11/11/2024
On an unusually cold December morning 25 years ago, I visited the Tulum ruins on a backpacking trip through the Yucatan Peninsula and Central America. I stood at the top of Templo de la Estela. The Tulum ruins felt like a hidden treasure, where a few lucky travelers could explore the archaeological site freely—and even climb the ancient stone steps! Standing on the cliffside ruins, gazing out over the Caribbean, was an unforgettable experience that truly transported me back in time. There were few restrictions, and we felt closely connected to the ancient Mayan structures.
25 years later, I returned. Today, Tulum has become a world-renowned destination, and the experience has changed. To preserve this iconic site for future generations, climbing is no longer allowed. Increased tourism has made it necessary to protect these ancient structures, preventing wear and tear from thousands of footsteps. Now, we admire Tulum’s beauty from designated paths, respecting its age-old walls that have withstood centuries.
The shift reflects how we’ve come to cherish and protect places like Tulum, where ancient history and modern travel meet. Have you experienced Tulum’s evolution?
