The pyramid in Muyil.
The pyramid in Muyil.

Muyil is a treasure of Quintana Roo, the state of Mexico that boasts iconic sites like Cancún and Tulum. It remains relatively hidden, given that, unlike other archaeological sites, it isn't visited as frequently. However, that doesn't diminish its importance, beauty, and unique identity, which amazes everyone who visits it.

Muyil (also known as Chunyaxché) is the name of a Mayan archaeological site located in the state of Quintana Roo, on the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico, near the site of Tulum and within the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve in the municipality of Felipe Carrillo Puerto. —Wikipedia

To put this into context, let's understand that the Mayan civilization wasn't an empire, but rather city-states that shared the same religion and language. In other words, almost every city had a "king." In other words, Muyil was its own kingdom, independent to a certain extent.

The original name of this site is unknown; it has been known as Muyil or Chunyaxché since the Spanish colonial era, due to the names of two lagoons near the site.

The Muyil ruins are an example of Petén architecture with some architectural resemblance to the remains of Tikal in Guatemala. Its lakeside location—specifically, in the Sian Ka'an lagoon—gave the site a strategic position on the Mayan trade route along the coast and through a network of canals in this region, which is today part of the tourist area of ​​the Mexican Caribbean. Among the goods exchanged along this route were jade, obsidian, chocolate, honey, feathers, and, of course, salt.—Wikipedia

One of the most surprising things about Muyil is the jungle, which gradually reclaimed its former glory, enveloping several buildings in the trees, merging with each other as it destroyed them. So we're lucky to have seen them before the final catastrophe. And, by the way, you get an idea of ​​what their discovery might have been like. Just imagine walking through the jungle and discovering a gigantic stone structure in the middle of nowhere—simply fascinating.

The pyramid in Muyil.
The pyramid in Muyil.

In addition to the classic pyramids, you can find plenty of nature, temples, buildings, and, if you're in good physical condition, Lake Muyil. This last point is important given the long distances, the high heat, and dehydration that can occur if you're not properly prepared.

The pyramid in Muyil.
The pyramid in Muyil.

If you visit Muyil, go early in the morning, bring plenty of water, cool, comfortable clothing, comfortable, covered shoes with good traction, a hat, or cap, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a desire for adventure. Always go in a group, as jaguars have been sighted in the area. Remember, you are in the middle of the jungle, and you need to respect it.

Me in front of the pyramid in Muyil.
Me in front of the pyramid in Muyil.

The Muyil archaeological site is open Monday through Sunday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The entrance fee is 70 Mexican pesos for nationals and more expensive for foreigners. To get there, you need your own vehicle or a guided tour, and you can get there via federal highway 307, between Tulum and Felipe Carrillo Puerto, you can get there by public transport, but it leaves you in the middle of the road, it is the cheapest option, but there is not so much problem, since the entrance to the site is on the road, Muyil is within the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, so you can stay near the area to visit other nearby attractive sites, especially if you like nature and adventure.

—Zetty