Tulum Photo Adventure Frescos

Tulum: This building is called Temple of the Frescos. It is important because it's architecture has a lot of Mixtec influence, indicating a flood of influence in the Post-Classic. The building was first a simple, single story small temple, now preserved as the interior rooms. On its outside were the black, yellow, and white murals depicting an old woman, probably not Ix chel (Ix chel was a beautiful young woman - no one quite knows who this old woman is). In any case, she is holding two images of Chac. She is surrounded by plant images, apparently mostly of beans. The entire scene is bounded by knotted Sky Bands, usually an edging implying power and the realm of the gods.

The second addition, made sometime after 1450, is the outer, four columned "porch" that protects the murals. It has three panels along its top, all in poor shape. The sculpted stucco center panel depicts a Diving God, flanked by a seated figure on each outer panel. The Diving God has been linked as a god - Ah Macehcabob - of bee keepers and/or as Xux Ek, the "wasp star" or Venus diety. The image may have changed names and functions over time, but we do not know at present. Certainly honey was important, being the only sweetener know to the Maya, but the constant warfare in the Post-Classic may have equal importance. Carved stucco Chac masks are innovatively wrapped around each corner on the outside of this addition. These Chac faces are similar in style to those on Stelae 5 at El Tajin, but post date the El Tajin stelae by several hundred years.

The last addition was the second story temple with the west-facing staircase.

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• Tour information for Tulum can be found at the links below.
  
  
• Tulum and Xel-Ha with Transportation click HERE.  Discover one of the most beautiful Mayan cities and the only one overlooking the Caribbean Sea, and then visit the largest natural aquarium in the world. Perched on a cliff, Tulum is thought to have been a major Mayan port. See the temple of the frescoes, the temple of the descending god and "el Castillo" a temple on a cliff with commanding splendid views of the coast. From here you will journey to Xel-Ha, the perfect spot for snorkeling and relaxation. This natural aquarium is famous for its thousands of brightly colored tropical fish and the dramatic limestone formations.
  INCLUDED: Round trip air-conditioned transportation, guide and entrance to both sites.
  
  
• Tulum and Xel-Ha with Transportation all inclusive click HERE. Same description as above but with round trip air-conditioned transportation, guide, entrance to both sites, all meals and drinks at Xel-Ha, towels, lockers, ice cream, snorkeling gear and tips.
  
  
• Tulum Caribbean Wonders (with Transportation) click HERE.
  Category: Snorkeling: Tulum is found strategically located on a steep cliff facing the turquoise water of the Caribbean Sea and by far, the most famous archaeological site in the state. You will explore the tiny temples representing pious and cosmologies characters and allow your mind to journey in a splendorous past of millenary culture. Then we will head off to discover one of the best kept secrets of the Mayan Riviera, a nature reserve lost in the Mayan shore line where you’ll snorkel in an unspoiled fascinating natural aquarium.
  INCLUDED: Air-conditioned round trip transportation, guide, drinks on the bus, entrance fee to the park, snorkeling equipment and life jackets.
  

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