The third most visited archeological site in Mexico and one of the better-known Mayan ruins are those in Tulum. Tulum is the Mayan word for fence, wall, or trench. Archeologists believe the beautiful archeological site was built to defend against both invasion and to separate classes. It is located 80 miles (129 kilometers) south of Cancún at the southern end of the Riviera Maya. The city was constructed along the coastline on a 39 foot (12 meter) cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Tulum was a prominent trading and navigational port for the city of Cobá during the Post-Classical period from 1200 AD to 1500 AD.
Unlike most Mayan cities, Tulum was still occupied at the time of the Spanish invasion in the 16th Century. Although Tulum contains structures that are characteristic of Mayan cities, they are relatively condensed in size, which is uncommon of a typical Mayan city. One of the most significant structures is El Castillo (The Castle), a temple to the Mayan god Kukulcán. The well-known structure seems to have doubled as a lighthouse for incoming boats. It measures 25 feet tall (7.5 meters) and was built at the highest point of the site. Apart from this stunning structure overlooking the Caribbean Sea, Tulum also houses the Temple of the Frescoes, the Temple of the Descending God, the House of Columns, the House of the Well, and the watchtowers at the western wall corners.
