hey guys it's papa steve on the move we're finally getting stamps in our passport again
this week we're in mexico it's beautiful it's sunny it's really hot we're in the
archaeological ruins of tulum let's go explore the ancient mayan civilization
the tulum archaeological zone is located on the yucatan peninsula of the riviera maya in mexico
it is 128 kilometers or 80 miles from the cancun airport south on federal highway 370.
it's a popular tourist location due to its proximity between the highway and the caribbean
sea tulum has its own parking so don't be fooled by the locals who stop you as you enter the area
pressuring you to park in private areas parking is about a one kilometer walk from the entrance
there's also a private transport option for additional charge
the sites open monday to sunday 9 a.m to 5 p.m and admission is 80 pesos the site can also be
reached by private tours the complex opens on the northeast entrance near the temple of the wind god
nearby is the house of the cenote which hosts an underground fresh water source
as you proceed through the site there are three prominent buildings to note depending which way
you go you're most likely to come across the temple of the descending or diving god first
further up along the coastline is the mayan pyramid el castillo or the castle in english
it is the most imposing building in the complex a small shrine close by appears to have been used as
a beacon that marks a break in the barrier reef opposite the site here there's a cove
that would have made an excellent landing beach perfect for trading canoes to land at
there's still a small beach there today but has been temporarily closed due to covet 19.
among the more spectacular buildings is the temple of the frescos it has two levels the bottom of
which is a temple within a temple the facade of the inner temple is decorated with murals and the
outside with stucco figures unfortunately visitors are no longer permitted to enter the temple
tulum was one of the last cities built and inhabited by the mayan civilization
it reached its height between the 13th and 15th centuries and managed to survive about 70 years
after the spanish occupation succumbing to old world diseases from europe in its day tulum was a
strategic trade location for the mayan people due to its access to both land and sea trade routes
the city's defenses signify its importance as the entire city was protected by a wall
three to five meters or 10 to 16 feet tall and about 8 meters or 26 feet thick the complex was
400 by 170 meters that's 1300 by 560 feet and protected by two watch towers on the west side
it takes about 90 minutes to wander around the grounds and take in all there is to see it tulum
tulum is one of the most visited archaeological sites in mexico and there is a constant stream
of daily tour buses so come early when completed exit near the southwest corner through the wall
and make your way back to the parking area so hey guys that's it for this week hope you enjoyed
tulum as much as i did man i love mexico it's so warm here it's fantastic break from the mountains
if you have any questions leave them down below in the comments i reach out on social media i'm
on facebook and instagram till next week i'll see you guys on the trail it's papa steve on the move
you