Discover Tulum

At Sian Ka’an you can kayak through narrow canals between mangroves, climb an ancient pyramid, float in a crystal clear cenote, or try your hand at salt water fly fishing—all within a lush protected environment on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula south of Tulum.
Undoubtedly, a visit to Sian Ka’an is one of the most memorable things you could do on your trip to Mexico.

Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, on the coast of the state of Quintana Roo, extends over 1.3 million acres. Recognized as a biosphere reserve in 1986 and a UNESCO Heritage of Humanity Site in 1987, Sian Ka’an is home to a variety of habitats including beaches, coral reef, low tropical forest, wetlands, savannas, dunes, cenotes and both freshwater and brackish lagoons. Over 300 species of birds and a multitude of other plants and animals inhabit the reserve.

The Maya first settled in this area in the fifth century A.D. and there are more than 20 archaeological sites within the biosphere reserve. The largest site at Sian Ka’an, Muyil, was a trading post in ancient times. A visit to Muyil is not complete without a visit to the lagoon from which it gets its name, which is located a short walk from the archaeological ruins. Climb up to the lookout point to enjoy the view of the lagoon and the Caribbean Sea beyond.

Savor the sunrise here and you’ll understand why the ancient Maya named this place Sian Ka’an, which in their language means, “where the sky is born.” Reserve a tent/cabin from the Cesiak organization and spend the night. This is truly one of the not-to-be-missed vacation experiences in Mexico for bird watchers and nature lovers of all stripes.

Tulum holds the honor of being the most picturesque archaeological site in the Riviera Maya and the only one to have been built overlooking the ocean. A visit here offers spectacular views of the Riviera Maya beaches, Caribbean Sea and surrounding coastal region.

Tululm offers the visitors white sanded beaches turquoise waters and a vast activities to make a vacation memorable. Al the way from a very diverse gastronomy, one of a kind events, relaxation, wellness, watersport and the magic of a site that holds thousands of years of mystery and culture.

For assistance on any tour or activities you may contact our concierge desk at infomariadelmartulum.com

Sunrise at Sian Ka´an

At Sian Ka’an you can kayak through narrow canals between mangroves, climb an ancient pyramid, float in a crystal clear cenote, or try your hand at salt water fly fishing—all within a lush protected environment on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula south of Tulum.
Undoubtedly, a visit to Sian Ka’an is one of the most memorable things you could do on your trip to Mexico.

Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, on the coast of the state of Quintana Roo, extends over 1.3 million acres. Recognized as a biosphere reserve in 1986 and a UNESCO Heritage of Humanity Site in 1987, Sian Ka’an is home to a variety of habitats including beaches, coral reef, low tropical forest, wetlands, savannas, dunes, cenotes and both freshwater and brackish lagoons. Over 300 species of birds and a multitude of other plants and animals inhabit the reserve.

The Maya first settled in this area in the fifth century A.D. and there are more than 20 archaeological sites within the biosphere reserve. The largest site at Sian Ka’an, Muyil, was a trading post in ancient times. A visit to Muyil is not complete without a visit to the lagoon from which it gets its name, which is located a short walk from the archaeological ruins. Climb up to the lookout point to enjoy the view of the lagoon and the Caribbean Sea beyond.

Savor the sunrise here and you’ll understand why the ancient Maya named this place Sian Ka’an, which in their language means, “where the sky is born.” Reserve a tent/cabin from the Cesiak organization and spend the night. This is truly one of the not-to-be-missed vacation experiences in Mexico for bird watchers and nature lovers of all stripes.

tulum ruins
tulum ruins

Underwater Spectacle

With an expansive coral reef system located just off the coast, the Riviera Maya is Mexico’s top destination for snorkeling. The Great Maya Reef, also called the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, extends for more than 965 km (600 miles) along the coast of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula all the way to Belize. It’s the largest coral reef system in the Northern Hemisphere and the second largest in the world.

The crystal clear waters of the Caribbean allow for easy viewing of the fascinating underwater world of the Riviera Maya, which is home to more than 500 species of marine life including colorful tropical fish, turtles, manta rays, dolphins, tiger and whale sharks.

Looking for some stellar snorkeling? The small fishing town of Puerto Morelos, located toward the northern end of the Riviera Maya just south of Cancun, is home to the Parque Nacional Arrecife Puerto Morelos (Puerto Morelos Reef Park. The close proximity of the reef system to the coast of Puerto Morelos, combined with its protected national park status, allow for some of the finest snorkeling in the entire Riviera Maya region.

After you’ve spent some time exploring the coral reef, grab your mask and head for the cenotes, fresh water sinkholes created by a vast underground river system. They’re some of the most unique geological features in Mexico and there are thousands of them located throughout in the Riviera Maya. The ancient Maya believed that these sites were sacred.

The surface of the cenotes is formed by fossilized coral and limestone. Natural sunlight filters into the sinkholes through small openings in the roof and reflects off the clear turquoise water and natural mineral formations giving the cenotes a magical, otherworldly feel

cenote coba
cenote tulum

Golf

At only 20 minutes from Maria del Mar you will find a designed by world-renowned golf course architect Robert Trent Jones II, the Riviera Maya Golf Club gives guests a rewarding challenge every time they step on the green. Try your hand on the 18-hole, 72-par course or our shorter 9-hole course for an early morning or midday session. Play to the breathtaking backdrop of the Mayan jungle, cenotes and limestone, as you traverse the course built into the natural environment, creating a unique challenge only found in Mexico.

A course fit for international competition, we welcome you to join our club, take a swing at the driving range, sign up for private or group courses to improve your game, and even rent TaylorMade and rental shoes for the duration of your stay.

At the end of your game you can enjoy drinks and food in our modern café in the middle of an elegant atmosphere with views to our golf course.

sian kaan
sian kaan fish

Tulum Archeological Site

Tulum holds the honor of being the most picturesque archaeological site in the Riviera Maya and the only one to have been built overlooking the ocean. A visit here offers spectacular views of the Riviera Maya beaches, Caribbean Sea and surrounding coastal region.

Tulum was an ancient Mayan fortress city that rose to power toward the end of the Classic period. The most iconic of its structures, the Castillo, is perched on the edge of a cliff overlooking the clear turquoise blue waters of the Caribbean. The cliff-top Castillo, with its beachfront location and lush green landscape, is the image most often associated with the Mayan Riviera. You’ve probably seen the postcards.

An expansive walkway extends out around the ruins and a staircase nearby leads down to the beach where you can swim and sunbathe. Tulum is one of the few archaeological sites in Mexico where it really does make sense to bring a swimsuit. The best way to experience Tulum is to combine a tour of the ruins with some beach time—maybe even a refreshing dip.

Most travelers choose to visit the ruins at Tulum on day trips and organized tours. If you’re traveling independently, you’ll find that mornings are the best and least crowded time to plan your visit.

Keep in mind that Tulum is also an enchanting place to spend a few nights, so consider checking into one of the beachfront cabanas or boutique palapa hotels located near the ruins.

The coastline along this southern stretch of the Riviera Maya remains relatively undeveloped. It offers a relaxed change of pace from the resort cities to the north and serves as a great base from which to explore more of the region, including the ancient Mayan ruins at nearby Coba.

xcaret
snorkel playa del carmen

Adventure Park Thrills

You could spend your entire vacation lazing on the powdery white sands of the Riviera Maya’s beaches. But when you’re ready for some action, be assured that there’s no shortage of exhilarating activities to be found in the region’s fantastic adventure parks.

The Riviera Maya’s unique landscape with its caves, cenotes (sinkholes) and underground rivers, as well as jungle, mangroves and beaches, provides a spectacular setting for a multitude of active adventures guaranteed to get the adrenaline pumping.

Ride through the jungle on an amphibious all-terrain vehicle, go underground rafting in a water cave studded with stalactites, soar over the jungle on 13 different zip-line circuits, or swim in the park’s gorgeous river at Xplor park, south of Playa del Carmen.

The cave at Rio Secreto is part of an elaborate system of underground caverns and waterways. Wearing a short wetsuit and helmet, you’ll alternately walk and swim through the silent depths as your expert guide teaches you about the geology and biodiversity of the area.

Hidden Worlds park offers Avatar, a “roller-coaster zip-line,” the first in the world of it’s kind, which will take you on a thrilling ride up, down and around a series of bends at breakneck speed through the dense foliage of the jungle, then dunk you in a cenote for a splash landing. Another option at Hidden Worlds is the Skycycle: pedal on a cycle suspended from a wire over the treetops at your own pace.

Whether you’re looking for soft or extreme adventure, the Riviera Maya’s adventure parks offer a variety of exciting options, both on land and in water.

golf playa del carmen tulum