Have you ever dreamed in Technicolor and woken up thinking that those colors simply don’t exist in real life? Those rich, saturated, almost kaleidoscopic colors are what I experienced when I visited the beach at the Mayan ruins in Tulum, Mexico.

Turquoise water and pure white sand, set against a jagged rock cliffside

But wait. I’m getting ahead of myself. To get to the beach I had to pass through the ruins which are quite spectacular for their oceanfront location. During the height of the Maya empire this was an important port city and the major structures face the ocean from a high mound: a watchtower and astronomical observatory are stunning examples of the ancient architecture, as is a house built over a cenote. Once you’ve had your fill of wandering through the ruins, a wooden staircase leads down the cliff to the beach, an exquisite cove of pure white, sugar-fine sand bordered on both ends by ochre and red rock outcroppings. Gentle waves sweep into the sheltered cove, beckoning bathers into a sea so dazzlingly turquoise and aquamarine that it hurts the eyes.

Stairway leads down the cliff from the ancient ruins of Tulum to a stunning beach

Those who don’t care to swim can soak up the rays or clamber around the giant boulders and pinnacles on either end of the beach to discover more secluded pockets where crystal seas lap through holes in the rock. The beach has a year-round lifeguard, but it is only open until 5 p.m. each day, when the archeological park closes. Price of admission is 51 pesos (about $4.50 USD) and includes complete access to the ruins and the beach.

Photo Credit: Barbara Weibel
Article by Barbara Weibel of Hole In The Donut Travels