Muyil
Muyil (also known as Chunyaxché) was one of the earliest and longest-inhabited ancient Maya sites on the eastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. Muyil is located approximately 15 km south of the famous site of Tulum.
Muyil was an important Maya city with a long history due to its location. The original name of the site is unknown. Muyil is the name by which one of the lagoons adjacent to the site has been known since the Colonial era.
Muyil is also known as Chunyaxché.
The original name of the site is unknown. “Muyil” comes from one of the nearby lagoons, while “Chunyaxché” is the name of another lagoon in the same area. Over time, both names have been associated with the ancient city.
The site played a key role in Maya history due to its strategic location.
Many artifacts found here date from 350 BCE to 1200–1500 CE. The ruins of Muyil are an example of Petén architecture similar to that found in southern Maya sites with steep-walled pyramids, such as Tikal in Guatemala.
The first evidence of settlement dates back to 300–50 BCE when Muyil had connections with northern Belize and southern Quintana Roo. For much of its history, Muyil is thought to have had close ties to the center of Coba.
These connections faded in the late Classic, as Muyil grew closer to the Yucatán Peninsula and experienced population growth, leading to the construction of many preserved buildings.
By the Early Classic (250–600 AD), Muyil had become a major city, building Petén-style structures. A few centuries later, in the Early Postclassic (1000–1200), it maintained contact first with Chichén Itzá, then with Mayapán.
During the Late Postclassic Period (1200–1450 CE), most of the known buildings in Muyil were built. Muyil became an important part of the coastal trade networks of the Yucatan Peninsula, increasing its influence in the area.
Muyil is located along a Caribbean trade route, once accessible through a series of canals. Among the most commonly traded goods were jade, obsidian, chocolate, honey, feathers, chewing gum, and salt.
Tourist information
Muyil archaeological site is located within the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve.
The archaeological site of Muyil and the surrounding area are protected from large-scale construction or tourism infrastructure. Visitors can explore the ruins and nearby lagoons while following conservation guidelines.
The area is home to diverse wildlife, including jaguars, manatees, crocodiles, and hundreds of bird species. Muyil is one of the ancient Maya sites to visit, especially if you’re interested in history, nature, and eco-tourism.
Best Time to Visit
- Morning (8:00 – 10:00) or late afternoon to avoid crowds and heat.
- December – April is the driest and best season.
Entrance & Fees
- Muyil Ruins Entrance Fee: Around USD 4
- Hours: 8:00 – 17:00 daily
- If you want to explore the canals and lagoons, there is an extra fee.
Visit the Lagoons & Floating Canals
- Walk the wooden boardwalk through Sian Ka’an Reserve to the lagoon viewpoint.
- Take a boat tour on the Muyil and Chunyaxché lagoons, where you can float down ancient Maya canals.
- Spot wildlife like birds, fish, and even manatees!
How to visit Muyil
Muyil is about 20 minutes south of Tulum on Highway 307.
- It is around 170 km from Cancun (about a 2-hour drive).
- Free parking is available near the entrance.
By bus or local shared van (collectivo):
- Take a colectivo (shared van) from Tulum towards Felipe Carrillo Puerto.
- Tell the driver you want to stop at Zona Arqueológica Muyil.
- From the drop-off point, it’s a short walk to the entrance.
Guided tour:
- Many eco-tours include Muyil ruins + a boat trip through the Sian Ka’an lagoons.
- These tours often include transportation, a guide, and sometimes lunch.
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