Land of the Maya
Tulum
Tulum is the most visited archaeological site in Mexico. Its location on the shore of the Caribbean makes a delight. The site is rather small and if it weren't so picturesque, it would only take about 45 minutes to see.
Tulum is the Maya word for fence, trench or wall. The original name was Zama, which means dawn, because it is located in the eastern side of the Yucatan Peninsula, facing the sunrise. From the numerous depictions in murals and other works around the site, Tulum appears to have been an important site for the worship of the Descending God.
Tulum is one of the last cities built and inhabited by the Maya people. Its main occupation occurred during 14th and 15th centuries. While an inscription dated 564 has been found at the site, most of the structures now visible were built in the Post-Classic Era, between about 1200 and 1450. The city remained occupied through the early years of the Spanish conquest of Yucatan, but was abandoned in by the end of the 16th century.