Tulum, a small town on the Caribbean coastline of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, is renowned for its well-preserved ruins of an ancient Mayan port city. But today, we’re not here to talk about the past. Instead, we’re going to explore a modern marvel that has recently become a significant landmark in Tulum – the Tulum Tower.
The Tulum Tower: A Modern Marvel Amidst Ancient Ruins
The Tulum Tower, or “Torre Tulum” as it’s locally known, is a contemporary architectural masterpiece that stands out amidst the lush tropical landscape of Tulum.
This structure, which was completed in 2023, is a testament to the harmonious blend of modern design and respect for the natural environment. It’s a beacon of sustainable architecture, a symbol of progress that doesn’t compromise the beauty and integrity of its surroundings.
Tulum Tower Practical Info
Opening hours: 9:00am to 5:00pm everyday
Price: 985 MXN pesos ($60 USD) you can buy tickets here.
Height: 118 feet (36 meters)
Duration: 30 minutes
Address: Yalku Manzana 1 Lote 3, Las Ruinas
The Design and Architecture
The Tulum Tower is a stunning example of sustainable architecture, designed with a keen eye for aesthetics and a deep respect for the environment. The tower’s design is inspired by the spiraling shape of the nautilus shell, a common sight in the Caribbean Sea.
At 118 feet (36 meters) high, Tulum Tower’s 16-seater platform takes a slow 360-degree turn, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to take in a bird’s-eye view of the Mexican Caribbean coast and the city.
This unique experience takes about 10 minutes, during which a guide will explain about the Mayan ruins in Tulum. Owing to the limited seats and the time taken, it is best to book your seats in advance.
The tower’s height and spiral design also serve a practical purpose. The higher levels catch the stronger, more consistent winds, which are harnessed for power. The spiral design, on the other hand, allows for the even distribution of this wind energy throughout the building.
The tower is constructed primarily from locally sourced materials, including wood and stone, reducing its carbon footprint. Its exterior is covered in a layer of greenery, which helps to regulate the building’s temperature and blends it seamlessly into the surrounding jungle.
This vertical garden also serves as a habitat for local flora and fauna, further integrating the building into the local ecosystem.
Inside the Tulum Tower
The Tulum Tower is not just a pretty face. Inside, it houses a variety of facilities, each designed with the same attention to sustainability and harmony with nature.
The museum showcases the rich history and culture of the Mayan civilization, with exhibits that range from ancient artifacts to interactive displays. The museum also hosts educational programs and workshops, aimed at promoting the understanding and appreciation of Mayan culture.
The restaurant, located midway up the tower, offers a unique dining experience. With panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, diners can enjoy a meal while taking in the breathtaking scenery. The menu features locally sourced ingredients, with a focus on traditional Mexican and Mayan dishes.
The observation deck, located at the top of the tower, is a must-visit. From here, visitors can enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views of Tulum, including the ancient Mayan ruins, the sparkling Caribbean Sea, and the lush tropical jungle. The deck is equipped with telescopes for a closer look at these landmarks, and information panels provide interesting facts and stories about the view.
What to Do at the Tulum Tower
The Tulum Tower is more than just a sightseeing spot; it’s a place where you can engage in a variety of activities that cater to different interests. Here are some things you can do when you visit the Tulum Tower:
Explore the Museum
The museum inside the Tulum Tower is a treasure trove of information about the rich history and culture of the Mayan civilization. Spend some time exploring the exhibits, which range from ancient artifacts to interactive displays.
Don’t miss the educational programs and workshops that the museum hosts, aimed at promoting the understanding and appreciation of Mayan culture.
Dine at the Restaurant
The restaurant in the Tulum Tower offers a unique dining experience. Enjoy a meal while taking in the panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The menu features locally sourced ingredients, with a focus on traditional Mexican and Mayan dishes. This is a great opportunity to try some authentic local cuisine while enjoying the breathtaking scenery.
Visit the Observation Deck
The observation deck at the top of the Tulum Tower is a must-visit. From here, you can enjoy 360-degree views of Tulum, including the ancient Mayan ruins, the sparkling Caribbean Sea, and the lush tropical jungle.
Use the telescopes for a closer look at these landmarks, and read the information panels to learn interesting facts and stories about the view.
Participate in a Sustainability Tour
The Tulum Tower offers guided tours that focus on the building’s sustainable features. This is a great opportunity to learn more about sustainable architecture and the specific measures that the Tulum Tower has taken to reduce its environmental impact.
You’ll get to see the solar panels and wind turbines up close, learn about the building’s rainwater collection and recycling system, and explore the vertical garden that covers the tower’s exterior.
Attend a Cultural Event
The Tulum Tower frequently hosts cultural events, such as art exhibitions, music performances, and film screenings. These events often highlight local artists and performers, providing a platform for cultural exchange and appreciation. Check the tower’s event schedule to see what’s on during your visit.
Relax and Enjoy the View
Finally, don’t forget to take some time to simply relax and enjoy the view. The Tulum Tower is a place of tranquility and beauty, and sometimes the best thing to do is to find a quiet spot, sit down, and take it all in. Whether you’re watching the sunrise over the Caribbean Sea or the sunset over the jungle, the view from the Tulum Tower is one that you’ll never forget.
The Tulum Tower and Sustainability
The Tulum Tower is a shining example of sustainable architecture. It is powered by renewable energy sources, including solar panels and wind turbines. These are integrated into the design in such a way that they do not detract from the building’s aesthetic appeal.
Rainwater is collected and recycled for use in the building, and the tower’s green exterior helps to absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, contributing to cleaner air. The building also features a state-of-the-art waste management system, which includes composting and recycling facilities.
Conclusion
The Tulum Tower is more than just a building; it’s a symbol of the harmonious coexistence of modernity and nature, of the past and the future. It’s a testament to the fact that progress and preservation can go hand in hand. So, if you ever find yourself in Tulum, don’t miss the chance to visit this modern marvel.
It’s a unique experience that combines history, culture, architecture, and sustainability in one stunning package. The Tulum Tower is a testament to the possibilities of sustainable design and a beacon of hope for a future where development and nature can coexist in harmony.
