The Spirit of Tulum
A Journey of Evolution in The Jungle
This sacred land has held energies of great spirits and potent powers, the kind that can manifest in light speed should you be ready to conceive in the vortex of creation and manifestation. Welcome to the jungle. We've got fun and games, but remember, it's wild, and if you are not intentional, you might get eaten alive. Rawr!
Tips on being a conscious traveler when visiting this sacred land:
Tulum Mexico has quickly become the go-to destination for escaping the new reality. Made up of jungle, beach, ancient ruins, and Mayan Tribes, the question remains, do tourists understand how sacred the land truly is? Located on the Yucatan Peninsula, Tulum received its title "The City of Dawn" due to its open sunrise view across the expansive Caribbean Sea. Archaeological research has dated the ancient Maya ruins back to the Postclassic epoch of 1200 AD.
Three structures lead historians to believe Tulum had spiritual importance: El Castillo, the Temple of Frescoes, and the Temple of the Descending God. These are considered notable constructs for worshipping gods and goddesses. Stories state that 66 million years ago, an asteroid struck the earth in the region of the Yucatan Peninsula in the area we now know as Tulum. It was responsible for the extinction of the dinosaurs and a long-running ice age.
The most significant impact was the incredible amount of energy is produced in such a small area of the planet – making Tulum one of the strongest vortexes of the world to create, transform, manifest, and give birth to new and powerful ideas, relationships, and love. The Mayas inhabited one of the last cities built, and today over six pyramids remain in great integrity, keeping traditions alive and honoring the different gods with ceremonies and offerings.
My most recent move has led me to this magical portal of Tulum, Mexico. The energy is quite vital, and in knowing this before arriving, I set an intention. I made a promise to be conscious of what I consumed and contribute to the land and community in a way that I knew was in energetic alignment and integrity. I sat in what was to be a fresh start during one of history's most unpredictable times.
I began to watch how entering an environment has everything to do with how you show up and what you get back in a short period. I felt welcomed, made new friends, and got reinspired from my surroundings of nature, spiritualism, culture, and community.
Swirling in its vortex, I began creating new ideas and collaborating with like-minded souls in the blink of an eye. My gesture of gratitude was to be part of the solution and not the problem. To help sustain the magic of this place by engaging in different atmospheres and seek to find the hidden gems that some don't bother to look for when distracted by commercialized brands, bells, and whistles.
I remembered how many places change and lose their soul when infiltrated by visitors who see an opportunity to monetize without considering the locals or, worse, come to make a mess and leave. I also understood how spirit is strong, and even if you can't see it, it will show you, and it won't be pleasant in most cases. That is perspective, of course, but visitor beware if you are here to eat; you better share.
The idea is to visit, enter, or stay in a place and leave it the way you found it or, better, be kind and mindful. This trip into a new dimension has me doing the work I have been preparing for my whole life. To raise awareness, educate and develop within communities so their legacy continues without disrupting its natural habitat. I took my time. I researched. I asked questions and made it a point to listen to the locals' needs, especially the land.
What can we do for you? How can we support you?
The Land: Ask permission
The Elders: Respect our culture and the spirit of this land
The Locals: Support our businesses
As much as this may be common sense for some, there are plenty who are arriving with their needs and forget they are a visitor in someone else's home. You see, we, as humans, tend to escape our current reality to fill something we believe we are missing. Because one cannot teach emotional intelligence, we grow up seeking outside of ourselves, therefore occasionally arriving at places in ways that are disruptive to another environment. We forget that all is connected, and when we are not mindful, our energies can affect our surroundings. So I ask; how are you living? Do you travel to escape or explore? Are your vibrations high or low?
It will determine what you put out and how the vortex responds to your arrival. Mother Nature is always speaking to us, and when we enter a new environment, we disrupt the ecosystem by not knowing how it works. Whether a kiss in the wind, a ferocious tornado, a wave from a tree, or the shake of the quake, we are constantly reminded of the presence of spirit should we be present enough to feel and understand her.
As I have witnessed the swift change in only a short few years since I began to visit, I can say that the spirit of the land is still very much alive but demanding we take responsibility for keeping it safe. Tulum is not a place to lose your head but to find your soul; to cultivate community, and consciously connect to the spirit; that is you. So, if you are coming to Tulum to get away, I ask you this: will you be part of the problem or the solution? Will you enter the portal consciously and appreciate its culture, practice ecological sustainability, and respect the land?
Below are some tips on how I got acquainted. I hope it helps you along your travels here or anywhere you may find yourself.
Ask Permission (to the land before you enter)
Remember, plants and animals are brilliant and transmit their energy, remedy, and poison. Before entering the jungle/cenotes, ask the land for permission to enter and thank it for allowing the opportunity to join in its natural habitat and leave an offering like tobacco.
Go Organic
Products carry many chemicals that can be harmful to our environment and us. Some bug repellents, shampoos, sunscreens are against the law to use in the jungle and cenotes because of the damage it causes to the insects and Mother Nature. We think a bug bite is terrible, but we kill off what we need to breathe when spraying or using these products.
For every cause, there is an effect. Be mindful. If it is no good for us, why would it be good for our environment? Right?
Don't be a Crab
See those little blue guys crossing the street at night by the beach? They are responsible for creating tiny holes in the sand, which allow the water to filter out, so the main roads to the beach do not get flooded. But every time we run over one in our cars, we kill yet another animal responsible for the ecosystem and keeping the land safe and from flooding.
Support Local Businesses
With so many new restaurants and activities available to experience, it can become overwhelming to choose. Perhaps by researching the traditional cuisines and local markets, one can discover a story behind the name whose experience is priceless.
Plastic Free
Loads of plastic, amongst other waste, are coming up to the shore of the pristine sandy white beaches of Tulum. Without the daily efforts by resort workers to clear the plastic debris, the beaches of Tulum would be unhealthier than they currently are. Some locals and ex-pats are genuinely striving for sustainability in creative ways. To participate in a local community beach clean-up or donate dollars to a truly eco-friendly and conscious initiative, visit.
Learn the Traditions and Culture
Meaning of Maya: Astronomers, mathematicians, agronomists, philosophers, artists, architects, sculptors, and warriors – the Maya of old were a prosperous, complex society that continues to fascinate. Their stunning accomplishments are still evident today: they first cultivated chocolate, chili peppers, vanilla, papayas, and pineapples. The Maya built causeways and reservoirs, created great works of sculpture and art, carved fantastic jade masks, and wove rich, colorful textiles. They also developed sophisticated mathematical systems; complex, accurate calendars; and perfectly proportioned buildings of immense size and beauty. Much of this while Europe remained in the Dark Ages.
For more on this, go to: tulum.com/information/mayan-culture-history
Born in Tulum – *Not McDonald's or America
Experience homegrown brands and learn about the culture. What fashion brands are creating the eco-chic trends, artists on the rise who are inspiring the downtown scene and hidden gems.
Support a Local Charity
If you advocate and raise awareness on causes that need support, knowing who may be essential to complete your trip. Check out Rodando Con Causa, an organization for youth empowerment at @rodandoconcause. Alma Animal Tulum on Facebook, a dog rescue organization, helping pups find temporary and stable homes.
Professional Experience Curation
When visiting a desirable place like Tulum, one wants to do it all but where to begin. Allow seasoned, experienced experts who support local culture and business's guide you on this journey into the magic of Tulum.
Check out Conscious Concierge Tulum for local taste.
Photography: Alejandro Severino
Makeup/Hair: Sandy Mendez
Styling: Omnia Tulum @omniatulum
Tune and Stay Connected
Apollonia Martinez
Wellbeing Lifestyle & Experience Specialist