Muyil River Float and Mayan Ruins: Ultimate Guide

Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve is a stunning place in Yucatan Peninsula and the best thing about it is the Muyil River or the lazy river where you can float (Muyil River Float) and enjoy.

It was initially carved as a canal by the Mayan people to start the trade between Sian Ka’an and Muyil. Muyil river is located near Tulum so, if you are in Tulum must take your time out for this lovely place even.

You can also have a day trip to the lazy river if you are in Cancun. Muyil River is a beautiful, slow river and also known as a home of lagoons. Floating at Muyil River or Muyil river float is a very unique and lively experience.

My Tulum Favorites 

Muyil River Float: This river is situated in the South of Tulum where you can explore the mesmerizing turquoise lagoon and float in the slow and steady river. So, take your time out for this place during your stay at Tulum.

• Beach Days: Must spend a day at the Tulum beach and relax at the public spot where you will get a chance to meet local and foreign tourists. If you do not want this you can book a day pass for the club or stay at the waterfront hotel.
• You can also experience riding a bike from downtown to the beach but it could be hot.
• Mayan Ruins: Cliffside Tulum ruins is also worth visiting and also go to see the Chichen Itza (one of the seven Wonders of the World). It is a pre-Columbian city and is highly famous for its historical pyramid. People who visit Tulum, usually spend a day at this place and Valladolid.
• Cenote Hopping: It is fun hopping at the three different cenotes located in the Tulum. This is a less explored site so you will definitely enjoy.
• Where to Stay: There are various comfortable places to stay in Tulum and top rated include; Habitas Tulum (deluxe suit), Hotel Shibari (luxurious hotel with private pools), Rubi Tulum (also known as jungle resort), and Hotel Bardo (adults-only place with beautiful pools).

Visiting Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve

Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve (one of the Cancun hidden gems) is a huge area that is full of wild life such as jungle trails, lagoons, and ancient ruins and above all you will find here, Muyil River.

At this magical place you will get a chance to explore the Mayan city and diverse wild life, walk along the jungle, view the beautiful canopy inside the jungle from the top, and enjoy the boat riding.

The place in off the beaten path so, you experience difficulties in travelling alone so it is recommended to take guided tours by the local companies.

I came up with the two common itineraries for your visit to the Sian Kaan and you may opt one according to your location/starting point.

Starting Point 1: Muyil

You can start from Muyil and easily and move through Mayan canals then explore the Mayan ruins, walk along the jungle and search for the diverse life there through the wooden tower and finally enjoy the boat ride via blue lagoon for Muyil river float.

Travel time: It will take 20 minutes to reach there from Tulum via scooter or car.

Recommended guided tour: Sian Ka’an and Muyil Archaeological Site Tour from Tulum

Starting Point 2: Punta Allen

Tropical fish are abundant here and you can snorkel with them and also spot crocodiles, birds, manatees, and dolphins, another good thing is to enjoy boat ride in aqua blue water and visit the beautiful town of Punta Allen.

• Travel time: More than 3 hours’ drive from Tulum.
• Recommended tour: Sian Ka’an Adventure.

The tour is recommended because the road from Tulum to Punta Allen is in very bad condition so, try to avoid driving by yourself.

Here, I will mainly focus on the first itinerary that is from Muyil because main focus of our article in Muyil river float.

Is the Muyil River Float worth it?

It is a lovely place and Muyil river float is a real fun. However, entry is restricted and limited and only few slots are available for floating each day. Its about 45 min float and then you are received by the captain of your boat having your shoes so, you can go back to the boat.

Are the Muyil Ruins worth visiting?

Yes, most of the people who visited Muyil ruins enjoyed the place. Muyil is one of oldest Mayan cities and it is famous for having the tallest Mayan pyramid (El Castillo).

Some of these ruins are properly excavated and other are not dug out yet so, you may visit this site in about 20 minutes. There are more proper ruins in Tulum, Coba, and Riviera Maya, so you may not find much here but you can visit it if you are planning to visit Sian Ka’an and want to enjoy Muyil river float.

Best Muyil River Float Tours

Two of the best Sian Ka’an/Muyil river float tours are described below:

Best highly-rated group tour from Tulum
Sian Ka’an and Muyil Archaeological Site Tour from Tulum

★★★★★ 5/5 Stars rating for this tour is available on viator because people are really enjoying and are very satisfied. They provide pickup from Tulum, Cancun, Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen, Valladolid, Akumal and other cities and charges vary from city to city.

Once you reach Si’an Kaan Biosphere Reserve, you will be guided to the Muyil ruins, forest boardwalk, and eventually Muyil lagoon. Following that, Mexican lunch will be provided and then you will be guided to the river via a small boat ride for floating. This tour is trustworthy and guides take care of your luggage while you the Muyil river float.

“This [tour] is a hidden gem. Away from the crowds (small group) walking in the jungle canopy amongst the ruins and end off with a gentle float down crystal clear canals. This was a highlight of a trip to Mexico and I can’t recommend this enough. Great guide (Cesar), great food and snacks and a wonderful experience.”

Review from Paul on Viator

Book Muyil River Float & Muyil Ruins Tour Now

Best private tour from Cancun & Playa del Carmen
Private Sian Kaan Muyil Lazy River Tour

★★★★★ 5/5 Stars reviews and they provide the private transport from Playa del Carmen, Cancun, and other cities that are near to these areas.

Most to the tours are guided by a very welcoming guide named Salvador. He usually starts the tour from historical sites and moves toward forest and then lagoon. The best thing in he offers homemade Mexican food along the way.

After meal, you will be taken a private boat and go for floating in lazy river. While floating, your guide will stay on boat and take care of your belongings. Following that, guide will catch you up after floating and you will be back via boat.

 “Salvador was an amazing guide, super sweet with our little daughter and has an amazing knowledge about history and nature. I would say that this is a must do tour.”

I rated these two tours as the best because they provide following features;

Very good reviews (5 star)

Welcoming, trusted, trained, and well-informed guides.

Good transportation facilities

Nature walk in the beautiful and diverse forest

Boat rides and floating facilities

Healthy and delicious homemade food.

Note: It is nearly impossible to book these tours on spot so book your tour at least two weeks before the travel. Moreover, limited number of seats are available so it is important to book beforehand.

Muyil float tours vs DIY (do it yourself) visits

Sian Ka’an is a secure area so everyone cannot get in every time so booking tour seems essential. However, it costs extra charges. If you take a DIY visit you need to pay for your transportation of the Sian Ka’an, the boat charges (50 USD), entry fee in Sian Ka’an (70 pesos), and entry fee for boardwalk (50 pesos).

The price is almost double when you opt for guided tours but your reservation is confirmed, and you don’t need to hassle for the transport and boat tours. You can comfortable enjoy the tour with guide.

How to float down the Mayan canal without a tour

If you somehow forgot to book the tour or do not want to spend the extra cost then here are few tested tips for the tour by your own.

Reach early at the Sian Ka’an: As I have already mentioned that there are limited number of seats for the visitors and also boats are few so try to reach these early in the morning and try to not come after 10 am because the place will be crowded and there are less chances that you will be able to enter.

Book the boat as soon as possible: When you go without the booked tour there is a possibility that you will miss the boat if you opt for the ruins first. But, I would recommend to book the boat when you reach there and you will find various captains in the parking area in the morning.

Carry around 1200 pesos (single person): If you take a DIY visit you need to pay for your transportation of the Sian Ka’an, the boat charges (50 USD or 900 pesos), entry fee in Sian Ka’an (70 pesos), and entry fee for boardwalk (50 pesos). You need to carry some extra cash for any other necessity or if you plan to buy some foods or drinks.

Pack water and snacks: Do not forget to bring water and snacks with you. Because you will feel tired and dehydrated during this visit so these things are must.

How to get to Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve without a tour

The time, price and transportation depend on your starting point so, here is the guide for famous starting points.

Sian Ka’an from Tulum

Distance: 37 kilometers, 20 minutes

Rent a scooter or car: Drive about 20 minutes from Tulum Centro towards the Chetumal. You need to take the highway 307 on South. After 20 minutes turn left (Zona Arqueológica de Muyil) and you will reach at tourist office Sian Ka’an.

Public transport: Colectivos leave for Muyil from Arcoiris Tulum after every 30 minutes. The charges are around 50 pesos for one-way trip. Keep your GPS on to avoid any inconvenience otherwise driver will also let you know about the stop.

Sian Ka’an from Bacalar

Distance: 300 kilometers, 2 hours

Rent a car: Take highway 307 and move North toward Tulum for about 2 hours. After 2 hours, you will find Zona Arqueológica de Muyil on the right side.

Public transport: ADO buses are available from Bacalar to Tulum. From Tulum, take the collective and reach the Muyil within 20 min.

Sian Ka’an from Playa Del Carmen

Distance: 138 kilometers, 1 hour & 15 minutes

Rent a car: Take highway 307 and move South toward Tulum. Once you reach Tulum, you need to drive for additional 20 minutes and then Muyil will be on your left side.

Public transport: ADO buses are available from Playa Del Carmen to Tulum. From Tulum, take the collective and reach the Muyil within 20 min.

Sian Ka’an from Cancun

Distance: 246 kilometers, 2 hours & 20 minutes

Rent a car: Take highway 307 and move South toward Tulum for 2 hours & 20 minutes. Once you reach Tulum, you need to drive for additional 20 minutes and then Muyil will be on your left side.

ADO buses are available from Cancun to Tulum. From Tulum, take the collective and reach the Muyil within 20 min.

Where to Stay in Tulum

Hotel Bardo: If you are going without kids then it is the best place for you because it is an adult only area. It has a mesmerizing view with the splendid turquoise pool.

Habitas Tulum: It is luxury resort at the beachfront. It will provide you with the private villa, jungle patio and a pool. You will enjoy a beautiful spa, restaurant and an amazing beach view. However, the place is a bit expensive and check prices beforehand and book your place.

Hotel Shibari: This place is also very close to the beach and their suites are luxurious and airy. Moreover, you will enjoy various complementary facilities like pool, spa, and fitness center. Their food is fresh and tasty so, maintain your budget to enjoy this place.

Rubi Tulum: This place is somewhat similar to the Habitas Tulum because it also provides private pool, soaking tub etc. However, it offers boho tree houses that are connected to the jungle via hanging bridge so, it would be definitely a life time experience for you, so never miss the chance.

Getting Around Tulum

It is a little difficult to get around in Tulum because the main tourist’s attraction is the beach that is away from the main city so you may have to face the heavy traffic to reach there. I will let you know about the some of the best way to get around in Tulum.

Renting a scooter or a bike: Scooter is the best option in Tulum because roads are busy and scooter can pass easily and efficiently from the small spaces and parking is also easier.

Renting a car: Car is also good option so you can rent it from local companies, check and compare the prices here.

Colectivo: Shared shuttles are also available in Tulum and go to various parts of the town and nearby areas such as Quintana, Playa del Carmen, and Akumal. You can also visit cenotes, Sian Kaan, and Coba ruins via these shuttles. These are less expensive and safer options.

Guided tours: if you do not want the hassle of booking cars and scooters and want to enjoy peacefully you may book the guided tour and relax. They will take you to the best places and save your time and energy.

Taxi (not recommended): Taxis are available in Tulum but they charge very high so, it is not advisable to hire them at first instance. However, if you are unable to find any suitable option then you get a taxi.

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