Tulum Travel Guide 2026: Top Attractions, Local Food & Travel Tips | Trip.com

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About Tulum

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MXN

Must-visit attractions in Tulum

Looking for things to do in Tulum? We provide up-to-date info on everything from must-see scenic spots to local hangouts.

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Recommended stays in Tulum

Discover the most popular places to stay in Tulum, complete with recommendations from fellow travelers and special hotel offers

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Must-try food in Tulum

Want to eat like a local? Don't miss out on these top Tulum dishes and foodie spots.

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Western cuisine

Bars/bistros

Seafood

Tulum itinerary ideas

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Tulum 1-Day Trip: Clifftop Ruins and Cenote Blue

1 Days
  1. DAY01TulumParque Nacional TulumGran Cenote
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Tulum 2-Day Trip: Cliffside ruins, cenote plunge days

2 Days
  1. DAY01Parque Nacional TulumTulum
  2. DAY02Parque Dos AguasCenote CalaveraGran CenoteCenote Zacil-Ha
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Tulum 3-Day Trip: Sunlit Cenotes and Caribbean Calm

3 Days
  1. DAY01TulumParque Nacional Tulum
  2. DAY02Escultura Ven a la LuzZIGGY - Beach Club & RestaurantGran CenoteCenote Zacil-Ha
  3. DAY03Casa Tortuga TulumCasa CenoteParadise Beach
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Traveller photos and experiences

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Rosewood Mayakoba: A coastal sanctuary surrounded by lush jungle and coastline — traveler post in Tulum

Rosewood Mayakoba: A coastal sanctuary surrounded by lush jungle and coastline

Nestled on the Riviera Maya in Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, Rosewood Mayakoba (Rosewood Mayakoba) rests to the sound of Caribbean waves, embraced by lagoons, mangroves, and white sandy beaches. Free from noisy signage, an electric barge carries you through forest and water, setting sail toward an intimate dream along the Mayan riverbanks. 🏞️ Setting: A symphony of lagoon and jungle Hidden in the heart of a 1,600-acre resort, the hotel uses mangroves as its veins and limestone and local wood as its bones. The architecture is suspended above the lagoon, coexisting with the tropical vegetation. Against a Rainforest Alliance-certified ecological backdrop, flocks of birds accompany the sound of the tide, making every step a quiet whisper of nature and luxury. 🎨 Architecture: A modern translation of Mayan spirit The design draws inspiration from Mayan civilization: open, airy suites, wooden screen partitions, handcrafted custom furniture, garden showers, and rooftop terraces transform ancient totems into contemporary lines. With electric boats at your door and bicycles for transport, the resort itself is an open-air art gallery of water, forest, stone, and light. 🛏️ Accommodation: Private residences floating on water The 129–130 suites and residences are built along the lagoon, featuring oversized terraces, heated plunge pools, private docks, and rooftop sun decks. Lagoon suites offer views of mangrove reflections, oceanfront suites capture the Caribbean sunset from the bathtub, and the Presidential Suite and Casa Laguna residence include a dedicated butler, allowing time itself to slow down for you. 🍽️ Dining: A journey from the Mayan river to the Pacific Seven restaurants and bars offer a culinary tour of Mexico: modern Italian breakfast at Casa del Lago, coastal Mayan lunch at Punta Bonita, Asian seafood and hundreds of tequilas at Agave Azul, Mediterranean drinks at Zapote Bar, and indigenous flavors at La Ceiba Garden Kitchen. Ingredients are locally sourced, seafood follows sustainable practices, and every bite tastes of sunshine and ocean currents. 🎭 Leisure: Body and mind restoration on the cenote island Sense Spa occupies an entire island surrounding a cenote, with sacred Mayan well water incorporated into healing rituals. The Greg Norman-designed El Camaleón golf course winds through the jungle, while the Rose Buds Kids Club, eco-cycling tours, Caribbean snorkeling, and Mayan ruin exploration ensure there is something to do day and night. When you leave, you take away the sea breeze, not just a photo. Rosewood Mayakoba is not just a hotel for a one-night stay, but a place that weaves the stillness of the Maya, the blue of the Caribbean, and the warmth of craftsmanship into memories you will revisit time and again. You arrive by water, and when you leave, your heart remains in the shimmering light of those mangroves.

Mexico|A Seriously Underrated Pinnacle of Luxury Travel, A Niche Top-Tier Luxury Vacation Legend — traveler post in Tulum

Mexico|A Seriously Underrated Pinnacle of Luxury Travel, A Niche Top-Tier Luxury Vacation Legend

Avoid the crowded popular islands and unlock North America's new favorite luxury destination: Mexico Caribbean blue seas, colorful dreamlike towns, millennia-old Mayan civilization, top-tier private luxury hotels Romance, mystery, luxury, and art all maximized at once A hidden gem for high-net-worth vacationers, hotel enthusiasts, and photography lovers, combining stunning visuals and style, with a sense of exclusivity that far surpasses typical island vacations 💎 🏨Top Luxury Hotels|Hotel lovers rejoice, immersive luxury vacations · One&Only Palmilla: The luxury benchmark in Cancun, oceanfront standalone villas, private beach, infinity pool, 24-hour butler service, watch the Caribbean sunset while lying down, ultimate privacy · Four Seasons Tulum: A wild luxury secret getaway, dual jungle and sea views, famous cave pool, sophisticated atmosphere perfect for photos · Rosewood Mexico City: The city’s luxury icon, colonial architecture blended with modern design, panoramic views of the old town, full of artistic flair Private exclusive stays throughout, avoiding the crowds, truly achieving a relaxed and free vacation 🏛️World Heritage Tour|A journey of civilization and romance · Chichen Itza: The pinnacle of Mayan civilization, Kukulkan Pyramid, stunning light and shadow spectacle, private guided tours to avoid crowds and explore deeply · Teotihuacan: Pyramids of the Sun and Moon, travel through ancient civilization, breathtaking drone shots, epic scenes captured effortlessly · Guanajuato: The inspiration for "Coco," a colorful mountain town with dreamlike streets, overlooking thousands of city lights at dusk, a romantic atmosphere legend ✨Exclusive Luxury Experiences|Private activities you can’t replicate elsewhere · Cave Secret Dinner: Candlelight dinner inside a natural cave, surrounded by waves, full of ceremony, perfect for couples and honeymoons · Underground River Boating: Millennia-old natural underground caves, boat through blue-green underground rivers, immersive natural luxury · Private Tequila Tasting: Visit a tequila town, exclusive tasting at century-old distilleries, unlock the soul of Mexico’s spirit · Deep Art District Exploration: Frida Kahlo’s house in Mexico City, niche galleries, experience Latin America’s avant-garde art aesthetics 🌊Caribbean Sea Vacation|Blue sea secret spots rivaling the Maldives Cancun and Tulum’s prime oceanfront, jellyfish-clear waters White sandy beaches, soft and delicate, top luxury hotels with exclusive private beaches Water helicopter rides, private yacht outings, snorkeling to explore coral reefs Sunshine, blue sea, white sand, enjoy the freedom of a high-end island vacation 📋Essential Luxury Travel Checklist ▫️Attractions: Chichen Itza|Guanajuato|Pyramids of the Sun and Moon|Tulum Coast ▫️Cuisine: Cave private dinners|High-end fusion cuisine|Boutique tequila|Mexican light luxury dining ▫️Accommodation: One&Only|Four Seasons|Rosewood, uncompromising top luxury throughout 💌Luxury Travel Conclusion Mexico is never just about exotic charm; it is the ultimate choice for niche high-end vacations Millennia of civilization, Caribbean romantic sea views, top-tier private luxury hotels, exclusive unique experiences Avoid the crowds and noise, unlock a once-in-a-lifetime private luxury journey Customize your exclusive high-end Mexico itinerary and embark on a luxurious rendezvous of mountains, sea, and civilization 🌊

Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya: An Inspired Haven Where Nature and Elegance Perfectly Blend — traveler post in Tulum

Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya: An Inspired Haven Where Nature and Elegance Perfectly Blend

On the Caribbean coast of Tulum, Mexico, Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya shines like a gem nestled between the Mayan jungle and the turquoise sea. It is not only a luxury resort under Hilton but also an inspired sanctuary that perfectly fuses natural wilderness with modern sophistication. 🏝️ Stunning Views: A Private Dialogue Between Sea and Jungle The hotel boasts the golden coastline of Riviera Maya with its own private beach. Here, there is no city noise—only the crystal-clear blue of the Caribbean Sea and the deep green of the Mayan jungle. In the morning, sunlight filters through palm leaves casting dappled shadows; at dusk, the pink and purple sunset paints the sea like an oil painting. Every frame is a postcard-worthy scene without any filter. 🏛️ Unique Design: A Collision of Modern Luxury and Mayan Civilization The hotel’s design concept is ingenious. It is not just modern architecture but incorporates ancient Mayan elements such as pyramid structures and totem patterns. The building lines are clean and sharp, using abundant natural materials like wood and stone to create a “rustic luxury” atmosphere. Immersed here, you feel both international refinement and the primal, mysterious heartbeat of this land. 🛏️ Guest Room Experience: A Tranquil Space with a View at Your Window The rooms continue the theme of “returning to nature,” featuring spacious layouts with panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows or private terraces. Whether lying in bed or soaking in the bathtub, your gaze meets lush jungle or the vast blue sea. High-quality bedding and bath amenities ensure deep relaxation and comfortable sleep during your journey. 🍽️ Dining Delights: A Global Culinary Journey The hotel offers multiple restaurants and bars with diverse styles. You can enjoy a signature cocktail at the poolside bar or savor international cuisine infused with Mexican flavors at the all-day dining restaurant. Some venues also offer a unique “jungle dinner” experience, where under the stars and fireflies, you can enjoy a romantic candlelit meal. 🏊 Entertainment and Leisure: A Vacation Paradise for Both Activity and Relaxation · Water Parks: The hotel features several stylish pools, including an infinity pool suitable for families and a tranquil adults-only pool. · Spa and Fitness: The professional wellness center offers spa treatments, allowing you to fully relax your body and mind in a natural setting. · Nearby Exploration: The hotel’s prime location is just a short drive from the Tulum Ruins, Xel-Há Park, and Akumal Beach, making it an excellent base for exploring Mayan culture and Caribbean ecology. As night falls and the sound of waves gently caresses the shore, Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya transforms into a secluded sanctuary. Here, time seems to slow down, leaving only eternal memories of sunshine, sea breeze, and inspiration.

Latin America Travelogue | Drive a Vintage Car into Cuba's Old Times — traveler post in Tulum

Latin America Travelogue | Drive a Vintage Car into Cuba's Old Times

🏛️ Ancient Civilization Heritage Expert Interpretation Teotihuacan Ancient City: Climb the Sun and Moon Pyramids to overlook the grand layout of the "City of the Gods." Chichen Itza: Explore the Kukulkan Pyramid and the Thousand Columns with a professional guide, decoding Maya astronomy and architectural wisdom. Tulum Ruins: The only Maya ancient city located by the sea, experience the fusion of civilization and nature. 🍽️ Taste at the World's Top 50 Restaurants Chef's table experience in Mexico City, savor modern Mexican cuisine "from seed to table." Cave restaurant traditional cooking techniques, relive the flavors beloved by Frida Kahlo. 🚗 Havana Vintage Time Machine Custom convertible vintage car tour through the four main squares of the old city, tracing Hemingway's writing footsteps. Visit a retired officer's family to touch historical letters from Che Guevara and Castro. 🌊 Cancun Caribbean Holiday Optional double-person speedboat snorkeling to explore the world's second-largest coral reef. Or experience parasailing to overlook Cancun's gem-like coastline. Click below to start booking your song of civilization and waves →

Tulum Jungle's Most Beautiful Museum + Stunning Jungle Restaurant — traveler post in Tulum

Tulum Jungle's Most Beautiful Museum + Stunning Jungle Restaurant

📍【SFER IK Uh May】 An eco-art center located on the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico, nestled in a jungle near Tulum, about a 40-minute drive from Tulum. Just navigate directly to "SFER IK Uh May." 🌟 Design and Features: This art center was designed by architect Roth. Its brilliance lies in the fact that all the plants are naturally growing and originally there. The museum is designed and built within the existing natural jungle, perfectly blending with the surrounding environment. The architecture uses natural materials such as concrete and vines, with trees growing out of the floor, creating a dreamy jungle garden effect. There is also a stunning jungle restaurant inside the museum, highly recommended (see photos 9-17). ⏰ Opening Hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM 🎫 Tickets: Admission to the museum only is 400 MXN per person; admission plus dining is 1000 MXN per person, with 600 MXN redeemable towards the meal. 🔔 Tips: 1️⃣ The last 20 minutes of the road is a bumpy dirt path, but driving carefully is completely fine, no need to worry too much; 2️⃣ Shoes must be removed when entering, and large bags are prohibited. The museum has three floors; enter on the second floor and exit from the first floor. Staff will place your shoes at the first-floor exit, providing thoughtful service. 3️⃣ Only mobile phones are allowed for photography; cameras require an additional fee.‌

My Secret Paradise in Tulum: The Ultimate Guide to XELA, a Stunning Ocean View Hotel — traveler post in Tulum

My Secret Paradise in Tulum: The Ultimate Guide to XELA, a Stunning Ocean View Hotel

G! Discovered a heavenly hotel! XELA Tulum brings the Caribbean Sea right into your room🌊 🏨 Hotel Highlights: 12 super spacious suites, each a unique work of art🎨 ✔️ Private plunge pool + open-air bathtub + 360° panoramic terrace ✔️ Michelin Guide recommended restaurant🍽️ ✔️ Exclusive golf cart transportation🛺 ✔️ Unbeatable views combining the Mayan jungle and the Caribbean Sea ✨ Special Experiences: ▫️ Zero waste and eco-friendly certification ▫️ Exclusive cocoa ceremonies and wellness workshops💆 ▫️ 24-hour dedicated concierge service ▫️ Instagram-worthy photo backdrops everywhere📸 🌿 Design Style: Minimalism meets organic architecture Each room has a private terrace Highly recommend visiting the rooftop bar for sunset Every snap looks like an Instagram masterpiece🤳 📍 Address: Carr. Tulum-Boca Paila KM 7.5, 77780 Tulum, Q.R. 💰 Reference Prices: Off-season about 5000 RMB+/night Peak season about 8000 RMB+/night 💡 Tips: 1. Be sure to book at least 3 months in advance! 2. Bring your bikini👙 and sunscreen 3. The rooftop bar view at dusk is amazing! 4. Golf carts are free to use for exploring the surroundings This luxury hotel, part of the NAMRON Group, perfectly combines luxury and environmental protection🌍 Remember to follow the hotel’s Instagram for the latest updates~

Tulum | Uh May, it's like stumbling into the world of Avatar. — traveler post in Tulum

Tulum | Uh May, it's like stumbling into the world of Avatar.

During this trip to Mexico, I stayed one night at the Azulik Museum in Tulum and two nights at the Xcaret Hotel in Cancun. Azulik currently has two art museums open to the public, which are free for hotel guests; other hotel guests need to purchase tickets. Uh May is relatively far from Azulik; it takes an hour to get from Tulum airport to Azulik, and forty minutes from Azulik to Uh May. So, I simply hired a car from the hotel for airport shuttle and round-trip transportation to Uh May, making it easy to visit. The museum's architectural style is similar to Azulik, using handmade rattan and cement as the main building materials. Shoes must be removed before entry, allowing you to "experience the architecture by touch." The minimalist yet natural design is naturally very photogenic! Uh May also has a restaurant called Jungle Cuisine. The ticket includes a 600-peso restaurant credit. I arrived around noon and was a bit hungry, so after visiting the museum, I had lunch there before checking into the hotel and dropping off my luggage.

Kan Hotel Tulum & Beach Clubs — traveler post in Tulum

Kan Hotel Tulum & Beach Clubs

My stay at 'KAN Tulum' was a charming experience filled with tranquility and nature. This hotel features an ecological design that harmonizes with the surrounding nature using natural materials and a relaxed atmosphere. The rooms are spacious and elegantly designed, with balconies overlooking the surrounding forest. I enjoyed relaxing in the completely serene outdoor spaces and the natural swimming pool. The location was perfect for exploring Tulum and nearby beaches, with many cultural and natural activities available. The service was excellent, and the staff were friendly and helpful. 'KAN Tulum' is the perfect place to enjoy nature in a quiet and luxurious setting.

Cancun, Mexico All-Inclusive Hotel — traveler post in Tulum

Cancun, Mexico All-Inclusive Hotel

🥰 Hey everyone: This all-inclusive hotel in Cancun, Mexico is highly recommended for honeymoons! 🍁 🌵 Location: The hotel is located in the Riviera Maya, nestled between the Caribbean Sea and the Mayan rainforest, featuring turquoise sea views and stunning sunsets. It offers convenient access to the Tulum Mayan ruins and Xcaret Park. 🎍 🏠 Rooms: A wide variety of room types are available, including spacious ocean-view suites and swim-up suites. 🍄 🍔 Dining: Enjoy unlimited drinks and international cuisine, including French and Japanese dishes. 🍴🍊 🍭 Leisure: As a high-end all-inclusive resort, it features 7 heated pools, natural underground cenotes, a Mayan-inspired spa, an ocean-view gym, and yoga classes. 🥤 🌺 Come and enjoy your vacation! [Joyful]

In Cancun's dry season, the sea is blue and the cenote water is refreshingly cool — traveler post in Tulum

In Cancun's dry season, the sea is blue and the cenote water is refreshingly cool

Cancun enters the dry season: swim in the morning, explore cenotes in the afternoon Once you've settled into Cancun, the first thing to do is kick off your shoes and step onto that blindingly white sand. Cancun is in the state of Quintana Roo in the southeastern corner of Mexico, at the northeastern tip of the Yucatan Peninsula, facing the Caribbean Sea. The color of the seawater here is famous—light green near the shore, turning blue as it gets deeper; standing on the beach, you can see the ripples in the sand at the bottom. From the airport, the entire coastline is lined with resorts, and the drive isn't long. November marks the beginning of the dry season here. There's less rain, and the sun is gentler than in midsummer. Daytime temperatures are around 30°C, with a breeze in the mornings and evenings, making it more comfortable than the peak of summer. It's a popular time to visit, so the beaches and hotel zone are quite lively; if you want peace and quiet, you can stay further away from the main area. You can get several days of good weather in a row, and the sea conditions are stable, making it easy to schedule boat trips and snorkeling. You still need to wear sunscreen; the Caribbean sun is direct, and the seawater reflects light, so your shoulders and back can easily get sunburned. The hotel zone is a long strip stretching along the coast, shaped like the number seven, with sea on both sides: one side has big waves, while the other is calm. When choosing a beach, don't just look at the area in front of your hotel; walking a few extra steps in either direction is often less crowded. The sea is calm in the early morning, which is when most people go snorkeling. Once the waves pick up, the management office will fly flags, and the color of the flag dictates the rules for the day. There are corals and schools of small fish underwater; keep your fins tucked in while snorkeling, don't step on the coral, and don't chase or touch the fish. If you want a change of scenery, you can take a boat to Isla Mujeres. The island isn't big, it's more laid-back than the city, and the water is clear—perfect for a half-day or full-day trip. The underwater museum nearby features a collection of submerged sculptures that you can see by snorkeling or taking a glass-bottom boat, so you don't even have to get in the water to see them. Heading south, you'll find the real highlight of this region: cenotes. The Yucatan has a limestone surface where rainwater seeps down, collapsing to form water-filled sinkholes, which locals call "cenotes." The water is cool and clear, often surrounded by hanging vines and stalactites. Cenotes come in all sizes and depths; some are hidden in caves, while others are open to the sky. Remember a few things before getting in: not every cenote is suitable for swimming, as depths and currents vary, so follow the signs and instructions from staff. Many places require you to shower before entering; do not wear sunscreen or insect repellent, as these can contaminate the water. Wear a life jacket when entering the water, and don't dive in headfirst—the light in the caves is dim, so take your time to adjust before moving around. Some cenotes have wooden platforms and steps for easy access; if you're not a strong swimmer, stay in the shallow areas first. Only visit open cenotes, and do not cross any roped-off areas. Mayan ruins should also be on your itinerary. Heading south to Tulum, the ancient city is built on cliffs overlooking the Caribbean Sea, with stone walls, temples, and steps all facing the water—a rare seaside city among Mayan ruins. Go early in the morning when it's less crowded and the light is softer; it gets uncomfortably hot by noon. Driving further inland, you'll find the region's more famous Chichen Itza, an ancient Mayan city listed as a World Heritage Site in 1988, with the Kukulcan Pyramid standing in the center. You can make a day trip from Cancun, though it takes some time on the road. There is little shade at the ruins, so be sure to bring a hat, water, and sunscreen. Do not climb on the stone monuments or touch them with your hands. For dining and accommodation, the hotel zone offers everything from simple to luxurious options, with a wide range of prices, so check whether meals are included before booking. If you leave the hotel zone and head into the city, there are many local restaurants with reasonable prices. Tacos, grilled meats, and seafood soup are common, and a table for two is often more than enough food. Don't look for cheap seafood at roadside stalls without ice, as your stomach might not handle it. If you want to save money, local snack stalls and supermarkets in the city are also good options. Renting a car offers freedom, but be mindful of parking and road conditions; there are many intersections and motorcycles in the city, so stay alert. Taxis and private car hires are also common—just agree on the price before getting in. Ticket prices and opening hours change throughout the year, and day trips from Cancun can also vary. Ask the hotel front desk when you arrive, or keep an eye on the daily schedule posted at the entrance to avoid a wasted trip. On the day you leave, look back at the sea, with its colors layering all the way to the horizon. If you come back, you'll likely follow this same itinerary.

What people are saying about Tulum

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Tulum

Tulum is one of the last cities built and inhabited by the Mayan civilization, and it is also one of the best-preserved coastal Mayan ruins. Looking at the Caribbean Sea along the ruins, the scenery is really beautiful, and the water is very blue and clear.

SalaafungSalaafung

Parque Nacional Tulum

I'm glad to be here. It's definitely a great place for snorkeling. Everything in Haiti is so quiet and beautiful. Schools of fish swim around you. It's great.

M25***40M25***40

Xel-Ha Park

Wish I was able to get more photos of this place, but it is fantastic! We had free food and free drinks included with just regular entrance to the park. The place is very big and looks gorgeous. It offers all sorts of activities to do all over, and it has a very cool/refreshing natural pool to jump into. The quality of the food (which all the restaurants are buffets) is really well made and tastes great! It's fun for the whole family!

Robarth marliiRobarth marlii

Coba Pyramid Ruins

There are many Mayan ruins in Coba, Mexico. Coba is one of them. It is located on the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. The slope is very steep and some parts require climbing with hands and feet at the same time.

KarenkKarenk

Gran Cenote

It's a truly mystical place! I lost track of time and ended up swimming for a long time.

nyaanyaa

Cenote Nic Te Ha

best experience at the natural pool in mexican.felt like swimming in a huge fresh water pond!

BKTBKT

Casa Tortuga Tulum

Amazing and relaxing place! Tips: You can pay only in cash Business Hours: they are closing at 4:00pmReasons to Recommend: view

Anto’sAnto’s

Tulum FAQ

What currency is used in Tulum?

The standard currency in Tulum is MXN

How do I exchange currency in Tulum?

Current exchange rate approx.: VND ≈0.0007MXN (actual exchange rates depend on the bank). Currency exchange tips:
1. Exchange currency at your local bank before departure, as rates are usually better than at the destination.
2. You can also withdraw cash from local ATMs.
3. Avoid exchanging currency at airports or hotels, as they offer the worst rates.

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