El Castillo, Tulum, Riviera Maya, Mexico

Sitting high above the Caribbean Sea, these spectacular ruins have become one of the most popular tourist sites in all of Mexico.

Located atop a dramatic height along the Yucatán Peninsula, the pre-Hispanic Tulum Mayan Ruins are a sight to behold. The history of the ruins is equally fascinating, with fortified walls that date right back to the 13th century.

Also defended by the surrounding cliffs and the Caribbean Sea, the ancient city of Tulum was a thriving trading post between the 13th and 15th centuries and was one of the last cities in Mexico to fall to the Spanish invaders. The area remains successful to this day, now as one of the most visited tourist attractions in the country.

Visitors generally approach the ruins from the north wall, so the first thing they see is El Castillo, the commanding 7.5-metre structure that looms over the entire site. Unfortunately, due to a protection order, it is not possible to enter El Castillo, but the view from below is more than impressive. For the best possible view, arrive before dawn and long before the tourist buses begin their descent. The sight of the sunrise as it crosses the Caribbean to light up the length of El Castillo is well worth the early wake-up call.

As the day begins to warm up, make your way down to the sheltered cove nestled beneath the ruins. Once upon a time, this was where the trading canoes would land. Nowadays, it’s the perfect spot to cool down with a leisurely dip.

The Tulum Mayan Ruins are open every day and there is a small fee to enter. You'll need about an hour for your visit and you should make sure you have a hat with you as well as a pair of comfortable walking shoes.

There are regular buses to the area from Playa del Carmen and Cancun, or you could try the shared taxi van service. The town of Tulum Pueblo is about 3 kilometres to the south and is home to a variety of great restaurants.