todotulum.com - History

Silently approaching Tulum, last outpost along the Riviera Maya, we enter a mystical zone. Through the jungle we walk toward the beach, entering the ancient ruins of Tulum"s walled city through one of the corbel arches. We are drawn toward the cliff over- looking the Mexican Caribbean, shimmering like a jewel in the morning sunlight.

This Mesoamerican port"s splendor is a living testament of the Mayan post-classic period that once boasted of an active commercial trading zone. Anciently called Zama, "the dawn," we are transported in time to witness a sunrise that is brightening the city walls once covered by brilliantly painted stucco images that represented the universe, the Earth and its elements, and now; silent giants have arrived to witness the Mayan majesty.

Walking through this ceremonial site, we pass the Templo de los Frescos, a building with disappearing frescos of the descending god. The significance of this small up-side-down figure is unknown; which leads to speculation suggesting it may represent Venus, goddess of love, or the setting sun, rain, lightening or even the bee-god. The severe faces of the gods in the fading frescos peer at us as we stand level with the marine horizon. On the temple"s interior walls the magical Ixchel, goddess of fertility, seems to float on her roughly woven skirts as she holds the image of Chac, Lord of rain and storm, in her strong hands. Walking through this ancient site, with the turquoise Caribbean as a backdrop, and gazing at the remains of the buildings gives one an enchanted feeling of a time when man was more strongly connected to nature and the elements.

As we exit the ceremonial city we enter a long corridor speckled with hotels and restaurants that range from rustic thatched huts and camping centers, reminiscent of the homes where the Mayans who built the walls of Tulum"s ancient city lived, to world class accommodations. The rustic ambiance of the hotel zone is rapidly changing, leaving only the ever present breeze, talcum powder white sand and warm waters of the Caribbean to unite us with the ancient ones. Dive shops and other services pop up out of the palm covered vistas. Listen and you will hear the chatter of the international crowd that has come from far and near to bathe in the splendor of these mystic shores.

Leaving the beach, we follow the road to Tulum"s pueblo, the last little town in the Riviera Maya. We encounter a splendid cultural scene where we can enjoy beautiful sunsets as we dine at one of the many international restaurants located on the principal avenue. Later the music reverberates from the bars and night clubs that line the street. Here we find people from every part of the globe dancing and hanging out together in this festive environment. Todo(all) Tulum will always be an unforgettable memory on our journey through the Riviera Maya.

Fernando Munoz Martin del Campo