He site archaeological of Tulum is seated in the coast East of the State of Quintana Roo, in the region known as the Riviera Maya.
The city received in the antiquity the name maya of Zama (that means in maya dawn) and the current, Tulum (that means in maya wall), that seems to have been used for refer is to the city when already is was in ruins. By numerous records on murals and other works found in the buildings of the city, has considered that Tulum was an important center of worship for the so-called "descending God".
Culture, history, and one of the best beaches in Mexico are combined in this destination. The only archaeological site that sits at the edge of the sea, is the most photogenic site in the region and perhaps the entire country. Tulum was a Mayan fortress that lived their moments of glory at the end of the classical period (about 1000 A.d.). The most iconic of their structures, called "The Castle", is located on the edge of a cliff from where you can appreciate the waters turquoise of the sea. This is, without a doubt, the most photographed corner of the area. Every Sunday, some tourists who show their identification have free access; However, if you prefer to avoid crowds, the best option is to go to a Tuesday morning.
At the southern end of the archaeological site is one of the most peaceful beaches of the riviera. Here you will not find hotels of 500 rooms and a great infrastructure; on the contrary, you can rent cabins, luxurious or rustic, depending on your tastes and your budget. Some have an electrical generator which shuts off around midnight, a big incentive if you are looking for is peace and silence. This village is also optimal for exploring the southern region of the Riviera Maya. Nearby is the archaeological site of Coba. Tulum is located about 70 kilometers south of Playa del Carmen. You can easily reach by car; There are also bus lines covering the journey between both destinations many times during the day.
The beautiful beaches of Tulum, are about 4 km from the village. The archaeological area, is on the coast, where end beaches. You can choose to stay in the village, which does not have much interest, or on the beach, a highly recommended option. Apparently there is no public transport to beaches (all say that you must take a taxi), however, there are some vans a day carrying workers of the different hotels. Inquiry to the drivers of the vans that come to Playa del Carmen and inform you the schedules.
Tulum is about 9 km from coast, fully cover several accommodations. Unlike the big resorts that fill almost all the riviera maya, here small hotels abound boutique and cabins, some more elegant and other more rustic and cheaper. Some places offer the possibility of camping or hang a hammock and use the basic services of the other cabins (toilets and showers).
Cancun is worldwide known for its warm waters in shades of Turquoise, but also for its partying nightlife, that's why it passes through here should not miss the main disk has.
There are for everyone, of all genders, different cost in different places, so you will find something peaceful and relaxed in the Center and also enjoy something more destrampado in the hotel zone.
Cover costs vary according to location and the shows showing.
During his visit to Cancun, you should enjoy an extraordinary food in restaurants that are located in the hotel zone
spread Cancun, it is the most popular site of the hotel zone since here the main discotheques, bars and restaurants of Cancun are concentrated.
At nightfall, music lights and start the fun. Clubs are so close to each other that can walk or start the fun at one and finish on the other.
What clubs are there in Punta Cancun?
Here you can find the Coco Bongo is perfectly located in Plaza Forum account shows laser, La Mascara, acrobats, one of the best discos of Cancun which you can not miss, Dady' or this disk is located opposite Coco Bongo are contests of Bikini, music of the 80's, 90's, and also the best Dj's in the world come to play here.
The City "the disc more large Latin America", it is located next to Plaza Forum account with the best shows of Cancun, laser lights on the ceiling, artists V.I.P. international stature and 4 levels for dancing, you will not regret having been here.
If you're a rockero also there is a special place for you within the forum square, the famous Hard Rock Café with live music, giant screens, relics of collection, the best food or dinner, and souvenir shop, you can identify it with a giant guitar at the entrance of the square.
Now if you are looking for food and fun we recommend Carlos ' N Charlie's, with rock music and pop, don't forget to visit the King of the fiesta Señor Frogs.
How to get to Punta Cancún?
Only boards any bus in the hotel zone, and tell the driver "Punta Cancún" and will take you to the fun.
Cancun Center
As in all big cities and reference as a downtown Cancun is the meeting point for retailers, intersection to go from one place to another and get to know its people.
Although it is not as striking as in the tourist zone, in the find clothing stores, shoes, souvenirs, restaurants, small hotels, banks, squares and typical food of the region, at very affordable prices where you can buy many more things with little money.
The main avenues of Cancun are the Tulum and Yaxchilan, in the Avenida Tulum pass all the buses that go to different regions of the city or also to the hotel zone, here you will find reform Plaza and City Hall are made where the celebrations of the Mexican celebration, art exhibitions and shows of all kinds.
Just a short walk you toparas with the ADO Bus Terminal, which has constant outputs to the most popular tourist destinations and operates 24 hours a day.
Avenida Yaxchilan, is the artery that will take you to the center of the entertainment of the local people, throughout the length and breadth of the Avenue you will find Mexican restaurants with live music, mariachis that put even more Mexican ambiance, Discos and bars.
Their traditional market where villagers buy fruits, vegetables and meat to prepare their food, also tasted delicious Mexican antojitos could not miss. This place all the time is filled with people who are just passing, or in search of experience the everyday environment of its inhabitants.
Hotels that are located in the center of Cancun are more economical of the of the hotel zone, some of them featuring beach club and are ideal for business trips or large families who wish to enjoy the Mexican Caribbean but saving at the same time.
MUSEO MAYA - CANCUN
The influence of the Mayan culture was noted despite urbanization and even a bit of anti-Americanism, despite moving towards progress, does not leave out its history.
In this way, the Mayan descendants have been dedicated to defend, preserve and disseminate their culture, thus arises the Maya Museum recently opened in Cancun, Quintana Roo.
In this museum you will be an idea of how was the life of the first inhabitants of the peninsula, through each of its rooms and exhibitions.
The Museum consists of three rooms, of which two are of permanent signs, which will take you to travel from the first settlements, until the results of investigations which have taken 30 years in be disclosed, the figure of La Mujer de las Palmas, will surprise you because it has an age of little more than 10 thousand years approximately.
In room two, you'll discover the different areas that are part of this culture, here you will learn a little more about its buildings, art, worldview, as well as their leaders and everyday wearing, because you will also notice some remains found at Chichen Itza and other nearby sites.
The third room has been dedicated to temporary exhibitions, i.e., they will rotate throughout the year; sample was placed on one of their first seasons named face of divinity, which are appreciated different masks found in the tombs of the former leaders of these cities, which is gives proof of the relationship they had with the Supreme beings.
Mahahual name coming from a family of trees typical is located near the Marine Park "Reefs of Xcalak" and the river Huach, Bacalar and Chetumal places of great nature and quiet and friendly people.
Mahahual until the end of the 20th century has been a small population of fishermen, however currently being developed as a resort alternative to Cancun or the Riviera Maya, primarily as a dock of cruises and the Dolphin Delphinus Costa Maya, is also an important destination for sport fishing.
Mahahual is located 145 kilometres northwest of Chetumal, and is the heart of Costa Maya is a small fishing village with sandy streets unpaved, with some restaurants where you can enjoy some of the delicious lobster, clams and a fresh fish daily served here.
Due to its tropical location in mahahual divers are a marvel of formations of coral, sponges, sea turtles, dolphins, seahorses, manatees, and thousands of coral fish, they have discovered how wonderful and attractive is to admire the Sea World offered by the beautiful beach of Mahahual, is for this reason that many tourists prefer to Mahahual because it is a very quiet and pleasant place where you can enjoy the breeze of the sea and the kindness of its people.
Also, Mahahual offers small hotels for rent serving divers, tourists and fishermen.
One of the main attractions of Mahahual is its proximity to the Banco Chinchorro an atoll declared a nature reserve and also recognized as the second largest reef in the world barrier. This reef is located in the Caribbean Sea off the coast of Quintana Roo and Belize, having a huge biodiversity of extremely attractive to dive into it, and surrounded by Virgin forest.
The small fishing village of Mahahual will be the ideal place for you to enjoy a dream vacation, without worries and away from so busy life of big cities. This small fishing village has the unique Wharf of cruises to the South of the State of Quintana Roo,because it is a strategic point from which you can make a strategic tour along the coast where the adventures abound. Start your day sailing area Lake which was formed by the reef breakwater. Immerse yourself in its turquoise waters, dive and discover unimaginable beauty.
The sea and adventure lovers will find 20 minutes from the coast by sea an underwater paradise, Banco Chinchorro, the country's largest coral atoll. In its inner lagoon emerge covered mangrove cays that give refuge to a wide variety of flora and fauna.You can swim to her around and admire from fish and turtles to dolphins and sharks among shipwrecks of all times.
Mahahual is a holiday paradise of recent building, which is located in the center of the Riviera Maya, about 145 kilometers Northwest of Chetumal, facilitating visitors to both destinations travel from one point to another easily and to know these two treasures hidden South of Quintana Roo.
The great diversity of flora and fauna, Xcalak is one of the last Virgin beaches of the Mexican Caribbean located about 60 kilometers from Mahahual, tourist destination with truly unforgettable landscapes, since it is considered a paradise for lovers of nature, diving, fishing and snorkeling.
And if you walk a little more, in the bird Island, place where you can admire more than 40 species of birds; But if what you want is a jungle experience, go to Uchben Kah, a former ecotourism Park, where the Maya drew wood bat dye, where the English pirates exchanged it with weapons and that later was used to fine wood that reached Chetumal passing the Bacalar lagoon, where you can do a multitude of activities.
Fishing enthusiasts, are attracted by the tranquility of the spectacular beaches of the village of Mahahual, since you can find a lot of lush animals such as: conch, chancay, Grouper, snapper, crowned, beaked, mojarra and Red Snapper.
You can take a dip in the new water park of Mahahual, where you can have a day full of fun, laughter and adrenalin in their two circuits of canopy, 12 slides with fall up to 25 metres, expedition in the lost river where you float in a tire to traverse the Park; or if you want to relax you can do it in the natural cenote or the Monkey Island.
Bacalar is a heavenly town. Among small fishermen's houses emerges the beautiful lagoon of the same name that, say, has seven shades of blue. In this beautiful body of water, it is possible to swim, snorkel, dive and quiet walks in boat.
Bacalar
In addition, the bastions of the Fort of San Felipe, where you get one of the best views of this natural wonder, you shall send to the stories of pirates, while its temples and plazas provide a provincial environment. It was built in 1729 in order to stop the attacks of the pirates that lurked with its boats from the Caribbean Sea. It is a historical site, witnessed battles against English settlers. Among its original elements stresses their military construction of thick walls, with bastions at the four corners and a moat, now turned into a garden with figures of maya and Spanish origin. The building houses the Museum of piracy, in charge of the Quintana Roo Institute for culture, dedicated to the history of the region.
And if outside little, Bacalar is also the gateway to the underwater Caverns of Cenote Azul and interesting Mayan archaeological areas covered by jungle.
Bacalar was founded by the Mayans to 415 A.d. with the name of Sian Ka'an Bakhalal. For centuries beset by pirates because of its commercial importance in Central American goods and for being one of the places where plentiful, the dye stick, coveted by the British for dyeing textiles, because of its indelible dark pigment.
A very frequent activity in Bacalar is the carving of wood in various forms. Suit of dye is used to dye the traditional clothing that can be purchased in the town, as the hand-embroidered huipiles. Also beautiful textiles and basketry, figment of the imagination and skill of the craftsmen with the Palm. It is common to offer colorful hammocks, ideal for a good night's sleep. You'll find more of these products in the Cenote Azul. This circular water body has a diameter of more than 300 meters and a depth of up to 90 meters. It is ideal for snorkeling, to go diving, swimming - is surrounded by trees and plants - and for diving since you'll find a world of nooks and crannies and underwater caves.
The main attraction of Bacalar is its enormous homonymous lagoon, which stretches for more than 50 kilometres long and two wide. Soils of the Fund, the difference in depths and the variation of the intensity of the Sun, make its waters to show a wonderful diversity of colors of blue. The waters are transparent and white sand; There are fish, parrots and macaws, as well as cenotes and the site of the "abandoned ship". Them banks have spas, palapas, areas for camping, restaurants and springs, for example the Club of candle Bacalar, from where depart boats tourist to make travels by the lagoon or where is rent kayaks and team of diving.
The Riviera Maya is surprising you. With its more than 120 km of extension, its crystalline turquoise waters, its white sand beaches, cenotes, majestic archaeological sites, natural parks and thematic unique in the world, in addition to magnificent hotels and an exquisite gastronomy.
CENOTES
A cenote is in a few words a cave with water. But the natural environment of the Yucatan Peninsula, is what makes these places, really spectacular scenarios. Scuba diving or snorkeling in the cenotes in the Riviera Maya is one of the most requested water activities, as it is a unique experience.
What are they? The cenotes are freshwater pools with an age of millions of years that were submerged when the sea level rose and filtered through the limestone surface forming this masterpiece of nature. They are classified into three groups, open, semi-closed, and closed cenotes, depending on how your access entrance is.
The ancient Maya performed rituals and sacrifices on them believing that they were going to the underworld: it is said that there are up to approximately 8,000 in the entire Yucatan peninsula since many have not yet been discovered, each of them being a wonder of the unique nature in the world to explore. Obviously, snorkeling and diving can be done by entering its spectacular caves and caverns full of stalagtites and stalagmites.
Its waters have a constant temperature of 25 ° C throughout the year. They have found within them skeletons of animals and people of ancient Mayan civilizations.
If you are on vacation in this area of Mexico, be encouraged to know the bowels of a world that few privileged people can know. Along the Riviera Maya there are more than 20 cenotesen where you can swim, snorkel or dive.
Cenotes Route
WILDLIFE
The marina is home to more than 500 species of tropical fish, 65 types of coral and much more aquatic fauna are those that you can find in the Mexican Caribbean Sea. Little pieces of paradise where you can see turtles and manta rays living by your side among many other species.
The terrestrial among many other species dominate the coatis, iguanas, monkeys, foxes, and sometimes and depending on the area you get to see jaguars.
ISLANDS
We can also visit the beautiful islands that surround it: Isla Mujeres, Isla Contoy, Isla Holbox and the busiest and most visited Cozumel Island. All of them with their particular beauty, population and lifestyle, being able to perform in all a number of activities.
COZUMEL
THEME PARKS
The theme parks are part of the attraction of the place. Its facilities and attractions are fused with the nature of the place making them 100% ecological. The most visited are: Xcaret, Xplor, Xel Ha and Río Secreto.
ARCHEOLOGY
The Mayan archeological monuments are one of the main tourist attractions of the world, along with their magic, unknowns, and history about their ancient civilization, makes it inevitable that when you visit them you will be invaded by a great sense of curiosity and questions about the past of their endearing pre-Hispanic history.
Monuments such as the great pyramid of Chichen Itza, and archeological ruins such as Cobá and Ek Balam join one of the most visited: the Temple of Tulum.
Although there are monuments and ruins throughout the country of Mexico, it is even confirmed that many of them have not yet been found.
With about 300 days of sunshine a year, it is a warm and humid subtropical climate; what supposes an exceptional climate most of the days.
Temperatures range between 25Cº and 40Cº during the day, at night between 20Cº and 26Cº approximately, depending on the time of the year since the annual seasons occur in this area as in the vast majority of the world.
The rainy season goes from May to November, these being of a duration of no more than 1h a day or on time by areas, although sometimes it can rain several consecutive days without stopping.
The hurricane season is the same as the rainy season from May to November, being 85% more active during the months of September, October and November.
The dry season goes from December to April, which is when the probability of rains is very low, we can enjoy more days of full sun and a not so hot climate.
GASTRONOMY
Among the typical dishes of the area, tamales, tacos, a rich lime soup, green and red enchiladas, guacamole, nachos with cheese, quesadillas, enchiladas, fajitas, flutes, burritos, some motuleño eggs, mole, kibis , shrimp cocktail, ceviche, fish to size, among many other delicacies.
Typical honorary dishes
The amount of typical dishes that you must try is very long, so the list would be extensive. Most dishes commonly known as "snacks" can be obtained in many places.
Among those we have:
Cochinita Pibil:
Cochinita pibil is the most popular typical dish of the Yucatan Peninsula. It consists of pork marinated with spices such as achiote. The term pibil is coined to any food prepared in an underground oven.
A hole is made in the ground, charcoal or firewood is put on top and the food covered with banana leaves is placed on top. The food is buried and is cooked by the heat of the earth, its flavor is unique. There is cochinita prepared in a gas oven, but the word pibil is not added.
Panuchos and Salubres:
These with classics in the region, consist of a kind of toast, with chicken, pork or ground meat. Which carry tanned onion, cabbage, lettuce and avocado.
The difference between them is that the panucho has beans in the middle of the tortilla.
Chicken or turkey broth:
A normal broth, accompanied by shredded meat either chicken or turkey. The broth has chopped cabbage, lettuce, tanned onion and toast. Accompany it with lemon and habanero chili sauce, ideal to cure the cold.
VOCABULARY
Cenote : Cavern with water. Tulum : Walled city. Akumal : Turtle place. Chichén Itzá : Mouth of the well of Itzáes. Ek Balam : Black jaguar. Coba : Cloudy water / water humidity. Sian Ka´an : Where the sky is born Kukulkán : Feathered Serpent. Holbox : Black hole Ik Kil : Winds place
