Mayan Ruins

The Mayans, widely considered to be pre-Columbian America’s most brilliant civilization, thrived between approximately 250 and 900 A.D. They developed a calendar and writing system and built cities that functioned as hubs for the surrounding farming towns. The ceremonial center of Mayan cities featured plazas surrounded by tall temple pyramids and lower buildings called “palaces.” Religion played a central role in Mayan life, and altars were carved with significant dates, histories and elaborate human and divine figures. The Mayan civilization collapsed in the early 10th century, likely due to overpopulation and the resultant damage to the ecological balance.

Take a trip into the past. Deep in the Yucatan jungle lie the remains of ancient Mayan cities that will enrich your understanding of this interesting yet misunderstood culture. The Mayan ruins of the Yucatan are awe-inspiring and provide a deeper understanding of Mexican history.

Tulum Ruins: The greatest attraction at the Tulum Ruins is its location. Built on a bluff facing the rising sun, this ruin site is the only Maya settlement located on the beaches of the Caribbean. The views continue to be described as spectacular as millions of people visit this Maya ruin in the Riviera Maya.

Cobá Ruins: The Maya ruins at Cobá are unique in that only a few of its estimated 6,500 structures have been uncovered, but the ones that have been are graceful and impressive. Climbing the 120 stairs to the top of the Grand Pyramid at Cobá is well worth the effort. Standing here one can see over the jungle canopy for miles, unexcavated temple mounds peeking above the trees.

Ek Balam: The startling and amazingly well-preserved sculptures uncovered at Ek Balam are exciting to both newcomers and repeat visitors of Mayan sites. Dating from 100 BC to its height at 700-1,200 BC, it is unlike any other Mayan site. Ek Balam has a feel all its own.

Chichén Itzá: The name of the archaelogical site means "mouth of the well" and covers about 3 miles in area, built in the late Classic Period (800-1000 AD). Chichen Itza is a magical place, with the massive Pyramid of Kukulcan (El Castillo) as an elegant centerpiece. It is one of the Seven Wonders of the World and declared UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988.

 

Snorkel & Diving

Snorkel and Diving in the Riviera Maya are activities not to be missed. This area is home to the second largest barrier reef in the world, the longest underground river system and freshwater cenotes. This diversity, found nowhere else in the world, offers many opportunities to explore the underwater world and enhances your vacation with a snorkeling or scuba diving experience. You will find yourself immersed in a breathtaking world so full of life of all sorts you may find it hard to believe. Diving right in front of the Mayan pyramids of Tulum, towering over like a lighthouse, is surely an experience you do not  want to miss.

Snorkel and diving in cenotes are also one-in-a-lifetime experiences. Cenotes are natural swimming holes formed by the collapse of porous limestone bedrock, which has revealed a secret subterranean world of groundwater pools. Most cave cenotes have fresh water that has been filtered by the earth, making them so clear and pure that you can see straight through to small fish frolicking in the plant life below. Open-air cenotes also have clear water, and often are home to vitamin- and mineral-rich algae that nourish and protect your skin. 

Casa Cenote: This cenote is separated from the ocean by a small strip of land. Casa Cenote features a long canal that winds away from the ocean. Since the cenote is connected to the ocean you can see fresh water fish and salt water fish (small groupers, snappers, barracuda, tarpon, blue crabs, and molys). You dive under the mangroves, and you can see the halo cline in this dive (salt water mixing with fresh water).

Grand Cenote: This is a large and popular cenote. It has a depth of 30 feet and it is one of the most decorate caverns in the area, full of speleotherms (stalgtite, stalagmites, and columns). The water is crystal clear, in the open water part of the cenote is full of plants, (lirios). 

Cenote Dos Ojos: The name Dos Ojos (Two Eyes) refers to two neighbouring cenotes  connected by an extensive series of caves and to one of the top 10 longest underwater cave systems in the world. Viewed from above, they very much resemble a pair of eyes. It contains the deepest known cave passage in Quintana Roo with a depth of nearly 400 feet.

Sac Actun: Located in the jungles of Tulum, visitors descend into the river via an ominous looking rock well, complete with a well-worn wooden ladder. Because it is rather remote and difficult to access, Sac Actun proves an ideal destination for travelers looking to explore the beauty and mystique of Mexico far away from the crowds. 

To arrange your diving or snorkel experience, please approach our reception staff, they will be able to give youu the best advice on the most suitable place or send us an email tulum@cabanaslaluna.com

Adventure Parks

There are a big number of ecoparks along the Riviera Maya. These are natural parks that take advantage of the natural environment, as well as cultural heritage, where they are set to show the visitors the vast variety of flora and fauna that they can find in the area. All of them count with cenotes 

Eco parks are host to authentic Mayan ruins, tropical birds and diverse wildlife, million-year-old caves decorated with stalactite formations, and cool ways to explore these large areas, such as ziplines, slides, canoes or kayaks.

Xel-ha: It is worth spending a full day in this natural park. You can swim and snorkel in its breathtaking natural aquarium. Xel-Ha bay and Xel-Ha river are both filled with infinite tropical freshwater and saltwater fish. Experience a dolphin swim, without a doubt an enriching learning opportunity for adults and kids alike. 

Xcaret: This park offers more than 50 attractions to discover the Mayan jungle and culture of Mexico. You can snorkel in the Caribbean Sea, swim in underground waters and swim with dolphins. 

Aktun-Chen:  Aktun-Chen is a Mayan word that means cave (Aktun) and underground river (Chen). It is a 400 acre rainforest preserved in its primeval virginity, with no traces of human interference. There are 3 zones: zipline, limestone cave complex and underground river.   

Rio Secreto: Located just off Playa del Carmen the experience in this park will be thrilling and enriching. Discover the beauty of the magical underground rivers in the Riviera Maya, filled with stalactites and stalagmites. In a fascinating contrast, the surface is covered in lush jungle, home to numerous plants and diverse insects, birds, reptiles, mammals and felines. This intriguing natural park is an incredible example of sustainable tourism.

For further information and additional ideas, please contact our reception staff or by e-mail: tulum@cabanaslaluna.com

 

Mother Nature

Tulum area is a natural paradise with a beautiful scenery of rain forests with swamps, mangroves and a huge variety of flora and due to the region's humid climate the scenery looks always green and fresh! The coasts of the Caribbean have a variety and richness in fauna and marine flora as well.

The jungle and coast have an endless wealth of birds (macaw, blue and white heron, ibis, flamingos, pelicans, etc.) The second largest reef in the world stretches along the Riviera Maya, where more than 500 species of fish live (dolphins, sharks, sea turtles, sting rays to name a few). You can also find turtles, crocodiles, iguanas, boas and a vast variety of lizards.

Sian Ka'an: A visit to Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve pays off. Sian Ka'an, meaning "A Gift from Heaven", is a protected natural area, spanning more than a million acres. Sian Ka'an is just a few kilometers from Tulum. It is a natural sanctuary inhabited by pumas, tapirs, toucans, white and loggerhead turtles, manatees as well as endangered species such as howler and spider monkeys, jaguars and in the marshy zones there is also a vast population of crocodiles. You will not forget this magical experience: enjoy the stunning scenery with the beautiful clear waters of the turquoise lagoons and the mangroves surrounding the them, float along the ancient canal made 1000 years ago by the Mayans swimming among the mangroves and tropical fish and if you are a bit lucky you will be able to see some manatees.

Punta Laguna Reserve: The visit to this reserve is normally combined with Cobá Mayan Ruins, as both areas are nearby located within a 1.5 hour driver approx. The archaeological site of Punta Laguna lies within a contemporary village of the same name – a small community consisting of approximately 130 people. Both the site and the village are located within a spider monkey reserve. In addition to getting up close and personal with the monkeys, the guides are knowledgeable about the plants, trees, and other flora and fauna. There is also a zip line over the lagoon, and a rappel into a cenote. They also do a purification ceremony.The jungle is lush, but there are a few paths where the guides will take you to see the monkeys. The lagoon is enormous and canoes are available for rent.

For more information and to book your tour, please contact our reception: tulum@cabanaslaluna.com

Tulum town

Tulum is a charming coastal town that in recent years has become one of the region's most popular tourist resorts. The town of Tulum is right on the 307 highway and about 4 kilometres from the "hotel zone" where the beaches and most of the hotels are located.

Tulum is known for its laid-back, bohemian atmosphere. The eclectic design and décor of Tulum has long lured visitors as much as its cuisine. The town’s look combines effortless minimalism with a focus on the natural surroundings of jungle and sea.

The town will give you many choices of restaurants and souvenir shops and small boutiques and like in any town you will find banks, pharmacies and other useful things like car rental, a medical clinic, convenience stores and also Tulum bus station.

On the beach

Long stretches of white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and palm trees make Tulum one of the most beautiful tropical paradises in the world. It is surrounded by the world’s second largest barrier reef offering a wide array of ocean adventures. Tulum’s famous Mayan ruins are located on the northern end of the beach.

Tulum offers some of the best beaches you will ever see. The white powder sand and turquoise waters are just stunning. Long stretches of uninterrupted beach allow for long walks, privacy, a feeling of solitude and few other people sharing your little paradise. 

Along the Boca Paila road you will also find a good selection of high end boutiques and restaurants.

Most days are spent lounging on the beach, relaxing, swimming and enjoying the lazy Mexican atmosphere, while sipping on a frozen Margarita or tasting a delicious ceviche lying on our sunbeds at Cabanas La Luna.

Yoga

Tulum was awarded in 2017 with the distinctive "World Capital of Yoga". People all over the world continue to wake up to the benefits of yoga and meditation and Tulum is perhaps one of the most spiritually abundant little beach towns. People wake for the sunrise over the ocean and climb towers to see it set over the jungle. 

Practise yoga in any of the numerous yoga spots on the beach or SUP Yoga (Stand-up Paddleboard Yoga) in on of the nearby located lagoons.

For further information, please contact us tulum@cabanaslaluna.com

Massages & Spas

Forget the stresses of everyday life and enjoy your vacation to the fullest. Treat yourself to a one of a kind massage by one of the high class masseuses that we use to give the best feeling to our clients.

In and around Tulum there are a lot of masseuses. Being highly ranked in Tulum we have a high standard of allowing a masseuse to come and work with us. 

Where you wish to receive your massage is entirely your choice: our dune palapa hut, the porch of your room or right on the beach, it doesn’t matter. Our goal is to make you happy and satisfy your needs. Here at La Luna, it is the happiness and satisfaction of our guests that matter most.

Sweat lodges "temazcal", mayan ceremony and healing are available in abundance in Tulum area.

To schedule an appointment or learn more about the services, please contact the reception upon arrival, or feel free to email us at: tulum@cabanaslaluna.com

Kite surfing

The warm waters of Mexico and tropical sun of the Caribbean make it perfect to spend hours in the ocean learning to kitesurf and taking your IKO certification course, going on downwind trips or riding waves on the reef break. The open stretches of powdery white beaches and sideshore winds are the ideal environment to learn or improve your kitesurfing skills.

Please contact us to make your booking on tulum@cabanaslaluna.com