What you didn’t know about Tulum, Mexico.
Tulum is layered with a depth that isn’t always visible from the surface, a convergence of ecosystems, history, and natural design that gives the area its unmistakable character.
The turquoise clarity of the water is shaped by the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second-largest coral system in the world, which protects the coastline and helps create the gentle, rhythmic surf Tulum is known for. The jungle behind the beach sits on a vast network of underground rivers and flooded caves, the largest interconnected cave system on Earth, and cenotes are the exposed windows into that ancient labyrinth. The ruins perched above the shoreline weren’t placed there for beauty alone; the Mayans used that vantage point for astronomy, trade, and navigation, carving a settlement that once served as a major coastal hub. Even the sand has a story: naturally cool underfoot because it’s made of crushed coral that doesn’t retain heat. Tulum’s signature blend of rustic design and luxury didn’t emerge by accident either, it grew from architectural restraint, local materials, and a reverence for the jungle that shaped the region’s entire aesthetic. What feels serene is, beneath the surface, deeply complex, ancient, and alive.
Five fascinations about Tulum.
5. The ancient ruins overlook the sea, and that was rare.
Most Mayan cities were built inland, but Tulum’s ruins were constructed atop seaside cliffs, likely serving as a sacred watchpoint and trading hub.
4. You can swim in crystal-clear underground rivers.
Tulum’s famed cenotes are part of the world’s largest underwater cave system, sacred to the Maya and unforgettable to anyone who takes the plunge.
3. Tulum has strict eco-building codes.
Many hotels run on solar power or generators, and construction is regulated to preserve both the jungle and the beaches, keeping the vibe low-impact and luxe.
2. The beach has bioluminescent plankton.
On the darkest nights, you might witness the shoreline sparkle, a natural bioluminescence caused by tiny organisms lighting up with each wave.
1. There’s a secret sculpture park hidden in the jungle.
SFER IK Museion blends art, nature, and architecture in a way that feels like walking through a dream, barefoot, of course.
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