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Zona Arqueológica Muyil

Yucatan  >  Mexico

Small ancient Maya site located within the northwest boundaries of the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve.

Added* by Santiago Rodriguez
Most recent update 1 March 2024

Description

Muyil was one of the earliest and longest inhabited ancient Maya sites on the eastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. The most iconic temple is the 12 mt tall El Castillo. This small Mayan site is located on the edge of the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve and therefore it is surprisingly rich in birds. You actually just walk through a jungle with some temples here and there. The basic entrance fee of 75 pesos lets you wander through the excavations and forest paths. If you want to walk the longer nature trail in the Sian Kaan reserve you pay an extra 75 pesos. This path leads you deeper into the jungle. And finally, for 1000 pesos you can also opt for a boat trip through the lagoon behind the ruins. We only visited the temples and the forest paths around them and found them to be very rich in birds.

The mature semi-deciduous jungle in the archaeological site of Muyil holds birds like Black-headed Trogon, Buff-bellied Hummingbird, Yucatan Woodpecker, Yucatan Vireo, Yucatan Jay, Yucatan Flycatcher, Green Jay and many species of woodcreepers, woodpeckers, flycatchers and migrant warblers. You also have a chance to see howler monkeys and spider monkeys.

Details

Access

Zona Arqueológica Muyil is located approximately 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) south of the coastal town of Tulum. You can park right in front of the entrance. Parking is free. Click on the P in the map for directions. Opening hours: from 9 am to 3 pm every day. Last access at 3 pm. Entrance fee: 75 MXN per person (2024). If you want to walk the nature trail in the Sian Kaan reserve you pay an extra 75 MXN. For 1000 MXN you can book a boat trip through the lagoon behind the ruins.

The Muyil ruins are very small and a well marked path will lead you to all the structures. Make sure you have mosquito repellent with you, because on some days the mosquitoes can be very present.

Terrain and Habitat

Forest

Conditions

Flat

Circular trail

Yes

Is a telescope useful?

No

Good birding season

All year round

Best time to visit

Winter , Spring

Route

Wide path

Difficulty walking trail

Easy

Accessible by

Foot

Birdwatching hide / platform

No

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