Touring Tulum, the tranquil side of Riviera Maya

A beach in Tulum, Mexico.  (Josh Noel / Chicago Tribune)

Man swims with green sea turtles in Akumal, Mexico.  (Josh Noel / Chicago Tribune)

Stone structures at the Tulum ruins outside of Tulum, Mexico.  (Josh Noel / Chicago Tribune)

Stone structures at the Tulum ruins outside of Tulum, Mexico.  (Josh Noel / Chicago Tribune)

Hartwood restaurant in Tulum, Mexico.  (Josh Noel / Chicago Tribune)

Josa, a women’s clothing boutique, in beachside Tulum, Mexico.  (Josh Noel / Chicago Tribune)

The main road in beachside Tulum, Mexico.  (Josh Noel / Chicago Tribune)

Heirloom tomato salad from Hartwood restaurant in Tulum, Mexico.  (Josh Noel / Chicago Tribune)

Pork empanadas from Hartwood restaurant in Tulum, Mexico.  (Josh Noel / Chicago Tribune)

Yoga is advertised on a sandy Caribbean beach in Tulum, Mexico.  (Josh Noel / Chicago Tribune)