Tulum National Park

With the archaeological compound of the Tulum ruins, and a surrounding landscape filled with ancient cenotes and not-so-ancient wildlife, Tulum National Park combines the finest of Mayan archaeology with the raw beauty of the Yucatán coastline.

From the 13th century right through to the 15th, the ancient city of Tulum was a buzzing trading hub. Its myriad defences also meant that it was one of the last strongholds to be taken by the Spanish invaders. Nowadays, it remains an important historical site and one of the most popular stop-offs for visitors to Mexico.

The park that surrounds the ruins is replete with ancient Mayan cenotes – sinkholes that the Mayans relied on greatly as both water source and spiritual touchstone. Other interesting features of the park to look out for are the lush vegetation including chit trees and coconut palms, and the various breeds of turtle that flock to the area during the nesting period each year. Anteaters and agouti (a sizeable local rodent) also wander the park.

The best time to get here is before dawn. That way you miss most of the tourist rush and have time to find the perfect spot to watch the sun rise over the Caribbean and hit the body of the towering El Castillo. You can then make your way down to the cove below the cliffs, where trading canoes once offloaded their wares, for a nice cooling dip as the sun begins to warm the air.

Regular bus and taxi van services run to the Tulum area from nearby Playa del Carmen and Cancun. Make sure to make it clear that you want to go to the ruins and ecopark, as three different parts of the area are known as Tulum.