Certain places hold an enduring fascination in your mind until you walk the streets and experience them for yourself. Tulum was one such destination I had heard of but wanted to experience first-hand, so in February I took a trip there with one of my close friends, also keen on experiencing its hype.
Tulum amazed me during my visit by its architectural tribute to its natural surroundings, such as its proximity to jungle treetops. In contrast with other areas of Riviera Maya and Cancun where buildings towered over their jungle treetops, I didn’t see any buildings that towered higher in Tulum than their treetops – something not visible elsewhere in Mexico during a pandemic outbreak where travelers risked exposure in exchange for cocktails on the beach.
Tulum faces challenges keeping seaweed off its beaches in order to accommodate tourists, and their infrastructure is at times inadequate – but development in this part of the world continues apace, replacing jungles with new residential communities.
Food was superb! We dined on freshly caught seafood grilled by local chefs, as well as fresh ceviche in lime juice that was so delectable we ordered another round! Most travelers and tourists congregated around Tulum beach where most tourists hang out, along with influencers portraying life there as an idyllic bohemian paradise.
Tulum is an increasingly popular beach vacation spot known for its overpriced cocktails and use of native materials in architectural design. Here are a few glimpses from my brief visit that may inspire your next beach getaway.
