why Tulum is strengthening in the Caribbean

When you land in Tulumone of the first things you identify is that the airport smells new. The air terminal was inaugurated last December, as part of the strategy of this town in the state of Quintana Rooin Mexico, to position itself as a complete destination in itself, and not just as a stopover in the Riviera Maya.

Definitely, the destination is getting ready: wherever you go, you will find new works on routes, hotels and venues. Tulum wants you to come. And that you stay.

Already from the plane, The landscape you see is stunning. The colors are full and bright: the green of the vegetation, the skyThis is the clear sky, the almost turquoise aquamarine of the sea and the white of the clear sand.

Once on land, that postcard-perfect image is especially evident in the Tulum archaeological sitewhere buildings and temples dating back to from the year 564 along with other more “modern” ones, which were probably built between the years 1200 and 1450.

This is also where the name of the destination comes from: Tulum translates from Mayan as “wall”, in allusion to the constructions that prevail in this place.

Beautiful views predominate and the eastern sector is delimited by a cliff. It is understood that he was chosen by the Mayan elite of the moment. If you add iguanas and butterflies, It’s easy to think we’re in paradise.

Half an hour away is the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reservea protected natural area that can be visited through ecotourism ventures, in charge of indigenous populations who speak Yucatec Mayan and Spanish.

Declared a World Heritage Site in 1987 by UNESCO, Sian Ka’an is an opportunity to fully immerse yourself in nature. Particularly, in the Muyil lagoonwhere you can float through the natural channels among the mangroves, feel the clear and crystalline water, observe aquatic birds – such as the tiger heron, which lands and swims again -, and enjoy the most absolute silence.

Historically, the place was used by Mayan communities as a point of connection between the Caribbean Sea and the continent.

Currently, the main objective is to rprotect the flora and fauna native. That is why it is prohibited to use sunscreens and mosquito repellents that are not biodegradable.

The options do not end in observing nature and contemplating beautiful landscapes. There are also other activitiessome of them more adventurous.

In it Xplor theme parkFor example, you can throw yourself in ziplines surrounded by very dense vegetation, descend from 41 meters high through a huge slide with a rubber band, and even drive an amphibious vehicle among the jungle.

Recently distinguished by Forbes Travel Guide, this place has a series of circuits inside ancient cavesbetween stalactites and stalagmites, which propose crossing underground rivers swimming or in small rafts.

The entire tour is done with a swimsuit and helmets that they give you with the entrance. Furthermore, it is necessary wear closed shoes that can get wet (they recommend aquashoes, which can be purchased at any local supermarket or before entering the complex).

For fans of capturing every moment, at different points in the games there are cameras that are activated by touching a button and they allow you to take selfies without having to carry your cell phone everywhere. A good bet on the safety and comfort of the visitor.

If all that activity leaves you tongue-tied, visit the Tulum Craft Brewery It sure is a good choice. It is not like the thousand and one that we can find here, in the Palermo neighborhood, since it has a peculiarity: its products are facts with sea water that is desalinated there through the reverse osmosis process and using organic filters.

If you are interested in learning about this process, you can participate in a guided tour of the facilities and even make your own blend at the brewery’s Beer School. And if you are already hungry, delicious dishes await you, well paired with their different beers.

The Caribbean is a destination closely associated with all inclusive luxury hotelswith the typical bracelet that proves that you are a guest and that leaves its mark on your tan. There are also them in Tulum, but It is not the only alternative lodging; You can also see cabins, hostels and even glamping proposals.

One of them is the Maria del Mar boutique hotelwhich is located in the hotel zone of the city center, and that does not mean giving up views. It has a small private beach surrounded by lounge chairs, a pool and a spa. And also a charming restaurant called Mina, which offers typical local dishes with fish and fruit juices, and which adapts to the international palate with pizza and pasta options.

Within the spectrum of all-inclusive resorts, Bahía Príncipe has several options of accommodation. They all have access to the sea, beautiful pools and a wide selection of bars and restaurants within the complex.

In the Riviera Maya it has the Gran Coba, Gran Tulum, Luxury Akumal and Luxury Sian Ka’an hotels. Are designed for different experiences. For example, the first is more focused on family vacations, with special entertainment for the little ones; while the latter is only for adults and has, a few steps away, two golf courses, 9 and 18 holes.

Mexican food has already crossed borders, it is true; but being here, you should not miss the opportunity to taste local tacos. Furthermore, being on the coast, there are many dishes prepared with seafood, in ceviches or tiraditos.

For those who are afraid of spicy food, a good alternative on the menu is Cochinita Pibila typical recipe from this area that is prepared with marinated pork that is cooked in an earthen oven, like a kind of curanto. It can be eaten alone or in tacos.

In any case, for those who don’t want to go through the experience, nothing happens: on the menus of local restaurants It is very common to find Argentine dishes. The large number of locals who are working here or have set up shop in the area ensures the possibility of eating from empanadas to Neapolitan Milanesemeters from the turquoise sea.

In Mexico, towns with a rich history, great cultural attributes and beautiful natural landscapes are called “magical towns.” Tulum is part of this select group, and also Bacalarabout 200 km.

In the center is the Fort of San Felipewhich began to be built in 1733 to protect itself from pirate invasions that stole local women and the “dye stick”, a native tree that was used to extract different shades in the incipient European textile industry.

Now, the old walled construction has a small museum that runs through the different avatars of the city, and from the top you can see the local jewel: the Lagoon of Seven Colors.

The differences in the tones of the lagoon are due to the depth and the presence of stromatolites – living rocks formed by thousands of bacteria -, which produce oxygen and capture carbon dioxide through photosynthesis. A natural wonder that It is found in few places in the world.

In this mirror of water there are spaces where you can walk and swim without problem; and cenotes -very characteristic of this region of Mexico- with up to 90 meters deepwhich require greater preparation and equipment.

They can be done tours with boats and sailboats to travel its almost 50 kilometers in length, surrounded by mangroves, and also practice water sports.

Besides, there are “party” boatswith music that plays at high volume and circulation of alcoholic beverages, but for that you also have to face the inquisitive gaze of the locals.

On the coast, with its own dock, is Amainahand adults only hotel with 16 rooms, with privileged views, a bar to enjoy some good drinks and different relaxation areas to share as a couple or with friends.

The way back to the airport hits again with the construction workslike the highly anticipated Maya Trendsa project that seeks to connect the Mexican southeast and boost the local economy.

The train It already works on part of the routewhich begins in the state of Chiapas and passes through Tabasco, Campeche, Yucatán and Quintana Roo. Stations in Bacalar, downtown Tulum and the new airport are part of the project.

The carriages have comfortable seats, large windows to observe the landscape and cabins to travel long distances.

More offer, more options and more activities: Tulum definitely wants you to stay.

● Copa Airlines flies every day from Buenos Aires to Panama, and from there it has flights to Tulum on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, from US$ 907.27 round trip. You can take advantage of the Stopover program to stay a few days in Panama, for the same price.

● Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport is located 20 km from Tulum. To get around, you can use taxis and buses, but not mobility apps like Uber.

● María del Mar Boutique hotel & spa: double room with jungle view, US$ 204 per night (mariadelmar tulum.com).

● Bahía Príncipe: at the Gran Coba hotel, from US$ 84 per night per person; at the Luxury Sian Ka’an, from US$95; at Grand Tulum, from US$99; enLuxury Akumal, from US$ 112 (www.bahia-principe. com/es/hoteles-en-riviera-maya)

● Amainah: double room with lagoon view, US$ 314 per night (amainah.mx).

● Xplor Fuego Park: entrance, US$ 130 for adults and US$ 97 for children from 5 to 11 years old (www.xplor.travel).

● Sian ka’an Tour: Community tours. The guided float tour through the Mujil lagoon costs US$ 130 for adults and US$ 120 for children under 12 years old, departing from Tulum (www.siankaan tours.com.mx) .

● Tour in Bacalar: Adventure Lab. The 2.5-hour boat tour costs US$28 per person (adventurelab.mx/ase).

cptq.mx (Quintana Roo Tourism Promotion Council).