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Tulum To Improve Famous Archeological Zone As Visitor Numbers Explode

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With historical and cultural tourism numbers exploding, Tulum’s world-famous archeological site is welcoming visitors in record numbers.

As a result, officials have announced a massive investment package to protect the area’s delicate ruins.

A Maya ruin in Tulum with clear skies

Although visitor numbers have been rising consistently for several years already, the completion of the Maya Train in late 2023 is expected to further boost Tulum’s popularity. 

As travel numbers grow even more, here’s what officials are doing to make visiting the city’s archaeological site a pleasant experience for visitors.

Beautiful view of the sea and ruins in Tulum

Authorities To Make Massive Improvements To Tulum’s Archeological Site

Officials have unveiled plans to vastly improve Tulum’s Archeological Zone as visitor numbers continue to climb steeply.

Tulum is home to the most impressive Mayan ruins in the Mexican Caribbean state of Quintana Roo, which welcome over 1,3 million travelers every year.

While Tulum’s Archeological Zone has welcomed growing visitor numbers, the budget allocated to preserving and maintaining its 73 monuments has remained unchanged for four decades, prompting for calls to increase funding.

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Ancient Mayan temple in Tulum's archaeological zone

That’s all set to change this year as officials announce the start of a massive project to improve the world-famous historical site.

According to Diego Castanon Trejo, the municipal mayor, Tulum will receive a much-needed financial injection from the national government to spruce up the city’s massive archeological site.

The fresh monetary aid opens up a wide range of opportunities to improve not only Tulum’s historical legacy but also the quality of services offered to travelers, not to mention safety

Beautiful View of the Tulum Ruins and the Mexican Caribbean

The Mexican Caribbean has reported back-to-back records for international arrivals, and travelers are flocking to Tulum in record numbers for a glimpse of ancient Mayan history.

And even more visitors are projected to flock to the Riviera Maya destination later this year when the Maya train official begins operations.

Travel numbers are estimated to grow from the current 1,3 million yearly visitors to up to 3,5 million owing to the improved mobility provided by the Maya Train.

Tulum will house one of the largest train stations in the 1.500-kilometer-long railway project and will become a major Riviera Maya tourism hub.

A Mayan temple in Tulum and smaller ruins

While more visitors are great news for the local economy, Tulum’s vast archeological site encompasses a range of highly delicate structures and artifacts, some of which are among the oldest in Mexico.

Even though most of the location’s historical ruins are already well-preserved, there is concern over the effects of mass tourism.

Officials have laid out several ideas on how to improve the visitor experience at Tulum’s archeological site.

One such change would involve creating new routes for travelers to explore, as well as opening up new areas that have thus far been closed off to the public. 

Maya Train route map displaying main stops

Meanwhile, more funding will also be allocated to improving access points and signage to make the archeological site easier to navigate without harming the several dozens of monuments that make up the area.

With time running out, the development of the intricate project is expected to begin as early as this summer and is expected to take several months to complete. 

Cultural And Historical Tourism Gaining Popularity In The Mexican Caribbean

Tulum has positioned itself as the leading destination for historical and cultural tourism in the Mexican Caribbean.

Situated around 130 kilometers south of Cancun, travelers can visit impressive Mayan temples and pyramids in the city’s renowned Archeological Zone, which dates back to the 13th century.

Cliffs in Tulum with ocean views and greenery

Aside from Tulum’s awe-inspiring history, the city’s seaside location means travelers are never too far from the white-sand beaches that make up its coastline.

Although the city is battling record sargassum levels, officials have taken drastic steps to clean up city beaches. 

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