
Muyil Ruins Chunyaxché
Ancient Mayan ruins nestled in the jungle, leading to a serene floating canal experience in Sian Ka'an.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps

Muyil Ruins Chunyaxché
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ancient Mayan ruins nestled in the jungle, leading to a serene floating canal experience in Sian Ka'an.
"A tranquil Mayan escape with a magical floating canal ride, far more peaceful than Tulum."

🎟️ Entry Fees
Expect around 70 MXN for ruins, plus 50 MXN for the boardwalk trail. Boat tours are extra (approx. 1000 MXN).
🦟 Bug Spray is Key
Essential for the jungle boardwalk, but leave it behind for the boat tour.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Muyil Ruins
Main archaeological site
Explore ancient Mayan temples nestled in the jungle, offering a more tranquil experience than Tulum.

Floating Canal Tour
Lagoon access point
Drift effortlessly down a natural canal, feeling the gentle current of the Sian Ka'an Biosphere.

Jungle Boardwalk
Path from ruins to lagoon
A scenic walk through the lush jungle, spotting wildlife and smaller cenotes along the way.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Heat
Lagoon Tour Essentials
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Entry Fees
Expect around 70 MXN for ruins, plus 50 MXN for the boardwalk trail. Boat tours are extra (approx. 1000 MXN).
🦟 Bug Spray is Key
Essential for the jungle boardwalk, but leave it behind for the boat tour.
🛶 Book Boat Tour On-Site
Significantly cheaper than third-party operators and supports the local community.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
You'll be exploring ruins and walking jungle paths.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Entry Fees
Expect around 70 MXN for ruins, plus 50 MXN for the boardwalk trail. Boat tours are extra (approx. 1000 MXN).
🦟 Bug Spray is Key
Essential for the jungle boardwalk, but leave it behind for the boat tour.
🛶 Book Boat Tour On-Site
Significantly cheaper than third-party operators and supports the local community.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
You'll be exploring ruins and walking jungle paths.
💧 Stay Hydrated
The jungle heat can be intense; bring plenty of water.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the tranquil beauty of Muyil Ruins and the magical floating canal experience, often highlighting it as a more peaceful alternative to Tulum. The affordability of booking tours directly at the site is a significant plus, supporting the local Mayan community. Some note the presence of mosquitoes and the restriction on sunscreen for the boat tour.
"70 pesos per person to enter. Plus 50 pesos for drones or (professional) camera equipment. Plus 50 pesos to walk the wooden path from the ruins to the lagoon.
Well worth the entry fee and a few hours exploring. We did see a snake whilst walking along the path, can you spot it in my photo?
The park has written signs in three languages so you don’t need a tour guide, although they do work the area.
Parking is free at the entrance and there is a refreshment place and souvenirs across the road."
Jourdain W
"Fantastic ruins and a park that’s small enough to get through in the couple hours with the boat tour. Bring bug spray.
The lagoon boat tour was wonderful as you have the opportunity to “swim” in the natural canal. It’s “swimming” because the current is so strong it feels like a lazy river! Enjoyed the whole experience a lot."
Sarah Candee
"Definitely add on the boat tour. It was 1,000 pesos when you buy it from the park. It's so worth it to see that part. There is another smaller ruin they take you to, and the view of the biosphere is amazing. You get to float a section of it, which is refreshing after you walk the ruins and the path through the park. They don't allow sunscreen or big repelant if you are going on the boat tour. There are definitely mosquitoes during the walk through the trail."
Kristiana Spehr
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Muyil Ruins are located about 20-30 minutes south of Tulum. You can easily drive there, as there's only one road leading to it. Taxis are also an option, but can be more expensive. Some travelers opt for colectivos (shared vans) heading towards Coba and ask to be dropped off near Muyil, then take a short taxi ride.
Yes, Muyil Ruins are situated within the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, offering a unique blend of archaeological history and natural beauty.
Absolutely! The site has signs in multiple languages, making it easy to explore at your own pace without a guide.
Yes, free parking is available at the entrance of the archaeological site.
For larger groups, renting a van or hiring a private driver might be more cost-effective and convenient than individual taxis.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the ruins is typically around 70 MXN per person. There's an additional 50 MXN fee for the wooden path leading to the lagoon. Professional camera equipment may also incur a fee.
The lagoon boat tour, which includes floating in the natural canal, costs approximately 1000 MXN when booked directly at the park. Booking through third-party operators is significantly more expensive.
Yes, sunscreen and large bug repellent are not allowed on the boat tour to protect the delicate ecosystem of the Sian Ka'an Biosphere.
Drones are permitted, but there is an additional fee of 50 MXN for their use.
Tickets can usually be purchased on-site upon arrival. It's advisable to check for any updated policies closer to your travel date.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Muyil features ancient Mayan temple ruins, including the 'El Castillo' pyramid, and artifacts dating from 300 BCE to 1500 CE. The site is smaller and less crowded than Tulum, offering a more intimate historical experience.
The lagoon tour allows you to float down a natural canal with a gentle current, feeling like a lazy river. It's a refreshing and unique way to experience the Sian Ka'an Biosphere after exploring the ruins.
While you can float and drift in the canals, it's not typically described as 'swimming' due to the current. It's more of a relaxing drift.
Visitors have reported seeing snakes on the jungle path and hearing monkeys. The lagoon tour may offer chances to spot manatees and turtles.
Yes, Muyil can be a great educational experience for kids. The ruins are manageable in size, and the floating canal offers a fun, unique activity.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There is a refreshment place and souvenir shop located across the road from the entrance to the ruins.
While not explicitly forbidden, it's always good practice to check local regulations. However, given the natural setting, packing light and minimizing waste is recommended.
For more extensive dining options, you'll likely need to return to Tulum or explore nearby towns. Muyil itself is more focused on the archaeological and natural experience.
📸 📸 Photography
The jungle setting, the ancient stone structures, and the serene lagoon offer beautiful photographic opportunities. The wooden boardwalk provides unique perspectives.
Yes, there is an additional fee of 50 MXN for professional camera equipment.
Yes, you can take photos, but be mindful of protecting your equipment from water. Remember, sunscreen is not allowed, so consider waterproof cases.
Early morning or late afternoon generally offers softer light and fewer crowds, making for better photography conditions.
Drones are permitted at Muyil Ruins, but there is a specific fee of 50 MXN for their use.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tips for families: Bring plenty of water and snacks, as options are limited. Ensure kids wear comfortable shoes for walking. While bug spray is essential for the jungle path, remember it's not allowed on the boat tour, so consider long sleeves and pants for protection. The educational aspect of learning about Mayan history can be a great conversation starter for young minds.
💰 Budget Travelers
Consider using colectivos to get closer to Muyil from Tulum, and then taking a short taxi ride to the entrance. This can be more economical than a direct taxi. Packing your own water and snacks will also help keep costs down.
🌿 Nature & Wildlife Enthusiasts
Remember to be respectful of the environment. Avoid using sunscreen or strong repellents on the boat tour to protect the water quality. The sounds of the jungle and the vibrant greenery make this a truly immersive nature escape.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Muyil Ruins: A Glimpse into Mayan History
The strategic location of Muyil, near the coast and connected by canals to the lagoons, suggests it was an important trading post for the Maya. The presence of these ancient waterways highlights their advanced understanding of engineering and their connection to the natural environment. Exploring the ruins provides a tangible link to this fascinating past, with the sounds of the jungle often accompanying the exploration.
Visitors often remark on the peaceful atmosphere of Muyil, contrasting it with the bustling energy of larger Mayan sites. The well-maintained paths and informative signs in multiple languages make it accessible for independent exploration, allowing each visitor to discover the history at their own pace. It's a place where history and nature intertwine beautifully.
The Enchanting Floating Canal Experience
The experience is often described as a 'lazy river' ride, where the natural flow of the water carries you effortlessly through the serene jungle landscape. The water is crystal clear, and the surrounding mangroves and lush vegetation create a tranquil and almost magical ambiance. It's a perfect way to cool off and relax after exploring the archaeological ruins, offering a different perspective on the region's natural wonders.
It's crucial to note that to preserve the delicate ecosystem, visitors are not permitted to wear sunscreen or strong insect repellent on the boat tour. This ensures the water remains pristine for the flora and fauna. Booking this tour directly at the Muyil site is highly recommended, as it's significantly more affordable than through external tour operators and directly benefits the local Mayan community that helps protect this incredible natural area.




Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit