Share the article
Last updated
With a history spanning at least two millennia, from the mystical Mayans to the period of Spanish colonization, Mexico is a treasure trove of ancient wonders.
Fortunately for the Americans, it is a short flight of three to four hours.
This is still a vast country with an incredibly diverse tourist offering we’re talking about, and if you’re dreaming of experiencing a cultural immersion this year while also soaking up the Mexican sun, this historically charged coastal town is where you need to be . bee:
Tulum is the top cultural destination in Mexico in 2024
According to a recent research Led by Mexico’s National Institute of Anthropology and History, Tulum is the absolute leader in cultural tourism in Mexico, given the sheer number of visitors, beating Teotihuacán, near Mexico City, Chichén Itzá and Cobá, into first place.
Unlike other archaeological zones in Mexico, the ruins of Tulum are not located in a remote area you can get there alone with a car or a tour group: it is a short 3 km walk from the center of Tulum to the entrance of the archaeological complex, which is managed by the municipality itself.
Although often associated with the Mexican capital, Teotihuacán is located outside the city limits, more than 30 miles away; Chichén Itzá is no different, as Valladolid is the closest town to the area, which is still a 30 to 40 minute drive depending on traffic.
If exploring the Mayan ruins is at the top of your Mexico bucket list, followed by some quality time on the beach, then there is definitely no better place to come as Tulum combines bothand the numbers don’t lie: so far this year the historic zone has had more than 200,000 visitors.
Why is Tulum special?
One of the reasons Tulum is so special is how quite young it has been compared to much older Mayan settlements: it was only founded between the 14th and 15th centuries AD and abandoned for almost a century after the first Spanish raids on Mexican territory.
This means that the majority of the buildings on the site are extremely well preserved, have not suffered as much from looting as other Mayan centers of the time, and provide valuable insight into what life was like in the Mayan civilization in the beginning of European civilization. colonization.
Plus, it’s just downright beautiful: If you’ve ever wondered where you can see that postcard image of an ancient temple perched on a cliff, overlooking the powder-white sand and turquoise water below, look no further, because Tulum is where it’s located.
The fact that new temples that were previously off-limits are now accessible extends to more parts of the archaeological zone is revivedand a new one Frida Kahlo Museum is all equally good news for history and art lovers.
Has Tulum’s cultural value been overlooked all along?
Tulum is located on the shores of the Caribbean Sea not a hidden gem waiting to be discovered: it has been a hugely popular holiday destination for years, largely thanks to its highly developed beach, full of five-star resorts and luxury villas.
It has also built a reputation as the entertainment capital of the Mexican Caribbean, with beach clubs galore and a bar-lined Highway 307 that attracts young partiers from all over the world, especially bachelor partygoers.
Considering Cancun’s shame as a party area, you may find it surprising that it currently counts as a “party zone” the number one cultural hotspot in Mexico, better than vibrant Mexico City and its multicultural neighborhoods, the walled city of Merida and even the charming Spanish colonial outpost of Guanajuato.
Tulum isn’t exactly unheard of, as we said, but it is definitely underestimated on the culture In front, just like behind the jungle raves and the revamped coast, you will find one of the most prominent Mayan ruins of the Mexican Caribbean, crystal clear cenotes shrouded in mysterious and arty museums.
You can fly non-stop to Tulum from the United States
Moreover, it is one of the most accessible cultural outings in Mexico, as it will feature nonstop flights from 9 U.S. cities starting this month and is an official stop on the Mayan Train Route.
The Mayan Train takes tourists from Cancun to other destinations on the Mayan Riviera and beyond, and while service to Tulum has not yet formally started, the train should be operational sometime this summer, as confirmed by local authorities.
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS
Enter your email address to subscribe to the latest Travel Off Path breaking travel news, delivered straight to your inbox.
This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
