Tulum's greatest attraction is its location. It stands on a bluff facing the rising sun looking out on views of the Caribbean that are nothing less than spectacular. In Maya, Tulum means "Wall", and the city was christened thus because it is a walled city; one of the very few the ancients ever built. Research suggests it was formerly called Zama or "to dawn" in its day, which is appropriate given the location. It seems "Tulum" is the name given the site following a visit by the explorers Stephens and Catherwood in 1841.

Recommendations:

Comfortable clothes, Hat or cap, tennis shoes, camera, sun block, sun glasses and extra money. If you want to bring a video-camera into the park, you will need to pay a fee to the Mexican government at the entrance. (3 usd)