Tulum Archaeological Site

Tulum is one of the few Maya cities built on the coast, its stone temples set on limestone cliffs above a turquoise sea. The main building, known as El Castillo, served as a landmark for traders paddling canoes along the shore, and the city was protected by a stone wall on its landward sides.

The site is compact and flat, so an hour or two is enough to explore it. When conditions allow, wooden steps lead down to a small beach beneath the ruins, so bring swimwear. Iguanas sun themselves on the walls and seem happy to pose for photographs.

Tulum is about two hours south of Cancún. Arrive at opening time, as there is little shade by midday, and combine the visit with nearby cenotes or the snorkelling lagoon at Xel-Há.