Puerto Morelos Day Trip:
Explore the Reopened
Muyil Maya Ruins

The ancient Maya site of Muyil has reopened after extensive restoration work connected to the Maya Train project.

 

Located in the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve about 100 kilometers south of Puerto Morelos, this archaeological treasure offers visitors a glimpse into one of the oldest continuously occupied Maya settlements on Mexico's Caribbean coast.

 

Historical Significance

 

Muyil dates back to around 350 B.C. in the Late Preclassic period and remained occupied through the Late Postclassic era until approximately 1450-1500 A.D.

 

The site features architecture influenced by Guatemala's Petén style and served as a crucial point on Maya trade routes, connecting coastal and inland communities via canals to the Caribbean Sea, functioning as an important commercial hub for goods like jade, obsidian, and salt.

 

Restoration and New Amenities

 

The site continues to undergo archaeological study and occasional renovations by Mexico's National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), with ongoing excavations revealing new structures amid its jungle setting.

 

Archaeological Discoveries

 

Excavations have revealed notable structures, including El Castillo—a 17-meter-tall Petén-style pyramid—and temple platforms used for rituals, alongside evidence of the site's role as an elite and trade center.

 

Visiting from Puerto Morelos

 

For Puerto Morelos residents and visitors, Muyil offers a less crowded alternative to Tulum's ruins.

 

The site is accessible via the Chetumal-Cancún federal highway just south of Tulum (around kilometer 211), with a drive of about 90 minutes from Puerto Morelos and roughly 45 minutes from Tulum International Airport.

 

The journey from Puerto Morelos takes approximately 90 minutes by car. Many tour operators in Puerto Morelos offer day trips that combine a visit to Muyil with exploration of the surrounding Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its exceptional biodiversity.

 

The combination of ancient Maya history and natural beauty makes Muyil a worthwhile destination for anyone staying in Puerto Morelos who wants to explore beyond the immediate area.