Although its architecture is not as impressive as in Chichen Itza or Uxmal, Tulum´s privileged location, that is, a few meters away from the sea, turns this place into one of the most visited Mayan compounds.

In the late 60´s Tulum was only reached by sea, nowadays you can get to this magnificent place by taking the 128 federal road.

The archeological zone is located 80 miles southern Cancun in the state of Quintana Roo.

Tulum got its name, apparently, because of the walls that surround it on three sides. Also Tulum in Mayan means "fence or wall". It is thought that its first name was Zama that means "dawn"; this matches the geographical location of Tulum, because you can see the sun rise everyday from this point.

The prehispanic city is built on a cliff in front of the sea; their remains extend for almost 4 miles along the riverside. The center of the compound, formed by administrative and religious buildings, is protected by a big wall that runs among the north, south and west sides of the city. The Caribbean Sea welcomes the visitors on the east side. Outside the wall the ancient houses can be found.

Based on several investigations, it is known that the conquest of Tulum happened in the late Postclassic period (1200-1521). Similar to other prehispanic cities, its origin can take us to previous times, as the oldest data is from a little baseboard dated in 564 (Classic Period).

During its most important period, Tulum served as an important point that linked the sea-commerce with the ground-commerce, which was an elemental role in Tulum's economy. An important commercial activity took place during this times, as indicated by the silex remains and ceramic pots found all over the region, as well as, jade and obsidian pieces in Guatemala, and copper rings and sleigh bells in Mexico's middle region.

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