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Tulum at Playa del Carmen
It is a Pre-Columbian walled city which is situated at the Caribbean coast around 60Km (86milles) at south of Playa del Carmen (45 minutes driving) and to 130 Km of Cancun. Its name means wall, but a recent research suggests that its original name was “Zama” that means “Dawn” in reference to its position by the sea looking to east. Tulum has a strategic position at the top of a cliff therefore it was also a excellent fortress. The archaeological complex was studied for first time by two foreign explores Stephens and Catherwood in 1841. This majestic archaeological site is visited by thousands of tourists every year. This ancient city was occupied by Mayas between 120 and 1450; during that time this site was the most important link in the Mayan trade network since it was the point of convergence amongst land and sea routes. Nevertheless, it was abandoned in the XVI century because of the Spanish conquest. When the Spaniards arrived to this city, they considered Tulum as larger and more beautiful than Seville. Until the XIX century this place was still a center of pilgrimage for the inhabitants of Mexico but it was abandoned during the XX century because of the growing number of tourists.
This former city is the third Mexican archaeological center behind Chichen Itza and Teotihuacan and probably it is the best conserved Mayan city. Amongst the main buildings of the complex highlight:
The Temple of the Descending God
The actual structure was constructed over another temple more ancient. Inside this temple, there is a sculpture which represents a god wearing a headdress descending from the heavens, holding an object amongst its hands.
Kukulcan Group
This is a big set of structures dedicated to the god Kukulcan, being the most important building, the Castle also called lighthouse which is also the most impressive building in the complex. The castle is located in the highest point of the city. The castle has two halls where the Mayas did their main religious ceremonies. In front to the building there are several sculptures about Mayan gods.
Xel-Ha
It is located around 10 miles north of Tulum, it was a ceremonial center and ancient port, it has its own wall and holds structures such as the Building of the Birds.
The Temple of the Frescos
This building has two floors and is the most conserved structure of the complex. It owes its name to a group of colored murals that decorate its walls. The first floor has two halls beautifully decorated, whereas the second is decorated mainly in red. The facade show several figures made in bas relief; there is also a mask of Chac an important Mayan god.
El Torreon
It is a temple which looks like a tower. The temple has three doors and an internal structure whicht the scientists believe, it was an altar; besides, the facade is decorated with some geometric designs. Nevertheless, this building is very deteriorated therefore visitors can’t enter to the tower.
Cenote House
It is a small building that is located near the “Torreon” and whose name means cave containing water. This temple is named so because it was constructed into a cave with these features. Inside the temple it can find a hall with a tomb at middle; besides the hall has water which comes from the sea.
Temple of the God of the wind
It is a rectangular temple dedicated to the Wind whose facade is decorated with stucco statues and it is located on a peculiar circular platform.
The Palace
It believes that this building was the resident of the leader of the city. It is decorated with fine stucco about a descending god. Unfortunately this house is one of the most deteriorated buildings in Tulum.
Temple of the Initial Series
This temple saved an “estela” (a sculpture made in stone), which is now in England. The inside walls are decorated with representations of people and Mayan hieroglyphs.
City Square
It is located at center of the city and was the main religious place of Tulum, it is at west to the Castle which the main structure of the Kukulcan group.
Note: You can visit Tulum every day from 8:00 to 17:00 and admission costs 37 pesos (around $4) but you must pay 30 pesos more if you carry a video camera. There are many taxis and regular buses that can take you from Playa del Carmen.
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