About Muyil Mayan City and Lagoon

Located on the northern edge of the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve (just off Highway 307), the Muyil archaeological site offers a quiet respite from the super popular, but slightly overrated, Tulum Ruins (which are located near the downtown area).

The verdant site is home to a variety of ancient structures (it's believed to have been established as early as 300 B.C.), the most prominent among them being El Castillo, an impressive 55-foot pyramid and one of the tallest buildings in the Yucatán. Another must-see is the observation deck, which offers a bird's-eye view of the lagoon. If you continue along the path past the observation deck, you'll reach the lagoon, where boat tours are offered. Among the lush jungle setting, you'll find a variety of smaller pyramids, paths and ceremonial structures.

Many past visitors described their experience at Muyil as "relaxing" and "quiet" thanks to the lack of tourist crowds.

This is an additional coastal Maya ruin site, Tulum and Xel-Ha being the other Mayan settlements located on the Riviera Maya coast. There are two archeological sites in Muyil, but only one is open to the public. If you have research Muyil at length before you visit, archeologists refer to the public site as Muyil A and the private site as Muyil B.

• The settlement extends across 38 hectares of jungle.
• Only some of buildings have been excavated.
• Muyil was one of the earliest settlements on the Caribbean Coast.
• The Castillo (pyramid) is 57 feet high, the highest pyramid on the Riviera Maya Coast.
• The boardwalk to Muyil Lagoon is located at the end of Sac Be 1
• The Lagoon lookout is open to the public and shows spectacular views of Laguna Muyil and the jungle.
• Ceiba trees are located throughout the site. Alux (spirits) are thought to watch the trails, protecting those in the area. Known as the “tree of life,” Ceiba trees were believed to be the connection to the underworld for the Maya.