History of Tulum in Timeline

Updated: March 29, 2026

Tulum is a pre-Columbian Mayan walled city located on the east coast of the Yucatán Peninsula in Quintana Roo, Mexico. Situated on cliffs overlooking the Caribbean Sea, it was a significant port for Coba. Tulum flourished between the 13th and 15th centuries, making it one of the last cities built and inhabited by the Maya. The Maya occupied Tulum for roughly 70 years after the Spanish arrived but abandoned it by the end of the 16th century. Today, it stands as one of the best-preserved coastal Maya sites and a popular tourist destination.

1913: Restoration Work Begins

In 1913, Sylvanus Morley and George P. Howe began restoration work at Tulum, focusing on restoring and opening the public beaches.

1916: Carnegie Institution's Involvement

In 1916, the Carnegie Institution continued the restoration work at Tulum, contributing to the ongoing efforts to preserve the site.

1922: Carnegie Institution Continues Work

In 1922, the Carnegie Institution was still contributing to the restoration work at Tulum.

1924: Samuel Lothrop Maps the Site

In 1924, Samuel Lothrop mapped the Tulum archaeological site as part of the ongoing investigations and preservation efforts.

1956: William Sanders' Investigation

In 1956, William Sanders conducted investigations at Tulum, contributing to the understanding of the site's history and occupation.

2016: Discovery of Ancient Female Skeleton

In 2016, an underwater archaeological expedition led by Jerónimo Avilés discovered the skeleton of a female, estimated to be about 9,900 years old, in the cenote cave system near Tulum. The skull showed signs of trauma and possible bacterial infection.

2017: Tulum's Tourism Boom

In 2017, the Tulum ruins became the third most-visited archeological site in Mexico, receiving over 2.2 million visitors. It is a popular tourist site due to the proximity to the Mexican Caribbean coastline.

2018: Documentary Exposes Tourism Impact

In 2018, director Rachel Appel filmed a documentary, "The Dark Side of Tulum," an exposé of the environmental impacts of the local tourist industry on Tulum.

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