When we visited Mexico, we knew we wanted to explore some Mayan ruins. Since we were staying in Tulum, we visited some bigger ruins (like Coba), but not far from Tulum are the Muyil Ruins. The ruins are about 2 hours south of Cancun, and for us it was a 20 minute drive from Tulum. We rented a car in Cancun at Avant Car Rental, which allowed us to explore the Yucatan on our own schedule.
The ruins are easy to find, clearly marked along the highway, and also easy to find using Google Maps.
We parked near the entrance, and it seems like there is ample parking. There is a counter where you can pay for your admission to the ruins.
One of the things I wish they handed out at Mayan Ruins are maps, but the Muyil ruins are small enough to explore on your own. The paths around the ruins are well-maintained, and there is signage around the property. I loved the ambiance of Muyil, as we walked around the jungle.
The Muyil ruins date back to 300 BC, and it is very interesting to visit. It isn’t a far walk to the first set of buildings, only a minute or so from the entrance of the park.
The most impressive structure at Muyil is El Castillo.
What a difference from the other crowded ruins we have been to. Although you can’t climb on any of the bigger structures, it is nice to really absorb the visit without the crowds.
The grounds are not very big, so you can cover the area in a short amount of time. However, we had a nice time walking around. It gave us some time to stretch our legs and get some fresh air, enjoy the jungle and ruins. For the kids, they weren’t overly interested, but it was just the right length of time for exploring.
It was very peaceful morning at Muyil. There was only one other group there, of a couple tourists that had driven their own car. This was much different than other ruins like Coba or Chichen-Itza, where busloads of tourists are brought in. I recommend taking in the solitude, flora and fauna.
We meandered around Muyil for a couple hours, even taking the path to the entrance to the lagoon, although the gate was closed. I would love to go back sometime and add a trip to the Sian Ka’an nature reserve. We simply didn’t have time to add a Sian Ka’an tour this time.
Tips for your visit:
~ Bring bug spray. The ruins are truly in the jungle and there were lots of mosquitoes! We try to go with natural bug repellent (affiliate link) when we can.
~ I don’t think you need sunscreen, as most of the walkways are through the jungle.
~ There are bathrooms.
~ We did not see a gift shop or any items to purchase, although there were some shops across the highway, with foods and local crafts. They looked interesting but we didn’t have time to stop.
Check out my other Mexico posts here.
About the Author: Marysa
Busy blogger and mom of two girls! We love traveling and the great outdoors, and are always looking for our next adventure!
The Mayan ruins is certainly an interesting place to visit. I would find it fascinating. Wonderful photos.
Aren’t they just magical?! We always went to Cancun during hurricane season to avoid all the tourists. We got to visit Chichen Itza with very few others with us!! Its amazing the energy in the air there…almost electric!! I loved exploring the history!! One day I hope to go back and see more! We didn’t get to see these and they look super neat. Plus I love the lack of tourists!
How amazing to get to see the ruins up close like this. I have never been there, but would love to visit someday!
Never been any place in Mexico. If we ever visited it would be a area that has ruins like this to see and learn about.
Wow – these look beautiful. I’ve been to Mexico but a long time ago, with my family … I’d like to go back at some point. I did go briefly last year but only for a wine tour (we were staying in San Diego).
I remember learning about the Mayan ruins back in high school in Spanish class and promising myself that one day I would admire them with my own eyes. Hoping to make it a reality very soon! Loved reading your travel experience in Mexico!
I have been to Cozumel and Cancun and never visited the Mayan Ruins. This is one thing I want to do next time we are there. That pathway looks beautiful!
So cool! I would love to check out these ruins. I’m a huge fan of history.
Love all the photos you gathered up from this trip. Mexico has such amazing historical sites – would love to see them in person one day!
I went to mexico once many years ago. This looks like a beautiful destination. I would love to visit with the family one day.
Part of my 2018 adventures includes Mexico and now I can add muyil ruins to places I need to explore for sure. Thanks for the tips
Beautiful historical sites and awesome adventures. I love looking at photos from other’s adventures and these look great! Thanks for sharing.
It looks beautiful, I like checking out nature. Bringing mosquito repellent is a great idea, I never remember to do that.
That ruins reminds me of the Cagsawa Church ruins we had back in Asia. It’s always fascinating to see remains like that!
Good to know the ruins are small enough to explore on your own! I have been to Mexico several times but my husband and I have never made time to visit the ruins. Next time for sure!
I have always wanted to see Mexico’s ruins. They have always fascinated me.
I’ve always wanted to visit Mayan ruins. It just looks so beautiful and peaceful there.
Wow, these ruins are absolutely stunning. Isn’t it funny how when something is old and falling apart, it can still be breathtakingly beautiful? Just proves that art is timeless.
One of the best things that have fascinated me about Mexico has been the ruins. It’s on my bucket list!
Ruins truly do transport one back in time. Babushka was able to visit the more popular ones, and even those have you thinking about prior occupants and how their lives must have been.
I would love to see that temple in person one day. I’ve always been fascinated by temples and old architecture like that.
It would be so amazing to tour that temple! I love exploring historical sites like this. I think the kids would love it, too.
Read this recap and looking at the pics makes me sad! My husband and I have to go to Mexico this year, but WHO KNOWS when we will be able to do that!
Wow. I have always wanted to go to Mexico. They have these amazing places in the middle of nowhere and also the beaches and the food. That is my main motivation: Mexican food. Thanks for sharing those amazing pictures and your experience! Gonna keep those tips for when I go.
Wow, the Mayan Ruins look like a beautiful area to explore. I’ve only been to Mexico once, but not to this area. Next time I will have to make a visit here!
Didn’t know that the Muyil ruins exist before your post. Thank you for sharing this magnificent place.
Nnnniiicceeeeee…I wonder….was the El Castillo built in pure stone? I’d love to touch that.
Mexico has always been one of my favourite places to go. The ruins there are incredible to see for any age though. We have so many great photos of the time that we went to Chichen Itza. Hoping to return one day!
I have never been there but the Mayan Ruins looks really beautiful and an interesting place to visit. Hope to be there and explore that place, someday!
Wow how do you discover such historical and ancient places. I love visiting them. The Mayan ruins, need to keep this place in mind. The greenery and the stony path are also quite interesting.
This sounds like a really great place to visit and not have to deal with the crowds. love this experience, thanks for sharing!
Looks absolutely stunning there, it’s hard not think of all the things they have seen and will see in the future
It’s hard to think of my buildings these days lasting as long
those are some terrific tips. i definitely would need some bug spray! and i am surprised they have no shops like a european or american heritage site.
Those are awesome pictures, Marysa! I wish I would have visited there when I was in Cancun years ago. Time to go back! 🙂
I am confused about the Mayan ruins. It seems like there are several areas around Cancun to see them. For some reason I just assumed it was one area.
So awesome that you got to check out these ruins. Muyil Ruins are some of the coolest in the world.