Mangroves & Mayan Temples

Although a lot smaller than Chichén Itzá (the region’s most famous Mayan city), Tulum wins hands down when it comes to location, perched high on the rocks above two beautiful white-sand beaches. In its heyday, from the 13th to the 15th century, Tulum was a thriving port, dominating sea trade all along the Yucatán coastline.
As you walk through the entrance gate of this ancient walled city, imagine what it must have looked like at the time, when the buildings were brightly painted in reds, yellows, and blues. You can see what is left of this paintwork on the murals in the Templo de las Pinturas – one of the most elaborately decorated of the city’s temples.
The Templo del Dios Descendente has an interesting carving above the door of a descending god, a figure seen on other Mayan temples in the region. The image is thought to represent Ah Muzencab, the Mayan God of Bees, indicative of the economic importance of honey at the time. During the spring equinox, the sun’s rays shine through the temple, aligning above the image of this god.
Also worth checking out is the Templo del Dios del Viento (this is the temple featured on all the Tulum marketing materials), which is thought to have served as a hurricane warning system as well as a lookout tower. There is a hole in the roof of the temple, which creates a loud whistling noise when a high wind approaches, warning residents to seek protection.
Buy a ticket at the entrance booth to access the site. Once you’ve explored the city’s main structures, head for the wooden staircase, which will take you down the cliff to the beach below for a refreshing swim in the fantastic turquoise water.
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

This vegetarian restaurant in the centre of Tulum town offers a delicious menu of superfood bowls, soups, salads, and smoothies. If you feel like trying something new, order the “Shroom Brew” – a very unusual but surprisingly moreish mushroom “latte”.
Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Sunday: 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

From the hotel, you’ll be transferred to Sian Ka'an, a stunning biosphere reserve, one of Mexico’s largest protected areas, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Ramsar site. The reserve encompasses 400,000 hectares of land and 120 kilometres of coastline, and includes forests, lagoons, wetlands, seagrass beds, coral reefs, dunes, and mangroves. This variety of landscapes is home to the jaguar, puma, ocelot, and tapir, as well as manatees, crocodiles, turtles, and over 300 species of birds.
You will spend the afternoon on a private boat trip into the lagoons, looking out for spoonbills, egrets, and herons, as well as the reserve’s more elusive manatees and crocodiles. You will explore the maze of canals lined with mangroves, which were ancient Mayan trading routes, and see some ruined temples along the way. There will also be time to float down a natural “lazy” river, admiring the beautiful sights and sounds of this beautiful nature reserve (life jackets will be provided).
Note, this experience needs to be arranged with the hotel's concierge in advance.

Michelin-star chef Elias Silva has designed a menu that celebrates locally grown, organic produce, and mixes the flavours of Mexico with inspiration from other countries. Not only is the food fantastic, but it’s also a good introduction to some unusual regional produce, such as pickled xoconostle (prickly pear fruit), nopal (the fleshy pads of the Opuntia cacti), and huitlacoche (an edible corn fungus). The dishes are tapas-style and intended for sharing.
Note: this is a very popular restaurant and reservations are recommended.
To book a table, call +529841469722
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday: 6:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.

Walk back to the hotel. Enjoy a wonderful evening and memories of all the most exciting experiences of your trip.
Consult your concierge service, where you can book kitesurfing lessons or rent equipment for tomorrow morning.
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