Tulum: A Tropical Paradise with Ancient Roots

• HelloHola
  [oh-lah]
• GoodbyeAdiós
  [ah-dee-ohs]
• YesSí
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fah-vor/deh nah-dah]
• Thank youGracias
  [grah-see-ahs]
• Excuse me/SorryPerdón/Lo siento
  [pehr-dohn/loh see-ehn-toh]
• How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [koh-moh ehs-tahs]
• Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [bee-ehn. ee too]
• Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [ah-blahs een-glays]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [noh ehn-tee-ehn-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseQuisiera ver el menú, por favor
  [kee-see-eh-rah behr ehl meh-noo, por fah-vor]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [noh koh-moh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!¡Salud!
  [sah-lood]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor
  [meh goo-stah-ree-ah pah-gahr, por fah-vor]

• Help!¡Ayuda!
  [ah-yoo-dah]
• Go away!¡Vete!
  [veh-teh]
• Call the Police!¡Llama a la Policía!
  [yah-mah ah lah poh-lee-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!¡Llama a un doctor!
  [yah-mah ah oon dohk-tohr]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido
  [ehs-toy pehr-dee-doh]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo
  [ehs-toy ehn-fehr-moh]

• I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
  [meh goo-stah-ree-ah kohm-prahr]
• I'm just lookingSólo estoy mirando
  [soh-loh ehs-toy mee-rahn-doh]
• How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [kwan-toh kwehs-tah]
• That's too expensiveEsto es demasiado caro
  [ehs-toh ehs deh-mah-see-ah-doh kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puedes bajar el precio?
  [pweh-dehs bah-hahr ehl pree-eh-soh]

• What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [keh oh-rah ehs]
• It's one o'clockEs la una
  [ehs lah oo-nah]
• Half past (10)Y media (10)
  [ee meh-dee-ah (dee-ehs)]
• MorningMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
• EveningNoche
  [noh-cheh]
• YesterdayAyer
  [ah-yehr]
• TodayHoy
  [oy]
• TomorrowMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
• 2Dos
  [dohs]
• 3Tres
  [trehs]
• 4Cuatro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [seen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [says]
• 7Siete
  [syeh-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [oh-choh]
• 9Nueve
  [nweh-veh]
• 10Diez
  [dyehs]

• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está...?
  [dohn-deh ehs-tah]
• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [kwahl ehs lah dee-rehk-syohn]
• Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puedes mostrarme (en el mapa)?
  [pweh-dehs mohs-trahr-meh (ehn ehl mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (autobús)?
  [kwan-doh ehs ehl prohk-see-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (a ...)
  [oon boh-leh-toh (ah ...)]

Tulum was originally known as Zamá, meaning 'City of Dawn' in the Mayan language, due to its eastern location on the Yucatán Peninsula. This walled city served as a major port for the nearby inland city of Cobá. The Mayans built Tulum around the 13th century, during the late post-classic period, and it was one of the last cities built and inhabited by the Mayans.

Tulum was a vital coastal hub for trade in the Mayan world. Its strategic location on high cliffs provided a vantage point for monitoring maritime routes. The city's economy thrived on the exchange of goods such as jade, obsidian, turquoise, cotton, and cacao. Tulum's well-preserved murals and artifacts reveal its extensive trade connections with other Mesoamerican cultures.

The arrival of the Spanish in the early 16th century marked the beginning of Tulum's decline. The city was still inhabited when the Spanish explorers first arrived, but it was soon abandoned. The combination of European diseases, warfare, and the disruption of trade routes contributed to Tulum's eventual desertion. By the end of the 16th century, Tulum was left to the jungle.

Tulum was largely forgotten until the mid-19th century when American explorer John Lloyd Stephens and British artist Frederick Catherwood documented the ruins in their book 'Incidents of Travel in Yucatán.' Their work sparked interest in the ancient city and led to subsequent archaeological studies and excavations.

Significant archaeological work began in the early 20th century, with the Mexican government taking steps to preserve and restore Tulum's structures. The National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) has led numerous excavations, uncovering important buildings such as El Castillo, the Temple of the Frescoes, and the Temple of the Descending God.

In recent decades, Tulum has transformed into a popular tourist destination, known for its stunning coastal views, well-preserved ruins, and vibrant culture. The site attracts millions of visitors each year, drawn by its unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance. Efforts continue to balance tourism with the preservation of Tulum's rich heritage.

Tulum is located on the eastern coast of the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico, approximately 130 kilometers south of Cancún. The nearest international airport is Cancún International Airport (CUN). From the airport, you can take a bus, shuttle, or taxi to Tulum. ADO buses run regularly from Cancún to Tulum and the journey takes about 2 hours. Alternatively, you can rent a car at the airport and drive along Highway 307, which takes around 1.5 to 2 hours.

Tulum is a relatively small town, and many of its attractions are within walking or biking distance. Bicycles are a popular mode of transportation and can be rented from various locations around town. For longer distances, taxis are readily available and relatively inexpensive. Colectivos (shared vans) operate between Tulum and nearby towns such as Playa del Carmen and Cancún. Renting a car can also be a convenient option for exploring the surrounding areas and cenotes at your own pace.

The official currency in Mexico is the Mexican Peso (MXN). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it is advisable to carry cash for smaller establishments and local markets. ATMs are available throughout Tulum, but it is wise to withdraw sufficient cash before heading to more remote areas. Currency exchange services are also available in Tulum, though rates may vary.

Tulum is generally considered safe for tourists, but like any travel destination, it is important to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and always keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded places. While Tulum itself has low crime rates targeting tourists, certain areas such as the outskirts of town and isolated beaches may pose risks. Always use reputable transportation services and stay informed about current safety advisories.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. Tulum has a local police station and medical facilities, including clinics and pharmacies. The nearest major hospital is in Playa del Carmen, about an hour's drive away. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are several pharmacies in Tulum where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably and appropriately for the hot and humid climate. Light, breathable clothing is recommended. Avoid wearing revealing clothing when visiting religious sites or local communities. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting religious sites, dress modestly and follow any guidelines provided. Public Transport: Do be polite and respectful towards drivers and fellow passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Hola' or 'Buenos días'. A handshake is common in more formal settings. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and be adventurous with the cuisine. Don’t drink tap water; always opt for bottled water.

To experience Tulum like a local, visit the local markets and try traditional Yucatecan dishes such as cochinita pibil and tamales. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share insights about their culture. Explore the less touristy areas of Tulum Pueblo for a more authentic experience. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the cenotes, which are natural freshwater sinkholes unique to the Yucatán Peninsula. Renting a bike is a great way to get around and see the town from a local’s perspective.