The archaeological site at Tulum is the only ancient Mayan village surrounded by a defensive wall, poised over 15m high cliffs overlooking the sea. The coast here is still much less developed than the beaches closer to the airport, with several small hotels to choose from. Nearby you can visit a bustling village, the ancient Mayan site of Coba, the nature reserve of Sian Khan as well as swim with dolphins or swim and snorkel in the canals and underground rivers at Xcaret and Xel-Ha. Life here is slow and simple.