National Geographic included Maya Ka’an in its Best of the World 2027 list of 25 destinations. For those of us in Puerto Morelos, it is a reminder that some of the region’s most rewarding experiences lie beyond the familiar Riviera Maya stops.

A Global Spotlight on Quintana Roo

The recognition highlights Maya Ka’an’s jungles, lagoons, cenotes, wildlife and living Maya culture. Community-based tourism is part of that appeal, connecting visitors with local guides, traditions and conservation efforts.

Living Culture and Wild Nature

Maya Ka’an stretches across central and southern Quintana Roo, south of the Riviera Maya. Its communities offer experiences built around local food, crafts, history and knowledge of the land, with activities varying by community and operator.

Muyil is one of the most accessible places to begin exploring the region. You can visit its ancient temples and forest paths, then join a guided boat trip through nearby lagoons and canals.

The surrounding Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve protects about 1.3 million acres of mangroves, lagoons, wetlands and other habitats. It is home to abundant wildlife, including hundreds of bird species, manatees and crocodiles, although sightings depend on the route and conditions.

Beyond Muyil: More of Maya Ka’an to Explore

Muyil is a good starting point, but Maya Ka’an has much more to discover. National Geographic’s feature also points readers toward Punta Allen, Señor and Tihosuco, where the experiences range from time on the water to meals and stories shared by local hosts.

Lagoon Days and Coastal Wildlife

At Muyil and in Sian Ka’an, the appeal is as much about the landscape as the ruins: quiet lagoons, mangroves and birdlife. Punta Allen offers a different coastal outing, with boat excursions into Ascension Bay to look for dolphins, sea turtles and other wildlife.

Farther inland, Síijil Noh Há offers another way to enjoy the region’s lagoon scenery. It sits within the community-managed Much Kanan K’aax reserve, where protecting the forest and waterways is part of the visitor experience.

Embroidery, Home Cooking and Maya Hospitality

In X-Pichil, traditional embroidery gives visitors a chance to appreciate the skill behind handmade Maya textiles. Ask about workshop visits and buying directly from the people who make them.

Señor is a place to explore Maya food and farming traditions with local families. Depending on the experience you arrange, that might mean handmade tortillas, sikil pak, a pumpkin-seed dip, or chiltomate, a roasted tomato salsa.

Forest Knowledge and Living History

A guided forest walk around Chunhuhub can introduce you to plants used in traditional Maya medicine and the knowledge passed down through families. In Tihosuco, the focus shifts to the Caste War and the communities whose history is still closely tied to it.

These stops are spread across the region, so think of them as ideas for separate outings rather than one packed day trip. Contact community hosts ahead of time to confirm availability, transportation and what your visit includes.

Getting There from Puerto Morelos

For a first visit, Muyil makes a manageable day trip without trying to cover all of Maya Ka’an at once. The ruins and nearby lagoon excursions offer a mix of Maya history, jungle scenery and time on the water.

Driving to Muyil

Driving gives you the most flexibility. Follow Highway 307 south through Playa del Carmen and Tulum, then continue roughly 25 kilometers toward Felipe Carrillo Puerto to the Muyil archaeological site.

Allow around two hours from Puerto Morelos, with extra time for traffic and stops. The site is reached from the paved highway and has parking, so this approach does not require taking the rough coastal road toward Punta Allen.

If you want to add the lagoon boat ride and canal float, arrange them with a local operator and confirm the meeting point before setting out. Check whether your booking includes the ruins, reserve access and boat excursion, as these are separate parts of the day.

Taking the Tren Maya

The train is another option, but it takes more planning than driving. You will need transportation to Puerto Morelos station and a taxi or prearranged transfer from your arrival station to Muyil; there is no train stop at the ruins.

Look at services toward Tulum Aeropuerto and check the official Tren Maya schedules for your travel date. Coordinate both the onward transfer and the return journey before buying tickets, so the connections leave enough time to enjoy your visit.

Letting a Tour Operator Handle It

A guided trip can make the day easier if you would rather leave the driving and boat arrangements to someone else. Chi’ik Adventures lists a private Muyil and Sian Ka’an excursion combining the ruins, a boat ride and a float through the Chunyaxché canals.

Its listing mentions an additional pickup charge for the Puerto Morelos-to-Cancún area, but the itinerary gives different pickup locations. Confirm collection from your exact accommodation, the full transport cost and what is included before booking.

Whichever way you travel, give yourself time to enjoy the place rather than rushing between stops. Ancient stone temples, forest trails and a gentle canal float make a lovely change of pace from a day at the beach.