Gale in KY
20th April 2005, 03:44 PM
Just south of Tulum, you will find Muyil, much smaller than Tulum, but unique and interesting.
Background
Muyil is located in the northern part of the 11-million acre Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve and is considered the largest ancient Maya site within the Reserve. The name Muyil first appears in Colonial writings and today is applied to both the archaeological site and a nearby fresh-water lagoon.
Muyil is about 10 miles south of Tulum (village and archaeological site) on Federal Highway 307 which passes through the site. The site is open seven days per week, with a security guard present. There are no services at the site. You will most probably have it all to yourself.
It is possible to obtain a boat and guide at the Villas Boca Paila (drive south along the shoreline road from Tulum to get there) and then take the boat from Boca Paila up Cayo Venado (Deer Creek) to Xlahpak, across the Chunyaxche lagoon, 500 yards northwestward along a 6'-wide channel into the Muyil lagoon, and across the Muyil lagoon to the site.
Don't forget to take your deet!
http://muyil.smv.org/images/Castillo%20from%20SW.jpg
Background
Muyil is located in the northern part of the 11-million acre Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve and is considered the largest ancient Maya site within the Reserve. The name Muyil first appears in Colonial writings and today is applied to both the archaeological site and a nearby fresh-water lagoon.
Muyil is about 10 miles south of Tulum (village and archaeological site) on Federal Highway 307 which passes through the site. The site is open seven days per week, with a security guard present. There are no services at the site. You will most probably have it all to yourself.
It is possible to obtain a boat and guide at the Villas Boca Paila (drive south along the shoreline road from Tulum to get there) and then take the boat from Boca Paila up Cayo Venado (Deer Creek) to Xlahpak, across the Chunyaxche lagoon, 500 yards northwestward along a 6'-wide channel into the Muyil lagoon, and across the Muyil lagoon to the site.
Don't forget to take your deet!
http://muyil.smv.org/images/Castillo%20from%20SW.jpg