Muyil Tours
Stretching along the banks of a coastal lagoon, the Maya ruins of Muyil are undeniably photogenic and less visited than the nearby sites of Tulum and Coba. Dominated by the steep-walled, 56-foot-tall (17-meter-tall) El Castillo, one of the region’s tallest pyramids, the Muyil ruins are an example of Peten architecture, similar to Tikal in Guatemala.
The Basics
Set on the edge of the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve on the Yucatan Peninsula, Muyil is a worthwhile detour with a number of significant ruins to explore, as well as an observation tower that offers views overlooking the neighboring lagoon. The ancient settlement is estimated to date back to as early as 300 BC. Remaining structures include the Sacbé, a 15-foot-wide (5-meter-wide) ancient road, and the Pink Palace, known for its well-preserved stuccos. Tours from Tulum and Cancun combine stops at Sian Ka'an and Muyil.
Things to Know Before You Go
How to Get There
Muyil is located by the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, around 12 miles (20 kilometers) south of Tulum. If you’re driving, take Highway 307; a sign marks the entrance. You can also grab a bus (or colectivo) from Tulum to Felipe Carrillo, a town located on the edge of the reserve. Wait time for a bus is typically 15 minutes.
When to Get There
The best time to experience the Muyil ruins is during the region’s dry season (from December to April), when there are fewer mosquitos and less humidity. But this is also when you’ll run into the biggest crowds; January to March is the busiest time for tourism. If you’re traveling on your own, try to arrive early in the morning to avoid the bus tours.
The Chacchoben Ruins
Located about 110 miles (177 kilometers) south of Tulum and a 1.5-hour drive from Muyil, the Chacchoben ruins are the largest and most visited Maya archaeological site in Costa Maya. The mostly unexcavated site is a popular day-trip option from Cancun and surrounding cities, as well as for cruise ship passengers from the Costa Maya port.
The Basics
Set on the edge of the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve on the Yucatan Peninsula, Muyil is a worthwhile detour with a number of significant ruins to explore, as well as an observation tower that offers views overlooking the neighboring lagoon. The ancient settlement is estimated to date back to as early as 300 BC. Remaining structures include the Sacbé, a 15-foot-wide (5-meter-wide) ancient road, and the Pink Palace, known for its well-preserved stuccos. Tours from Tulum and Cancun combine stops at Sian Ka'an and Muyil.
Things to Know Before You Go
- A raised boardwalk trail (accessible for a small fee) leads to Sian Ka'an and to the observation tower that overlooks the lagoon.
- Bathrooms are available at the entrance to the site.
- It’s a steep ascent up the observation tower.
- Be sure to bring insect repellent, especially during rainy season.
How to Get There
Muyil is located by the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, around 12 miles (20 kilometers) south of Tulum. If you’re driving, take Highway 307; a sign marks the entrance. You can also grab a bus (or colectivo) from Tulum to Felipe Carrillo, a town located on the edge of the reserve. Wait time for a bus is typically 15 minutes.
When to Get There
The best time to experience the Muyil ruins is during the region’s dry season (from December to April), when there are fewer mosquitos and less humidity. But this is also when you’ll run into the biggest crowds; January to March is the busiest time for tourism. If you’re traveling on your own, try to arrive early in the morning to avoid the bus tours.
The Chacchoben Ruins
Located about 110 miles (177 kilometers) south of Tulum and a 1.5-hour drive from Muyil, the Chacchoben ruins are the largest and most visited Maya archaeological site in Costa Maya. The mostly unexcavated site is a popular day-trip option from Cancun and surrounding cities, as well as for cruise ship passengers from the Costa Maya port.
Address: Reforma Agraria-Puerto Juárez km 25, Chunyaxche, Felipe Carrillo Puerto, Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico 77710, Mexico
12 Tours and Activities to Experience Muyil
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Sian Ka'An and Muyil Archaeological Site Tour from Tulum
Explore the structures of Muyil, a Maya archaeological site amid the mangroves of Sian Ka'an, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. This excursion from Tulum takes you to the former trading post along an interpretive nature trail before a boat ride to Muyil Lagoon. Then enjoy a relaxing float down the shallow canal as you drift past unique vegetation. Learn from your guide about the ecology of the area and the Maya civilization before a picnic lunch.
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From
$131.13
From
$131.13
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Private tour to arqueological zone Muyil and Sian Kaan Biosfhere
Experience the Yucatan’s rich nature and history on this excursion in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere. After a convenient hotel pickup, marvel at the reserve’s lagoons and mangroves on a rainforest trek, take a boat trip through its turquoise lagoons, and cruise through an ancient Mayan canal at Xtlapak ruins. Enjoy a complimentary lunch and stop by Playa Del Carmen on the way back to your hotel.
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From
$346.67
Price varies by group size
From
$346.67
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Private - Sian Ka'An and Muyil Archaeological Site Tour from Tulum
The archaeological site of Muyil is located in the northern part of the Sian Ka'an Biosphere reserve. This ancient Mayan trading post is the perfect place to enjoy astounding Mayan temples such as the 17 meters (57 ft) building known as El Castillo in the incredibly diverse semi-deciduous forest of Sian Ka'an. From the archaeological site you will take an interpretive trail towards the tallest observation point of Sian Ka'an to admire the exuberant vegetation of the jungle and the fresh water wetlands. Once you reach the Muyil lagoon, you will take a boat across two lagoons connected by an artificial canal that has been in use for many centuries. Xlapak is the name of the building at the beginning of the lazy river and the start of an incredible floating experience in crystal clear pluvial water on its way to the Caribbean ocean. You will float for over 30 minutes surrounded by mangroves, orchids, bromeliads. A delicious vegetarian picnic with seasonal fruits is included in the tour.
…More
From
$290.00
Price varies by group size
From
$290.00
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Bird Watching in Sian Ka´an and Muyil Archaeological Site from Tulum
About 20 minutes south of Tulum, we have the opportunity to enjoy an incredible bird diversity, learn about the current Maya culture and the ancient Maya civilization as we walk and look for birds in the village and archaeological site of Muyil.
We explore different habitats in the village with different types of vegetation: mature semi-deciduous jungle in the archaeological site of Muyil and some fresh water wetlands as we walk through flooded jungle using a boardwalk until we reach a fresh water lagoon.
On this tour it is possible to identify from 40 to 80 species of birds (depending on the time of the year).
Depending on the availability of boats, there is also the possibility to add a boat trip across two lagoons and a lazy river floating experience to this tour. We float in a truly unique setting, listening to the sounds of nature, among mangroves, orchids & bromeliads. A calming experience like nothing you have experienced before.
…More
From
$136.35
Price varies by group size
From
$136.35
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Sian Ka'an Floating Canal Experience
Experience a floating session in the ancient Mayan canals of Sian Ka'an Biosphere
Learn more about the amazing animals and plants that live here.T
This is a great tour for the whole family.
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From
$148.72
From
$148.72
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Sian Ka'an Adventure (small group)
This adventure takes you into the heart of the wild Sian Ka'an Biosphere, while also getting into some of the local ancient Mayan history! We will take our time exploring the famous turquoise clear, cool canals throughout the biosphere! In addition to the biosphere, we will visit the Mayan ruins in the Mayan town of Muyil. You will learn about the local culture and the area's history, see examples of the local wildlife, and eat a delicious local lunch. We do not rush your tour. Our priority is that you have an unforgettable experience, not a rushed day. Our tour guides are very experienced locals, licensed, and have a true passion for sharing their knowledge and experiences with others.
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From
$159.00
From
$159.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Sian Kaan Lagoons Through Muyil Ruins & Cenote Escondido
Amazing views, also wildlife. Beautiful lagoons connected between them by canals. Follow a Mayan commerce route from an ancient Mayan city to a jungle path and then ride a boat on the lagoons and canals, then jump in to the water and lazy float on the current of a canal. In the way back we stop in Cenote Escondido for snack and bathing on its pristine waters.
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From
$174.36
From
$174.36
Birdwatching in Sian Ka´an and Muyil Archaeological Site from Tulum
About 20 minutes south of Tulum, we have the opportunity to enjoy an incredible bird diversity, learn about the current Maya culture and the ancient Maya civilization as we walk and look for birds in the village and archaeological site of Muyil.
We explore different habitats in the village with different types of vegetation: mature semi-deciduous jungle in the archaeological site of Muyil and some fresh water wetlands as we walk through flooded jungle using a boardwalk until we reach a fresh water lagoon.
On this tour it is possible to identify from 40 to 80 species of birds (depending on the time of the year).
Depending on the availability of boats, there is also the possibility to add a boat trip across two lagoons and a lazy river floating experience to this tour. We float in a truly unique setting, listening to the sounds of nature, among mangroves, orchids & bromeliads. A calming experience like nothing you have experienced before.
…More
From
$136.35
Price varies by group size
From
$136.35
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Bird Watching in Sian Ka´an and Muyil Archaeological Site from Akumal
About 20 minutes south of Tulum, we have the opportunity to enjoy an incredible bird diversity, learn about the current Maya culture and the ancient Maya civilization as we walk and look for birds in the village and archaeological site of Muyil.
We explore different habitats in the village with different types of vegetation: mature semi-deciduous jungle in the archaeological site of Muyil and some fresh water wetlands as we walk through flooded jungle using a boardwalk until we reach a fresh water lagoon.
On this tour it is possible to identify from 40 to 80 species of birds (depending on the time of the year).
Depending on the availability of boats, there is also the possibility to add a boat trip across two lagoons and a lazy river floating experience to this tour. We float in a truly unique setting, listening to the sounds of nature, among mangroves, orchids & bromeliads. A calming experience like nothing you have experienced before.
…More
From
$136.35
Price varies by group size
From
$136.35
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Bird Watching in Sian Ka´an and Muyil Archaeological Site from Playa del Carmen
About 20 minutes south of Tulum, we have the opportunity to enjoy an incredible bird diversity, learn about the current Maya culture and the ancient Maya civilization as we walk and look for birds in the village and archaeological site of Muyil.
We explore different habitats in the village with different types of vegetation: mature semi-deciduous jungle in the archaeological site of Muyil and some fresh water wetlands as we walk through flooded jungle using a boardwalk until we reach a fresh water lagoon.
On this tour it is possible to identify from 40 to 80 species of birds (depending on the time of the year).
Depending on the availability of boats, there is also the possibility to add a boat trip across two lagoons and a lazy river floating experience to this tour. We float in a truly unique setting, listening to the sounds of nature, among mangroves, orchids & bromeliads. A calming experience like nothing you have experienced before.
…More
From
$136.35
Price varies by group size
From
$136.35
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Sian Ka'an and Muyil Archaeological Site Tour from Akumal
The archaeological site of Muyil is located in the northern part of the Sian Ka'an Biosphere reserve. This ancient Mayan trading post is the perfect place to enjoy astounding Mayan temples such as the 17 meters (57 ft) building known as El Castillo in the incredibly diverse semi-deciduous forest of Sian Ka'an. From the archaeological site you will take an interpretive trail towards the tallest observation point of Sian Ka'an to admire the exuberant vegetation of the jungle and the fresh water wetlands. Once you reach the Muyil lagoon, you will take a boat across two lagoons connected by an artificial canal that has been in use for many centuries. Xlapak is the name of the building at the beginning of the lazy river and the start of an incredible floating experience in crystal clear pluvial water on its way to the Caribbean ocean. You will float for over 30 minutes surrounded by mangroves, orchids, bromeliads. A delicious vegetarian picnic with seasonal fruits is included in the tour.
…More
From
$131.13
From
$131.13
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Sian Ka'an and Muyil Archaeological Site Tour from Playa Del Carmen
The archaeological site of Muyil is located in the northern part of the Sian Ka'an Biosphere reserve. This ancient Mayan trading post is the perfect place to enjoy astounding Mayan temples such as the 17 meters (57 ft) building known as El Castillo in the incredibly diverse semi-deciduous forest of Sian Ka'an. From the archaeological site you will take an interpretive trail towards the tallest observation point of Sian Ka'an to admire the exuberant vegetation of the jungle and the fresh water wetlands. Once you reach the Muyil lagoon, you will take a boat across two lagoons connected by an artificial canal that has been in use for many centuries. Xlapak is the name of the building at the beginning of the lazy river and the start of an incredible floating experience in crystal clear pluvial water on its way to the Caribbean ocean. You will float for over 30 minutes surrounded by mangroves, orchids, bromeliads. A delicious vegetarian picnic with seasonal fruits is included in the tour.
…More
From
$131.13
From
$131.13
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Things to do near Tulum
- Things to do in Riviera Maya & the Yucatan
- Things to do in Playa del Carmen
- Things to do in Cozumel
- Things to do in Valladolid
- Things to do in Cancun
- Things to do in Chichen Itza
- Things to do in Isla Holbox
- Things to do in Costa Maya
- Things to do in Bacalar
- Things to do in Merida
- Things to do in Ambergris Caye
- Things to do in Hopkins
- Things to do in Placencia
- Things to do in The Cayes
- Things to do in Petén