Travel Guide Muyil

23 km south of Tulum, Muyil - a name known since colonial times (also known as Chunyaxché) - is an ancient Mayan community on the edge of the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve. It is also one of the gateways to the reserve, offering access to both archaeological remains and splendid lagoon systems. The archaeological city of Muyil is located 12 km from the coast, but is connected to the sea by a system of canals and lagoons. It is the most important of the twenty or so archaeological remains to be found in Sian Ka'an. The origins of the 40-hectare city date back to the 4th century B.C., but it was not until around A.D. 250 that new foundations were built in a style similar to that of the Petén. From the 7th century onwards, architectural activity declined and tended to disappear until the mid-13th century, when there was a revival in a style typical of the entire Caribbean coast. The city was still inhabited when the Spanish conquistadors arrived. The site then fell into neglect, until it was reinvested by Mayan rebels in the 19th century. Until recently, Muyil was located on the trail that linked two of the five sanctuaries of the Cruz Parlante Maya: Tulum Pueblo and Chumpón. At the far end of the archaeological site, an interpretive trail leads to the pier from which boats depart for Sian Ka'an.