Discover Tulum: Maya History and Protected Landscapes

Around Tulum, Maya history meets a varied coastal landscape. The town is home to the Museo de la Costa Oriental; the Zona Arqueológica Tulum is next to the town, and protected landscapes shape the surrounding area. When planning your trip, it is worth considering these different stops: from the museum’s chronological tour and the architecture of the archaeological zone to coastal and wetland ecosystems.

Maya History at the Museum and Archaeological Zone

The Zona Arqueológica Tulum lies south of Cancún, next to the town of Tulum and within Parque Nacional Tulum. Its buildings visible today date from the Middle and Late Postclassic periods of the pre-Hispanic settlement of the Yucatán Peninsula, from 1250 to 1550. El Castillo is the tallest structure in the zone. It was built using the edge of the cliff, offering views of both the Caribbean Sea and the mainland. The two-story Templo de los Frescos preserves murals depicting supernatural deities of the underworld. They are considered one of the most important examples of Maya mural painting.

At the Museo de la Costa Oriental in Tulum, a chronological tour introduces the history and culture of the Mexican Caribbean, particularly the Maya civilization. It spans the period from the first inhabitants to present-day Maya communities. The tour also highlights maritime trade and the significance of the Zona Arqueológica Tulum. More than 300 exhibits and interactive resources complement the tour. In the Sala de Inmersión, a dynamic virtual experience offers insights into landscapes, the terrestrial and aquatic flora and fauna of Quintana Roo, and the region’s archaeological zones. The exhibition content may evolve.

Architecture and Different Time Periods

The museum also presents the Costa Oriental architectural style. It developed during the Postclassic period, from 1000 to 1550 AD, and found its most important expression in Tulum. Its defining features include a horizontal design, small platforms or large bases with lintels and cornices, geometrically decorated friezes, and the frequent use of columns and murals. The period from 1000 to 1550 refers to the development of the style. The dating from 1250 to 1550, by contrast, applies to the buildings visible today in the archaeological zone. Both dates place different aspects of the history in context.

Coastal Landscapes and Nature in the Surrounding Area

Nearby Parque Nacional Tulum covers 664 hectares and extends mainly along the coast, from the northern part of the town of Tulum to the Casa Cenote area. It is the only terrestrial protected area in the Cancún–Tulum corridor and lies around the walled archaeological zone. Mangroves, beaches, and cenotes are part of its protected coastal landscape. White turtles and loggerhead turtles nest on the park’s beaches; both species are protected by the Mexican federal government.

Also near Tulum is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sian Ka’an, a 528,148-hectare protected area with interconnected marine, coastal, and terrestrial ecosystems. These include tropical forests, palm savannas, wetlands, lagoons, extensive mangroves, sandy beaches and dunes, as well as parts of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef and seagrass meadows. The area between Tulum and Cobá offers another regional perspective: the cenotes there are connected with Maya traditions, ceremonies, and legends.

Choose a Vacation Rental That Suits Your Travel Plans

The experiences you want to shape your trip can also guide your search for a vacation rental in Tulum. If you are particularly interested in Maya history, you can base your choice of location on cultural sites in and next to the town. If you also want to include protected coastal landscapes and ecosystems in your itinerary, consider their location in the surrounding area as well. The cenotes between Tulum and Cobá are part of a wider regional context.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Puerto Aventuras, Xcalak, Chacalal, Majahual, Akumal, Blanca Flor, Estero Franco, Cancún

Go to the main travel overview: Quintana Roo.