What´s New
Mexico's frequent fiestas are full color and sound affairs which often go on for several days. You may only see the biggest events in Cancun, and the best must be Independence Day on 15/16 September, but there are literally hundreds of occasions throughout the country, below are the most popular.
15 September - Dia de la Independencia - Independence Day
This is probably the biggest single event in the country and commemorates the beginning of Mexico's war of independence with Spain
In Cancun, as in every town and city in Mexico the celebration takes place at the main Government office on Ave. Tulum, downtown, where thousands of locals wait to her the bell rung and to hear 'El Grito' reenacted by the senior government official. Thereafter their follows much partying, dancing, mariachi music, folk dancing and, of course, drinking.
El Grito from Mexico City is normally relayed to all the video screens at the nightclubs in the Hotel Zone and even if you are having a quiet night in at your hotel bar you will not be able to miss this one.
Date Varies - Autumnal Equinox
Taking place on 23 September 2002 the autumnal equinox is one of the best times to visit Chichen Itza as this is the time that the shadow effect takes place where the serpent Kukulcan can be seen descending the steps of El Castillo to join the snake's head at the base of the temple. The event is supposed to bring good luck for the harvest. The best time to arrive is before 5pm, there will be dancers and music. This time of year can be a little cool at night so dress accordingly and don't forget your insect repellent.
1/2 November - Dia de los Muertos - Day of the Dead
The 1st November is to remember young people who died and the 2nd is to remember the older generation. Dates back to the Indian culture where the dead are allowed to inhabit the earth once again to enjoy the things they once did. Far from being a scary and macabre event it's a day of celebration. Cancun does not go overboard on this one, Oaxaca is famous for its large celebrations though. In Cancun it's quite a personal thing and tends to consist of families visiting and tidying the graves of family members (you will find if you visit a cemetery that the graves will be decorated with flowers, food and toys for the little ones) and having a special dinner with candles etc. and, of course, a few drinks to commemorate a lost loved one. The food often consists of meat dishes in spicy sauces, a special egg-batter bread, cookies, chocolate, and sugary confections in a variety of animal or skull shapes.
5 May - Cinco de Mayo - Fifth of May
Celebrates the victory of the Mexicans over the French army at The Battle Of Puebla in 1862. It is primarily a regional holiday celebrated in the state of Puebla, but is also observed in other parts of the country including Cancun.
Just nearby Tierras del Sol...
Tulum Ruins
10 minutes drive from our bungalows
The Tulum Ruins, Maya-Toltec, are just 10 minutes car from Tierras del Sol, and are the only Mayan Ruins constructed on the beach. They are from the 12 century, with city walls of white stone atop coastal cliffs. The temples were dedicated to the God of the Sunset. The main structure is the Castillo, which commands a view of both the sea and forested Quintana Roo lowlands stretching westwards. Take a towel and swimsuit if you wish to scramble down from the ruins to one of the to beaches for a swim.
Sian Ka´an s Biosphere Reserve
less than 10 minuteswalk from Tierras del Sol
Sian Ka´an means "the start of heaven" in the Mayan language.
The Reserve covers 1.3 million acres of Quintana Roo coast. About one third is covered in tropical jungle, one third is savannas and mangrove and one third costal and marine habitants, including 110 Km. of barrier reef. Mammals included jaguar, puma , ocelot, and other cats and monkeys , tapir, peccaries, deer, turtles nest on the beaches, there are crocodiles and a wide variety of land and aquatic birds.
Our bungalows, at Tierras del Sol, are just in the he entrance of the reserve. Walking 700 meters from Tierras del Sol along the beach or the road you get to the Biosphere Reserve of Sian Ka´an
Cenotes
(limestone wellsprings)
The cenotes are a true oasis in the Mayan jungle and they are a special feature of Tulum. You can scuba dive, snorkel or just swim in these clear waters and, they’re also a great diversion when the sea is rough.
There are so many Cenotes in the area that you can choose between some quiet, non-develop spot or some more tourist ones. From Tierras del Sol you can just go walking( 5 minutes) to the nearest cenotes.
It´s worth to have a swim in one of these:
+ Aktum cenote
+ Gran cenote
+ Cenote Escondido
+ Casa cenote
+ Dos ojos
You can ask for more information at Tierras del Sol reception.
Coba Ruins
47 Km. from Tulum
An important Maya city in the 8th an 9th centuries Ad, whose population is estimated to have been between 40.000 and 50.000, but which was abandoned for unknown reasons, is 47 Km in land from Tulum. The present day village of Cobá lies on either side of Lago Cobá, surrounded by a dense jungle. It has the tallest pyramid in the northern Yucatán, a magnificent structure, from with the views of the jungle from all sides are superb. You will not find in Cobá the great array of buildings which can be seen at Chichén Itzá or Uxmal, nor the compactness and sea views of the Ruins of Tulum. Instead, the delight of the place is the arquitecture in the jungle, with birds, butterflies, etc. Take insect repellent.
Day Journeys and Cities to Visit
Playa del Carmen
half an hour drive from Tulum
A fast growing beach, with many new hotels and restaurants. In Maya times it was a departure point to Cozumel, modern services have resumed with the development of Playa del Carmen as a resort. `Playa´, as it usually known, has several kilometers of white sand beaches.
All along 5th Av. , the street which is parallel to the beach, there are restaurants and small craft shops.
Isla Mujeres
The island (which got its name from the large number of female idols first found by the Spaniards) has long silver beaches, palm trees, and clean blue water.
With only 5 miles long and less than half mille wide, Isla Mujeres is like a pearl neckless in the Caribbean sea.
The Rustic and colorful constructions, and sand streets surrounded by palm trees make these island a kousy place to visit.
Cozumel
This island is famous for the beauty of its underwater environment, with it’s coral reef and exotic tropical species .
Anyway, this island is not only a marvelous place for snorkeling and scuba diving, but it’s also described as a jewel of nature, possessing much endemic wildlife including pygmy species of coati and raccoon, the bird life has a distinctly Caribbean aspect and many endemic forms also" Jeffrey L. White, Tucson Arizona.
The name " Cozumel" means land of swallows. By the 14th century AD, Cozumel had also become an important trading center. You can get ferries or even car ferries from Playa del Carmen to get there.
Cancún
1 hour drive from Tulum
This famous resort is a thriving holiday resort and city, a lot of night live and shopping combined with the fabulous beach. The city is on the main land; the resort, usually known simply as the Zona Hotelera (Hotel Zone).
Beside the city movement you can also visit some small arquelogical zones as El Rey y Las Pinturas, La Duna y el Meco.
Recreation Parks
XEL-HA
Only 13 km from Tulum
This beautiful clear lagoon inside the jungle is full of fishes but no fishing is allowed as it’s a national park. This is a nice place for snorkeling and canoeing any time of the year. In the arquelogical zone of Xel-há you can find small ruins, around beautiful cenotes.
Xcaret
20 minutes drive from Tulum
This was once an undeveloped spot, with the unrestored ruins near three linked cenotes and sea water lagoons. It has now been redesigned as a day trip fixed. The small ruins and lagoons form part of a clean, well-tened park, catering exclusively for day trippers.
Play Golf
PUERTO AVENTURAS provided with 9 holes, 20 minutes drive from Tulum.
PLAYA CAR with 18 holes, is 35 minutes drive from Tulum.
