Tulum Pueblo, México

The area that comprises Tulum is divided into three areas. First there are the Tulum Ruinas (Tulum Ruins), Tulum Pueblo (Downtown Tulum), and finally, la Zona Hotelera de Tulum (the Tulum Hotel Zone). The Tulum Ruinas are located around 3 km (2 miles) north of Tulum Pueblo, while the Zona Hotelera is around 3 more kilometers east of Tulum Pueblo. The main road into town is named Avenida Tulum (Tulum Avenue), which also takes you from Cancun to Chetumal, the capital of the State of Quintana Roo. Tulum Pueblo's streets are named after planets, galaxies, and constellations. This idea originated with the local authorities, who intended to name the town Galaxia (Galaxy). They were never able to pull off the plan, however, and now the only thing that remains are the names of the streets. Tulum Pueblo holds few tourist attractions. Most who travel here come to visit the archaeological site or to enjoy its wonderful, white, sandy beaches. Until as recently as the 1960's, the only way to get to Tulum was by boat because the roads from Playa del Carmen had not yet been built.

Tulum Pueblo has many quaint restaurants along Avenida Tulum as well as a number of reasonably priced hotels. The archaeological sites of Coba and Chichen Itza are within travel distance as well. Coba can be reached in 40 minutes by bus, while Chichen Itza is further away but still manageable, requiring a 3 hours bus ride.

Tulum Pueblo is located 131 km (87 miles) south of Cancun and only 65 km (43 miles) south of Playa del Carmen, on Carretera 307 (Federal Highway 307).