Day trip from:

Muyil Archaeological Zone

Budget-friendly Maya ruins at 70 MXN—gateway to Sian Ka'an with minimal crowds

1-2 hours for ruins only, half day with Sian Ka'an boat tour

70 MXN(Archaeological site 70 MXN ($4). Boardwalk to lagoon additional 50 MXN. Boat tours into Sian Ka'an 650-800 MXN per person. Free Sundays for Mexican residents with INE.)

Early morning (8-10 AM) for cooler temperatures and best wildlife activity. Boat tours operate roughly 10 AM-3 PM so plan accordingly if continuing to Sian Ka'an. Avoid midday heat. Year-round site—no seasonal restrictions.

Overview

Muyil (also called Chunyaxché) offers an authentic archaeological experience without Tulum's crowds or Chichén Itzá's prices. At just 70 MXN ($4 USD) entry, this jungle-shrouded site features a 17-meter pyramid, ancient sacbé (white road), and serves as the primary gateway to Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve. **Why visit Muyil:** - Entry just 70 MXN vs. Tulum's 515-622 MXN or Chichén Itzá's 648 MXN - Minimal crowds—often have the site nearly to yourself - Atmospheric jungle setting with howler monkeys frequently heard - 500-meter boardwalk (additional 50 MXN) leads to Chunyaxché Lagoon - Boat tours into Sian Ka'an depart from the lagoon (650-800 MXN) **Archaeological significance:** Muyil was one of the earliest and longest-inhabited Maya cities on the east coast (300 BCE to 1500 CE), serving as a trading hub connected to Cobá via an 100-km sacbé. The Castillo pyramid, though smaller than famous sites, offers a genuine archaeological experience without commercial development. **All INAH sites including Muyil are free on Sundays for Mexican residents with INE.**

Highlights

Entry just 70 MXN ($4 USD)—best value archaeological site in Riviera Maya

Minimal crowds compared to Tulum, Cobá, or Chichén Itzá

El Castillo pyramid (17 meters) in atmospheric jungle setting

Howler monkeys frequently heard in surrounding forest

Ancient sacbé (Maya white road) once connected to Cobá 100 km away

Boardwalk to Chunyaxché Lagoon (additional 50 MXN)

Gateway to Sian Ka'an Biosphere—boat tours depart from lagoon

One of the oldest Maya coastal settlements (300 BCE-1500 CE)

Free on Sundays for Mexican residents with INE

Combine with Sian Ka'an for full day: ruins + boardwalk + boat tour (~1,120 MXN total)

25 minutes south of Tulum via Highway 307

Colectivos from Tulum drop at entrance (~30-40 MXN)

Practical Information

Suggested Duration

1-2 hours for ruins only, half day with Sian Ka'an boat tour

Entrance Fee

70 MXN

Archaeological site 70 MXN ($4). Boardwalk to lagoon additional 50 MXN. Boat tours into Sian Ka'an 650-800 MXN per person. Free Sundays for Mexican residents with INE.

Best Time to Visit

How to Get There

Car/RentalColectivoTaxiOrganized Tour

Location

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More Day Trips Nearby

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Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve

UNESCO biosphere with dolphins, manatees, and ancient Maya canals—DIY from Muyil or guided Punta Allen tours

Half day (Muyil entrance) or full day (Punta Allen tour)1120 MXN

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Plan Your Base

Explore the destinations where you can make this a day trip.

Riviera Maya Tulum Playa del Carmen