007, we were not prepared for the beauty we would encounter. Nor had we imagined the tranquility and unspoiled nature that intertwined with the ancient culture and history that Mexico also exudes.
We started our journey in the large tourist city of Cancun, located on the tip of the Yucatán Peninsula, in southernmost Mexico. We had no idea what awaited us, but it quickly became clear that Cancun was not a city we wanted to stay in—other than for a short transit.
South of Cancun, along the coast, lies a small town called Tulum. We had read a bit about it. Tulum was said to be the place of tranquility, nature, and beautiful beaches. That was exactly what we were looking for. We were attracted to the fact that there were many eco-hotels and that it was a place where many hippies hung out.
Not because we consider ourselves hippies, but we have discovered that our values are often the same—nature, coziness, authenticity, ecology, and great tolerance for differences.
Off to Tulum
After shaking off the worst of the jet lag, we checked out of the hotel, strapped our backpacks on, and took the bus south, down the coast to find Tulum.
The bus ride took us through small Mexican towns and rural areas. After a few hours of driving, we were dropped off in the town of Tulum. The town itself was nothing special. But we knew exactly where to go to find our adventure.
We hired a taxi to take us out to the beach.
And so our adventure began. An adventure that included turtles coming out of the water at night to bury their eggs, fireflies, potent tequilas, skinny dipping (at night)… Mayan ruins, delicious (and very spicy) Mexican food… and yes, it was also here that we got engaged…
The beaches of Tulum
As soon as we were dropped off by the taxi, we strapped our backpacks on again and trudged down the road along the beach. The sun was high in the sky, and the Yucatán jungle pressed in over the road, stifling the air. Sweat was pouring down us.
We could smell the sea, and the sun glinted on the waves less than 30 meters away. Although we longed to drop our backpacks and plunge into the Caribbean waves, we kept walking until the perfect hotel appeared.
On our left side were the hotels. Many of them were situated right on the beach and had a unique style we had never seen before. Most were built of wood, and some were thatched.
The hotel we fell in love with was right by the water. It consisted of small, dark wooden bungalows with thatched roofs. Our bungalow had a veranda and was directly on the beach with a view of the Caribbean Sea. Our happiness was complete.
We stayed here for about a week. We later returned to Tulum, but that is a whole different story.
The Tulum Ruins
A bit north of Tulum lies arguably the most beautifully situated Mayan ruin in the world. The ruins are perched on cliffs that protect them from the sometimes harsh Caribbean Sea. The buildings were constructed in the 1300s and served as a fortress and seaport for Cobá.
Tulum actually means ‘wall’ in the Mayan language – but the original Mayan name of the city is ‘Zamá,’ meaning ‘the place where the sun rises.’
What makes the Mayan ruins so captivating is their relatively well-preserved state. It’s fascinating to wander among them and imagine what life was like there many, many years ago.
And then there’s the fact that the ruins are perched so incredibly beautifully on the cliffs just above the chalk-white beach and the azure-blue sea – while the jungle persistently tries to reclaim the neatly trimmed lawns. It’s truly stunning.
It’s scorching hot walking around among the ancient ruins, but since they are located right on the coast, many people bring swimwear and towels and jump into the sea. It’s highly recommended.
Tulum town
We practically lived on the beach. In the evenings, we walked along the beach to find a restaurant where we could eat. There were some restaurants that we became quite fond of. Some were connected to hotels, while others were standalone restaurants.
This made life in Tulum simple and peaceful, but occasionally we had to go into “town” to stock up on supplies.
The town was laid out simply around the main road that divided it in two. Here, we could buy fruits and vegetables, find fun Mexican items in the small shops, enjoy coffee at cafes, or have lunch at one of the town’s many delicious restaurants.
It was also from Tulum town’s bus station that we took the bus when we wanted to go to Cobá and San Cristobal de las Casas.
8 adventurous reasons why Tulum is worth the trip (2007)
- The nature is exceptional. The Yucatán jungle is lush, noisy, dense, and in many places grows right down to the beach.
- The beaches are the most beautiful I have ever experienced. Powder-white sand, clear turquoise, warm water. Sandy bottom.
- The hotels have a special ‘Tulum-style,’ very Mexican and rustic.
- Here is peace and solitude. As you head south, the beach ends in the vast national park – ‘Reserva de la Biosfera Sian Ka’an,’ making you feel at one with nature. It feels like the end of the world.
- During the season we were there, the large sea turtles came up in the evening to lay their eggs.
- Many of the hotels were extremely eco-friendly. All the lights, for example, were turned off in the evening at 9-10 to give peace to nature and the turtles.
- The food was fantastic, Mexican, local, spicy, and they made the strongest Tequilas.
- Just a short distance away, you can experience great adventures like the Tulum Ruins, the Mayan pyramid Cobá, diving in sinkholes… see giant land crabs and much more.
There is no doubt that Tulum is our little paradise on earth. But how could it be anything else when it is the place where the sun rises – it’s where everything begins.
Right?
Sådan kommer du til Tulum
Bus: We took the bus from Cancun to Tulum ourselves. The bus ride took about a couple of hours. You can also take buses directly from the Cancun airport.
When we continued on to San Cristóbal de las Casas, we also took a bus from Tulum bus station.
Taxi: When it was time for us to head home (flying out from Cancun), we took a taxi from Tulum. It was a convenient option for us. We needed to leave early in the morning and were already taking taxis from the beach to get into Tulum town.
Car: You can also choose to rent a car.
NB: (This article was written about a trip we took in 2007. There have been many changes in Tulum since then. Check the current conditions before you travel there.)
