Tulum attracts jet-setters from all over the globe. Any place that has crystal clear waters and guaranteed sunshine is bound to be popular.
So as requested following on from our adventure of Joyriding in Tulum, here’s the next instalment of our Tulum tales. Tulum is also home to the historical Mayan ruins which is built on a coast. Just picture it – architectural ruins with a backdrop of turquoise waters and swaying palm trees. How can you not want to visit?
Any tourist spot is likely to be heaving with people. There’s nothing worse than trying to squeeze past crowds in scorching heat to visit landmarks. Therefore, I suggest getting your butt out of bed bright and early to avoid all the hassle.
We arrived at the Mayan ruins just as it opened at 8.00am, and skipped on through with a handful of other visitors. Entering the ruins is a bit of an adventure itself, you’ll see clusters of aqua birdies (yes this is the technical breed) flying around.
And racoons, which don’t have rabbies. A lady listening in on our conversation made sure to inform us.
Plus prehistoric iguanas that match the surroundings perfectly. Through the sandy steps and botanical lined paths we arrived in the Mayan city.
Chuffed to practically have the Mayan ruins to ourselves, we breezed on through.
With our breaths taken away.
Just imagine rewinding to the late 13th century and helping build the gigantic limestone wall that surrounds the city. The walls surrounding the fort allowed the city to avoid invasions, whilst the Spanish began to occupy Mexico.
The ruins are well preserved, the crumbling limestone has a sense of rich history. You’ll want to wander around each building taking in the cleverly proportioned steps and miniature doorways.
The architecture consists of a step running around the base of the building. The doorways are narrow with columns either side as a support. The walls flare out with two sets of mouldings towards the top of the building.
You’ll meander through one of the five doorways situated within the surrounding wall. This would have been one of the access points to the city.
It feels a bit like stepping into a fantasy world. Picture perfect view ahead, spectacular ancient ruins with a tropical backdrop.
Despite arriving early at the Mayan ruins, the sun started to beam. Before the crowds trickled in, we headed up to the Temple of Winds.
To catch a glimpse of the glistening Caribbean sea, framing the iconic remaining castle.
We could have stayed for hours watching the world go by. But the winds had other plans.
Be warned you’ll have to try not to get blown away (by the winds and the view!)
If you were going to set up your own city – could you actually imagine a more magical spot.
Not only is the view insanely beautiful, the white sandy beach below is just waiting to be visited too. Once you’ve seen enough of the Mayan ruins, head down to the beach below.
Kick off your espadrilles and let your toes sink into the soft sand. Then head for a cool splash in the sea to make your morning complete.
I heart mornings like these! (Heart-shaped bag can be found here.)
After our early morning of exploring the Mayan ruins are bellies began to rumble. We decided to head on over to Nomade Hotel before we got hangry.
Welcome to one of the most inspiring restaurants I have ever eaten in, Macondo. There is a private dining room, clad in bamboo which wraps from the walls across to the ceiling. Rattan woven pendants detailed with bright coloured tassels. Which I am totally obsessed with!
Situated under lush tropical trees, you’ll find Macondo a restaurant that inspires to inject life into lounging in Tulum. Malcondo may feel familiar to you… Probably because it has been posted on Instagram millions of times. And let’s see why it’s so popular, well imagine escaping the heat in this place.
Naturally shaded, colourful textiles filling the restaurant and soft squishy bean bags to perch on.
Arriving early meant we had the place to ourselves, although this meant the place lacked some atmosphere we were pleased to be able to dine in our own hide away.
Family style seating for larger parties is also available, the dining table is carved from one single tree trunk and is over 20 metres long.
The lack of diners meant I could happily explore every little detail without irritating other guests.
Not only was the interior a huge tick, the food was also totally on point.
Fish tacos, that I could happily eat every single day of my life.
Fresh ceviche, that was deliciously tasty and also very light. The dish was zinging with flavours!
Guacamole that almost got attacked before I could snap.
Mango in guacamole is now an necessity in my life. Combining two of my favourite foods. YUM.
The drinks were also refreshing and full of fruity seasonal flavours. Our meal was incredible tasty indulging in holistic food that left us feel content and not bloated.
We lounged for hours nibbling away and relaxing in our haven.
We finally surfaced and went to walk off our brunch. Taking in inspirational elements as we went.
Stopping by lots of inviting boutiques.
And nosing on insta-gold lunch spots.
The hardest thing about visiting Tulum is you want to stop and buy everything you lay your beady eyes on. The boutiques well and truly master visual merchandising.
I found myself my dream tuk tuk situated at the stunning Bejuco Hotel.
Once our feet started to ache from all our shopping we wondered off to somewhere new for a time out.
By time out, I mean skipping through sprawling gardens towards the beach.
Through winding baths reminding us to ‘smile.’ Which of course we already were doing, it’s impossible not to in a place this pretty.
Following the quotes advice, our hearts wanted ice-cream so that’s exactly what we did next.
Sat in Be Tulum we ordered up scoop after scoop cooling ourselves down with the sea waves crashing before us.
Another hard day, but somebody has to do it right?!
I have plenty more posts in store for the rest of our Mexican tale, so come and visit soon for the next step.
Janine, thanks so much for the post.Much thanks again. Really Cool.
Glad you enjoyed the post! Plenty more Mexican posts to come! I hope you’re inspired to visit now!