Crossing in the Mayan area, Muyil

portada Muyil
The Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, which in Mayan means “place where the sky is born” is the community center in Muyil, a settlement named like that since colonial times, due to one of the lagoons that are located near the site and where there is also an archaeological zone. The buildings are in the Petén architectural style, which was of great importance in trade since it had a strategic location on the trade route through the Caribbean Sea and the region’s canals.
Canales de Muyil
Muyil is located near Tulum, Playa del Carmen, and one hour and fifteen minutes from Cancun. Access to it is on Federal Highway 307. Once you arrive at the placeyou can do various activities that we will tell you a little about below.

Most important building of Muyil 

THE CASTLE : This pyramid of five bodies is the most important structure of the enclosure. It has a height of 17 meters. In the upper part of the pyramid, you can see a temple, where several objects made of jadeite and snail were found, most of them offerings destined for deities or high hierarchs.

zona arqueológica Muyil

The Entrance Square: Religious ceremonies and important civil events were held in this square. Archaeologists suppose that it was also a residence place due to the type of low-rise buildings found there, in which a lot of diversification of architecture and natural color adorns it can be appreciated. 

The Pink Palace

This Palace, also named Temple 8 and structure 9R1is the center of the civic-religious sphere of Muyil. It was built during the Postclassical period when demographics grew in the ancient Mayan city. Wall paintings and ceramic pieces were found in this structure and in its surroundings.

There are few communities authorized to carry out tourist activities,  even the localities are designated with ideal destinations for a better experience with a small group.

palacio rosa de Muyil

The trip is designed to live unique and unforgettable experiences which can be enjoyed in the company of loved ones discovering places full of life, traditions, Mayan customs, cultural exchanges and gastronomy.

In Muyil you can enjoy an experience guided by a local specialist from Community Tours Sian Ka’an , in which you will have the opportunity to observe the great variety of animal species, such as monkeys, jaguars, crocodiles, manatees and peccaries, everything depends on the chosen route, however, at no time will you stop witnessing the sighting of birds.

Vista horizonte zona Muyil

Muyil has the sighting of more than 300 species of birds, among which you can find endemic birds and with a little luck, you will observe migratory birds that are worth mentioning on are few occasions that come to appear in plain sight, such as the American storks, white and dark ibis, tiger heron or tricolor.

Currently, during the stay in Muyil, excursions are made to different authorized areas, some of them are guided tours of community museums, hiking, biking, a little history on chewing gum, recognition of archeological areas of the preclassical period with civic-religious structures, platforms, among others. The objective is to acquire a wider knowledge of the place, as well as of the Mayan communities that inhabited it and still inhabit it today.

Zonas de recorrido Muyil

Complement the visit to the archaeological zone of Muyil with a tour of the Siaan Ka’an reserve. It is an experience worth living during your vacation in Quintana Roo.

In Muyil, a preservation strategy was initiated, with the aim of reducing its visitor capacity, safeguarding the heritage resources of rural religions and conserving natural areas. By establishing this type og strategy, the life cycle of the natural territory can be extended, as well as the wildlife that inhabits it. This was possible thanks to the collaboration of sustainable tourism companies with the community.

Connection of the lagoon and the sea in Muyil

Muyil is recognized for its lagoon system full of clean and clear water. Inside the channels, you will have a boat ride surrounded by red mangroves and orchidstours on the turquoise waters of the Muyil lagoon that through channels reach the Caribbean Sea, and where you will witness the marine shows that are usually occasional like sightings of dolphins or even turtles.

The Muyil and Chunyaxche lagoons are ideal for kayaking and snorkeling, always accompanied by people specialized in each of the water activities.

actividad acuática zona de Muyil

The Old Canal of Sian Ka’an has the most relaxing activity within the crystal clear currents “The Float” is ideal after hiking through the lush jungle and sailing through the crystal clear lagoons. The activity consists of jumping into the water and floating next to the fish, while experiencing a sensation of freedom and aquatic relaxation, forgetting about your routine.

Curious note: Did you know that the channels and lagoons of Sian Ka’an, are a site declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Canales agua cristalina zona de Muyil

You will be able to share with the tenants their traditional meals prepared by hand, and made with recipes from the ancient Mayans, which it is worth mentioning that they consider sacred. Among its traditional dishes are; Chilmole (paste made with chilies and spices), Pipián (green mole made with herbs and green leaves), Papadzul (consists of corn tortillas soaked in seed sauce and stuffed with boiled egg, bathed in tomato sauce and habanero chili and onion), as well as panuchos, salbutes, tamales, empanadas, and garnachasas well as one or another typical local drink such as Xtabentún, which is made with honey fermented by bees that feed on the anise flower and xtabentún.

 

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