Globe-trotting With Paolita: Tulum

One of the last cities built and inhabited by the Maya, Tulum is the site of a pre-Columbian Mayan walled city and serves as a major port for Coba, in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo. The walls surrounding the site, acted as a defence against invasions.

The architecture in Tulum is typical of Maya and is easily recognised by steps running around the base of the building. Doorways are usually narrow with columns used as support if the building is big enough. Rooms usually contain one or two small windows with an altar at the back wall, roofed by either a beam-and-rubble ceiling or being vaulted.

El Castillo, The Temple of the Frescoes and The temple of the Descending God are the 3 most famous buildings in Tulum. The Castillo is 25ft tall and the beams in the room are adorned with serpent motifs carved into them and the Temple of the Frescoes was used as an observatory for tracking the movements of the sun.

Cenotes are natural pits or sinkholes which result from the collapse of limestone and expose groundwater underneath. There are roughly 4,000 within the region and the Maya regarded them as holy sites and portals to communication with gods. Religious objects and human skeletons have been found at bottoms of some sinkholes, indicating that they may have been used for human sacrifice.

After a exploring the ancient ruins and cave diving in the cenotes, we recommend kicking back and relaxing at a beach bar or trying out some traditional Mexican cuisine. Taqueria La Eufemia is a great combo of those two things and their fish tacos and beer are a must-have!

Set in the jungle of Tulum beach, Gitano is a great evening drinks bar and the atmosphere is perfect for trying out some mezcal cocktails!