Tulum, Coastal urban settlement in Quintana Roo, Mexico.
Tulum is a coastal town in Quintana Roo situated along the Caribbean shoreline, where hotels, restaurants, and shops define the landscape. The center spreads across paved roads that connect residential neighborhoods with commercial zones throughout the municipality.
Maria Uicab founded this settlement between 1860 and 1870, initially calling it Santo Kaaj Tulum. The place name refers to the nearby Maya ruins that gave the area its lasting identity.
The town's name comes from the ancient Mayan site nearby, and residents maintain traditional practices woven into daily routines. Local kitchens prepare regional dishes using time-honored recipes, and community celebrations often feature ancestral customs.
The town features well-maintained paved roads and public transportation that make navigation straightforward. Visitors can easily find signs and directions throughout the different neighborhoods.
A new international airport opened in 2023, connecting this former fishing village to major travel destinations. This infrastructure is rapidly changing how visitors arrive and reshaping the town's growth trajectory.
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