TULUM, COBA,  BOCA PAILA 

AND PUNTA ALLEN

The archaeological site of Tulum is one of the most impressive in the Maya World, Built on

a cliff overlooking the Caribbean during the Post-Classic Period (1000-1500 A:D.), Tulum was once one of the most important commercial centers of this ancient civilization. Over sixty well preserved structures can be observed within the three massive walls which surround the site. The most important is the Castle, which is crowned by a two room temple with serpent columns. There is a small beach beside the site which will refresh visitors after their visit to the pyramids.

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Maranatha Hotel, Playa del Carmen Q. Roo México

The small town of Tulum, a kilometer further south, surprises visitors with an international atmosphere. Many people have come from other parts of the world in search of a quiet paradise and found it. Comfortable hotels, rooms for rent and international restaurants are available.

The hotel zone of Tulum is yet another delight for those in search of peace and tranquility has hotels are few and far between on this long and beautiful 10 kilometer stretch of beach. There is only 7 kilometers of paved road. Not all the establishments have electricity, a generator is needed, and only a few have light after midnight. It is a perfect and beautiful place for a romantic gateway, be it in a comfortable hotel room or in a candlelit rustic cabin with a thatched roof. The sunrise in Tulum is one of the most beautiful along the coast.

PRINCIPAL ATTRACTIONS

Archaeological site:

This is by far the most famous attraction of Tulum and visitors should not miss it, even if they decide to stay in another part of the Riviera Maya.

Cenotes:

There are a great many cenotes near Tulum; most of them have been explored, making access to them easy and safe. Among the most famous are the cenote Calavera, the Grand cenote, ("Sac Actun" or white cave in Maya), and the Car Wash, ("Actun Ha" or water cave in Maya).

COBA

Coba, ("Waters stirred by the wind"), is one of the most important archaeological sites in the area. Built between two lakes during the Classic Period (600-900 A.D.), it was at one time a very large city, with nearly 50,000 inhabitants and an extension of over 80 square kilometers.

The main pyramid, Nohuch Mul, "large hill", is 42 meters tall (138 feet) and is the highest in the Yucatan Peninsula. The pyramid known as the Iglesia, (Church9, is second in height and from its summit visitors have a spectacular view of lake Macaxoc.

The small town near the site has hotels and restaurants for visitors who wish to stay over night.

Further north is punta laguna, a large inland lake famous for the abundance of howler and spider monkeys which its shores.

BOCA PAILA AND PUNTA ALLEN

Boca Paila and Punta Allen are both on a small peninsula inside he Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, a large protected area of 528,147 hectares and more than 100 kilometers of the Great Maya Reef located in the center of the state of Quintana Roo. The Peninsula is the only part open to a very limited tourist development and both private houses and hotels, mainly fishing lodges, can be found here. The only access is through a well kept dirt road. Electricity is produced through generators and solar panels, and fresh water comes from wells. The eastern coast of the peninsula looks out on the Caribbean whereas the east coast borders on a series of intricate mangroves and Mayan canals.

The approximately 600 inhabitants of the small family restaurants and some rooms for rent. There are also some general stores, a small clinic and taxi service.

The main attraction of Sian ka’an is its natural surroundings. There are many different ecosystems: semi evergreen tropical forest, wetlands, savanna and ocean, as well as an abundance of animals such as the jaguar, puma, ocelot, margay, the jaguarundy, howler monkeys, crocodiles, and over 345 species of birds. Many hotels offer tours and a civil association called Amigos de Sian ka´an also offers guided day trips for small groups with departures from Tulum, Cancun or Playa del Carmen.