Postcards from Tulum – 5 reasons to visit right now

5 reasons to visit Tulum right now:

The Mayan history

With its Mayan ruins – the only ones to be found right on the coast – and the most spectacular beaches, Tulum is the ace up the sleeve of this region of Mexico. Mayan ruins are scattered all over the Yucatan and Quintana Roo peninsular, but the history and culture of this mysterious civilisation seem most tangible here.

Get to the ruins in Tulum early to beat the tourist buses and explore this amazing site that extends for 6 miles along the coast.

The beaches

Oh that water! So, so beautiful. I want to go back there now. There are lots of public beaches all along this coast, so you’ll have your pick of where to lay your towel. Or stay at a beachfront resort (like Casa de las Olas) and relax on your recliner all day long.

The Cenotes

Fed by the sea and from freshwater sources, these natural sinkholes are a geological phenomenon all over the Yucatan peninsula. If you love diving, they’re a must-visit, but there are also sites for snorkelers and swimmers too. Dos Ojos and Gran Cenote are close to Tulum, as well as several other smaller cenotes that you’ll have all to yourself.

It’s close to Coba

The major historic drawcard in the Yucatan is Chichen Itza though many overlook Coba. Coba is connected to Chichen Itza by an ancient Mayan jungle road. If you stay in Tulum, you’re only 45 minutes away, so you can visit right at the end of the day after all the tourist buses have left.

It’s not like Cancun… yet

Hopefully it will never be but Tulum is developing quickly. It’s listed as a sustainable tourist destination and there is consideration about the development there. Go now while Tulum is still this size. There’s just the right amount of boutique accommodation and fabulous places to eat.

Have you been to Tulum? Have you visited anywhere else in Mexico? Tell us about it in the comments!

Images by Mrs Romance using an O-MD EM1 Olympus camera.