By Sabah Karimi
Tulum is a small city on the east coast of the Yucatan Peninsula in
Mexico. This ancient Mayan site borders the
Caribbean Sea, and has become a popular tourist destination with its well-preserved architectural sites and pueblos. There are also a number of things to see and do near Tulum, so travelers can spend a portion of the trip traveling outside the city center to explore even more of the ancient Mayan culture and historic sites.
Biosphere Reserve of Sian Ka'an
The Biosphere Reserve of Sian Ka'an was named a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1987, and is home to some of the area's most beautiful lagoons, forests and wetlands. You can take a guided tour of this natural reserve to see some of the island's native birds, animals and plants in their natural habitat.
Biosphere Reserve of Sian Ka'an
Federal Road (307) Cancun-Tulum, #68
Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico
011 (+52) 984 871 2499
www.cesiak.org/aboutsiankaan.htm
Aktun Chen Underground River
The Aktun Chen Underground River is located inside the Aktun Chen park, an area of unexplored rainforest and home to the chicozapote trees. You can explore the underground rivers and caves with a guided tour to see the natural sculptures and beautiful calcium carbonate formations up close.
Aktun Chen Underground River
Akumal
Solidaridad, Quintana Roo, Mexico
For tours by Tour of Mexico: 011 (+52) 777 310 6492
Chichen Itza
Chichen Itza is one of the most-recognized ancient Mayan ruins and is within a short drive from Tulum. These ruins once served as the commercial metropolis of the ancient Mayan people, and was the epicenter of political and business activities. The well-preserved site can be explored with a guided tour.
Chichen Itza
Calle 15-A, no 45
Chichen Itza 97751
Mexico
011 (+52) 998 887 2450
www.chichenitza.com/
Xel-Ha Natural Aquarium
Xel-Ha is the world's largest natural aquarium and is located on the edge of Tulum. The aquarium houses hundreds of tropical fish and visitors can take a swimming and snorkeling tour to explore the lagoons, caves and coves. A guided tour of Xel-Ha also affords the opportunity to learn about various species and rock formations from an expert.
Xel-Ha
Tulum
Quintana Roo, Mexico
011 (+52) 998 884 7165
www.xelha.com/
Xcaret Cancun Eco Park
Take a tour across Xcaret Cancun Eco Park to explore the butterfly pavilion, see Mexican wildlife up close, and learn about the native dolphins and sea animals of the Mayan Riviera. The park offers several water activities including lagoon explorations, natural pool dives, underground river tours and a shark tour. Xcaret also hosts equestrian shows and special nightly dinners throughout the year.
Xcaret Eco Park
Blvd. Kukulcán Km 9.5
Cancún, México
011 (+52) 998 883 3143
www.xcaret.com/
Tip
To dial Mexico from the United States or Canada, first dial 011, then the country code (52), and then the area code and the phone number. If dialing outside the United States or Canada, dial 00 instead of 011.
Resources
About the Author:
Sabah Karimi is a professional web and print copywriter with an educational background in Business Administration and Marketing from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. She writes in several niches including travel, fashion, beauty, health, fitness, lifestyle and small business. Karimi received a Top Content Creator Award from Demand Studios in 2009.
