The Tulum – Mayan ruins are simply breathtaking.  Typically, people who visit these ruins walk from one site to another, finding themselves constantly surprised and pleased at all there is to discover.  Although you can explore the area on your own, we highly recommend you consider the services of a skilled guide.

The Mayas were responsible for creating one of the greatest Mesoamerica cultures during the pre-Hispanic era.  There, you will discover all types of things such as ceremonial centers where mathematics, astronomy, and the famous Mayan calendar were developed, art, hieroglyphic writing, architecture, and more.  The area occupied by the Mayas was extremely diverse, boasting mountain ranges, limestone plains of the Yucatan Peninsula, and a region in Guatemala known as the Peten.  With such a widespread territory and diversity, you see very similar cultural traits.

During the ancient years, Mayas were formed into groups, each having very, similar physical features, common historical tradition, and spoken languages from the same linguistic stock.  Interestingly, experts believe that one such group that spoke Proto-Maya lived around 2500 BC in the area known today as Huehuetenango, Guatemala.  Over time, various languages were developed and groups migrated that helped define the area where Mayan culture was formed.

What you see at the Tulum – Mayan ruins is a unique blend of Maya and Olmec cultures.  The Maya culture, which is often referred to as “Mother Culture” had strong influence from the Gulf Coast to various regions of Mesoamerica.  These people were known for adopting and being able to adapt to many of the Olmec culture features, which would include things like the basic calendar and number system and architectural elements.

From great pottery and hieroglyphics, the timeline of the Maya culture has been carefully followed.  Historians believe this culture first appeared around 500 BC.  Then by 325 AD, the culture began to develop and spread out, at which time corbel arches were commonly used in structures and important historical dates were captured in hieroglyphs.  Then the culture reached its peak sometime between 625 and 800, specifically when it comes to pottery, astronomy, calendar, architecture, and sculptures.

Unfortunately, the Maya culture began to collapse between 800 and 925 AD although no one is really, sure why.  Ceremonial centers and cities began to decline, becoming abandoned areas.  Over the next 50 years, only small groups of the Maya remained.  Then from 976 to 1200 AD, the Maya tradition blended with the Toltec that came from central Mexico.  At this time, Toltec influences were seen in art, decoration, and architecture.

Without doubt, the pre-Hispanic Mayas was an incredible civilization, devoting themselves to religion, war, art, and trade.  Another interesting aspect is that the Mayas were comprised of various levels.  On the lower end, you had the farmers that grew sweet potato, maize, yucca, and manioc among other things.  Then on the upper end, you had the priests who directed rites to honor gods while seeking favor.

The word Tulum means “fence”, “wall”, or “trench”.  Because of the wall that surrounds this area, the name was given more recently although the ancient name was actually Zama, which was the corruption of Zamal or morning.  Today as the sun rises in Tulum, you will be amazed at the beautiful light.  For many years, Tulum remained unmentioned until 1840 when Juan Pio Perez wrote that while visiting Ascencion Bay, he discovered two amazing cities, Tancah and Tulum.

During the War for the Castes that started in 1847, lasting until 1901, Tulum was occupied by a number of different rebels primarily because of the protective wall.  Then in 1871, Tulum was the sanctuary of a cult called, “Speaking Cross”, which was guided by an Indian woman called Maria Uicab.  In the late 19^th century, several expeditions made their way to Tulum and today, it is still a magnificent place to visit, providing you with a special glimpse of a very, rich past.