Muyil
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Muyil Ruins Chunyaxché

4.6
·3k reviews·Chunyaxché, Mexico

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, cooler temps

CrowdLow
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Muyil

Muyil Ruins Chunyaxché

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, cooler temps

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.6
(3k reviews)

"A tranquil Mayan escape with a magical floating canal ride, far more peaceful than Tulum."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎟️ 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.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Muyil Ruins

Muyil Ruins

Main archaeological site

Explore ancient Mayan temples nestled in the jungle, offering a more tranquil experience than Tulum.

Floating Canal Tour

Floating Canal Tour

Lagoon access point

Drift effortlessly down a natural canal, feeling the gentle current of the Sian Ka'an Biosphere.

Jungle Boardwalk

Jungle Boardwalk

Path from ruins to lagoon

A scenic walk through the lush jungle, spotting wildlife and smaller cenotes along the way.

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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds & Heat

Arrive early to explore the Muyil Ruins before the midday sun and tour groups. Consider visiting on a weekday for a more serene experience. The jungle can be humid, so light clothing and water are essential.

Lagoon Tour Essentials

The lagoon boat tour is a must-do, offering a unique floating experience. Book directly at the park for better prices and to support the local Mayan community. Remember, sunscreen and bug spray are not allowed on the boat tour.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon (before 3 PM)
Why
Lagoon tour is refreshing
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

TODO ESTO POR $2🇲🇽😲. #haciendadzoyaxché #kuxtal #reservaecologica #turismoyucatan
@mdicenking
14.9K likes • 221.3K views

🎟️ Entry Fees

Expect around 70 MXN for ruins, plus 50 MXN for the boardwalk trail. Boat tours are extra (approx. 1000 MXN). Reddit

🦟 Bug Spray is Key

Essential for the jungle boardwalk, but leave it behind for the boat tour. Reddit

📍 Site archéologique de Muyil / Mexique 🇲🇽 • • Ruines archéologiques de Chunyaxché plus communément appelée ruines de Muyil. A quelques dizaine de kilomètres au sud de Tulum, très facile d’accès en voiture, dans la réserve Sian Ka’an, il n’y a qu’une seule route qui vous y emmène, c’est pratique. Elles sont plus jolies que les ruines de Tulum. Mais le site est un peu petit. Vous pouvez fair...
cassihdin
119 likes • 0 views
None of this is manmade except if you count the Mayans cutting a canal over 1000 years ago to connect the lagoons. . . . . #UniqueExperiences @ Riviera Maya ✆WhatsApp or Call: +52 984 113 4522 www.xamanhaconnections.com . . . . #tulum #siankaan #travelgram #instatravel #trip #traveling #lagoon #photography #holiday #muyil #photooftheday #sun #sunrise #beautifuldestinations #nature #instagood #tbt...
xamanhaconnections
68 likes • 0 views

🛶 Book Boat Tour On-Site

Significantly cheaper than third-party operators and supports the local community. Reddit

👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes

You'll be exploring ruins and walking jungle paths. TikTok

Travel is a fantastic way to educate kids about the world. If you are planning to venture to the best family vacation spots in Tulum with your kids, be sure to visit the Floating Canals. . . . . . #UniqueExperiences @ ✆WhatsApp or Call: +52 984 113 4522 www.xamanhaconnections.com . . . . . . #tulum #tulumvibes #travelgram #azulik #instatravel #trip #traveling #cenote #photography #holiday #grancen...
xamanhaconnections
61 likes • 0 views

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). Reddit

🦟 Bug Spray is Key

Essential for the jungle boardwalk, but leave it behind for the boat tour. Reddit

🛶 Book Boat Tour On-Site

Significantly cheaper than third-party operators and supports the local community. Reddit

👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes

You'll be exploring ruins and walking jungle paths. TikTok

💧 Stay Hydrated

The jungle heat can be intense; bring plenty of water. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.6
(3k reviews)

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

Peaceful ruins
Magical floating canal
Affordable on-site tours

What People Dislike

Mosquitoes on boardwalk
Sunscreen restriction

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. TikTok

Yes, Muyil Ruins are situated within the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, offering a unique blend of archaeological history and natural beauty. Instagram

Absolutely! The site has signs in multiple languages, making it easy to explore at your own pace without a guide. Reddit

Yes, free parking is available at the entrance of the archaeological site. Reddit

For larger groups, renting a van or hiring a private driver might be more cost-effective and convenient than individual taxis. Reddit

🎫 🎫 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Yes, sunscreen and large bug repellent are not allowed on the boat tour to protect the delicate ecosystem of the Sian Ka'an Biosphere. Reddit

Drones are permitted, but there is an additional fee of 50 MXN for their use. Reddit

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. TikTok

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Visitors have reported seeing snakes on the jungle path and hearing monkeys. The lagoon tour may offer chances to spot manatees and turtles. Reddit

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. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There is a refreshment place and souvenir shop located across the road from the entrance to the ruins. Reddit

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. Instagram

Yes, there is an additional fee of 50 MXN for professional camera equipment. Reddit

Yes, you can take photos, but be mindful of protecting your equipment from water. Remember, sunscreen is not allowed, so consider waterproof cases. Instagram

Early morning or late afternoon generally offers softer light and fewer crowds, making for better photography conditions. Instagram

Drones are permitted at Muyil Ruins, but there is a specific fee of 50 MXN for their use. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Muyil Ruins offers a fantastic educational outing for families. The archaeological site is compact enough for children to explore without getting too tired, and the jungle setting is captivating. The highlight for kids is undoubtedly the floating canal tour; it's like a natural water park! Instagram

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. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

Muyil is a great option for budget-conscious travelers looking for an authentic experience. The entry fees for the ruins and the boardwalk are very reasonable. The key to saving money is booking the lagoon boat tour directly at the park, which is a fraction of the cost compared to booking with tour agencies in Tulum. Reddit

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. TikTok

🌿 Nature & Wildlife Enthusiasts

Muyil and its surrounding Sian Ka'an Biosphere offer a rich natural experience. The jungle boardwalk is a prime spot for birdwatching and spotting other wildlife like iguanas and snakes. Reddit The floating canal tour provides a unique opportunity to connect with the serene aquatic environment. While sightings aren't guaranteed, there's a chance to see manatees and turtles during the boat excursion. Reddit

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. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Muyil Ruins: A Glimpse into Mayan History

Muyil, also known as Chunyaxché, is an ancient Mayan archaeological site located just south of Tulum. Its history spans a significant period, with artifacts dating from the Preclassic period (300 BCE) through to the Postclassic period (around 1500 CE). Unlike the more famous Tulum, Muyil offers a more intimate and less crowded experience, allowing visitors to truly immerse themselves in the jungle surroundings and the remnants of Mayan civilization. The site features several structures, including a main pyramid known as 'El Castillo,' and smaller temples, all set amidst lush vegetation. TikTok

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. Reddit

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. Instagram

The Enchanting Floating Canal Experience

One of the most captivating aspects of visiting Muyil is the opportunity to experience the floating canals within the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve. This unique activity involves a boat tour that takes you through a man-made Mayan canal, connecting the Muyil lagoon to other water bodies. Once you reach a certain point, you disembark and are guided to simply float down the gentle current of the natural river. Instagram

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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