Vacation Photos: Tulum, Mexico

Mayan tree roots and stones.

So, we were in the land of the Maya and also the Caribbean.
Cancun is full of things to do, but just a short distance away there are many interesting side trips.
A beautiful Cancun beach here . What a spectacular view!

We planned on visiting Tulum, one of the most beautiful and interesting Mayan cities, so we took a two hour tour. Our tour guide, Melina Solis, did an excellent job on giving information about the Mayan Ruins and an informative lesson at each sight we visited. It was clear that she was passionate about her hometown Cancun, as well as her job.
Tulum is surrounded by a huge stone wall. Its height is irregular since it follows the contours of the land and it is rectangular shaped with only three sides; that which faces the sea was naturally protected. 
Without a doubt, the wall had a defensive purpose although it also served to establish the limits of the "sacred" area. It has five doorways or entrances:
One facing west, two to the north and two more to the south. Tulum is also the Yucatan Mayan word for fence or wall.  

Tulum is the only ocean front city the Maya ever built; also the only one that is walled, and it contains 60 well preserved buildings. 
The highest and the most outstanding building in Tulum is the Castle, El Castillo, (above) perched on Tulum's highest cliff. This temple-topped pyramid also served as a watchtower and a lighthouse to make navigation easier. 
When the two torches aligned, it showed the way through the reef.
I really, really, really love this Cancun beach! xx

Note: The city of Tulum was at its height during the 13th-15th century and was an important trading post for the Post classic Mayans.
The wall averages seven metres in thickness and is three to five metres high. This fortress has evoked theories that the inhabitants of Tulum were threatened by other people.
One theory is that the wall was put by the ruling class further distance or even protect themselves from the
common people. This theory supports the idea that the
Mayan civilization was brought down by peasant revolution.                                                               

28 comments:

Rachel said...

I love visiting ruins! Looks like you had a great time, I love Cancun!

Gaelyn said...

I so loved the Carib but didn't spend time in Cancun. Camped for a while just south of Tulum. Have to Love the colors of the water.

Bossy Betty said...

Thanks for taking us along! Love the iguana!

Felicity Grace Terry said...

How I'd love to visit here. Not a beach person but I love ruins and all things historical. Thanks for the journey and those wonderful photographs.

David Macaulay said...

nice Betty - I've always wanted to go here as it's so unusual to have a temple on the beach

Ms. A said...

Looking at the iguana, maybe... holding the iguana, not a chance! Once again, LOVE the photos!

Unknown said...

Great photographs from Mexico Betty.
Welcome back.
Costas

yonca said...

Great pics, Betty! I feel like I'm there:)xo

Anonymous said...

Love the photos! Sounds like an awesome trip. I've always wanted to go to Cancun. We went to Mazatlan 15 years ago but haven't been back to Mexico since.

Pat Tillett said...

Ruins are great for shutterbugs! Thanks for the ongoing photo-tour!

ΑΘΗΝΑ said...

The view of pyramids is spectacular!I haven't been in Cancun yet.

dennistheeremite said...

There was a time when I dreamed of being an archeologist for the Mayans. Neat to see those ruins! Good shots!

Laura said...

I love these Mayan ruins.
I have never been to Mexico
Looks fantastic!

Have a great week.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for this wonderful escape.

Please have you all a good Tuesday.


daily athens

Red Nomad OZ said...

Love ALL those pics! Especially the wildlife ... again, reminds me of places and creatures of OZ!!

Why not link up this post to my blog's 'Round the World' extravaganza #2 next week??

Have a great day!!

Pat said...

Wonderful tour....great photos!

S. Susan Deborah said...

Betty:

Looks like the body, mind and soul had a lovely vacation. I must say that your photos are absolutely drool worthy. I would like to know more about the ruins and the wall art, if any.

Joy always,
Susan

Betty Manousos said...

Suzan, here's some info about frescoes.
One of the interesting buildings in Tulum is the Temple of the Frescoes. As the name implies, there are frescoes with typical Mayan motifs in the interior.
Some of the original colours are relatively well preserved. xo

MadSnapper said...

that is one giant HANDSOME lizard, or monitor or whatever they call him down there. love that shot and I see another one below with stripes.

Shalet Jimmy said...

Lovely...missed your photos....

Shalet Jimmy said...

lovely...missed your photos...

ritsa said...

Looks like you had a great time.

Great pics!

黄清华 Wong Ching Wah said...

I learn something today about Tulum ... thanks ! have yourself a good day.

Unknown said...

I've always wanted to got to the Yucatan Peninsula...now I want to go even more!

Georgia said...

Visited the Tulum Ruins and I was all impressed with the experience.
These ruins are some of the best preserved in the Yucatan.

I love your pics.

Anonymous said...

Looks like a great mellow place on the coast with wonderful ruins.
Thanks for sharing this review.

Diane AZ said...

Great iguana and Tulum Ruins pictures. Looks like a fascinating place!

RIZALENIO said...

Interesting info about El Castillo. Your photos are beautiful.