Must See Mayan Ruins: The City of Tulum

Every time I return to Tulum, I am in awe; there’s a magic here that keeps calling us back. As a geography teacher, I’ve spent years sharing stories of Tulum’s mysteries with my students, but experiencing it firsthand, with the Caribbean wind in your hair and the sound of the waves below, is beyond anything a classroom could convey. Over time, we’ve explored the Yucatan Peninsula with family, trying something new each time to truly soak in this region’s wonders. We’ve scaled the 138-foot pyramid at Coba for a view like no other and roamed the vast ruins of Chichen Itza with our kids-every trip a new adventure.
So what is it about Tulum that makes it impossible to stay away? Picture this: ancient ruins perched high on a cliff, overlooking the Caribbean Sea in all its turquoise glory, and greeting the first light of day with the rising sun. There’s no other site like it. Tulum holds a story that’s central to Mayan history, filled with layers of myth, mystery, and purpose. You could Google dozens of stories, but there’s something about standing there, feeling the history around you, that brings it all to life. Tulum almost demands that you experience it in person.
The Mayan people were connected to the cycles of the sun and moon, creating calendars with astounding accuracy. Tulum’s location is a natural fortress, and unlike Chichen Itza’s community layout, this site has the feel of something else entirely-like a center of government, learning, and spirituality. I like to think of Tulum as the Washington, D.C. of the Mayan world, with Chichen Itza as its bustling New York City.
And even though Tulum isn’t listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, don’t let that fool you-this is a place that’s meant to be experienced. You can pair a visit to Tulum with the stunning Sian Ka’an Biosphere nearby, for that “heritage site” checkmark and an up-close look at one of the world’s most beautiful natural preserves.
On this most recent trip, we booked through Carnival Breeze’s excursion desk, which, to be honest, was disappointing. The guide rushed us through, almost as if Tulum was just another stop to check off. But as it turned out, that rushed tour gave me something invaluable-extra time to wander the site alone, to explore Tulum’s hidden corners and let its history sink in.
If you’ve been to Tulum, I’d love to hear your thoughts. And if you haven’t, let me know if you’re curious about this incredible place-believe me, it’s a trip you’ll never forget.
Happy Traveling!
Music from Aiyo on Epidemic Sounds
On My Way
#tulum #mexico #cancun #playadelcarmen #rivieramaya #tulummexico #travel #tulumvibes #tulumbeach #quintanaroo #beach #m #visitmexico #cozumel #love #cenote #vacation #travelphotography #islamujeres #caribemexicano #nature #n #tulumlife #yucatan #playa #photography #elbise #holbox #ibiza #travelgram '