TULUM

Tulum's unparalleled location atop a spectacular cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea, suggests that it served as an ancient watchtower to protect Maya trade routes, from the Mexican state of Tabasco to Honduras, as a important center for commerce and for astronomical observation; the Maya called it "Zama" (dawn). The ancient walled Maya city is ideally located overlooking the Caribbean Sea atop a 12-meter-tall cliff; it encompasses the vestiges of one of the most exquisite cities ever built by the ancestral Maya people.

Nowadays, the site offers many tourist services including parking and a commercial area with bathrooms, restaurants and handicrafts shops. A number of free indigenous dances and shows are presented in this area.

The town is actually one main avenue where all the commercial and social activity takes place. It features handicrafts and grocery shops, small restaurants, basic services such as the bus station, bank and post office.

In the area called "Zona Maya" and in the small neighboring towns, the local Maya townsfolk still maintain their ancient language and customs; most continue to live in traditional thatched-roof palapas. Their main economic activities are fishing, palapa building and the creation of handicrafts and rustic furniture, among others.

Many others work in the eco-tourism projects of sustainable development what it benefit economic, social and cultural progress of several Mayan communities.

Tulum have a diversity cultural extensive, integrated by Mayan, Mexican, foreign and tourists, the community participates altogether in the cultural, educative and social events that success during the year in this beautiful City