Tours: Muyil Forest & Float | Punta Allen Eco-Adventure | Flyfishing Grand Slam | Birding & Natural History
Muyil Forest and Float Tour
From Tulum the van ride is only 20 minutes to the Muyil Ruins where we start with
a 1-hour guided tour of the ruins and surrounding nature by our Mayan trilingual
guide. We look for rare, colorful birds and teach visitors about the poisonous,
medicinal, and hallucinogenic value of the endemic plants. The guide’s stories are
inter-laced with tails from his ancestors and accounts of his personal experiences
living in the area.
After the Pink Palace and Castle ruins, we follow the sac-be, Mayan for "white
road", through the jungle toward the Canan-Ha trail head. From there it is a short,
historic walk to Muyil lagoon – a clear turquoise fresh water lagoon. You are
invited to climb the 17m look out tower, called a mirador, which reveals
spectacular views of the ruins and the lagoons from above the trees
Once at the lagoon, we will take a boat ride into the lagoon for our journey into
the clear waters of the Muyil lagoon to a man-made canal on the other side. The
Mayans dug out the canal 1,000 years ago as a part of a trade route that linked the
Muyil lagoon with its larger neighboring lagoon called Chunyaxche. Ancient Mayans
traded salt, incense, gum, honey, wood and animals skins with others from Guatemala
and Honduras. On the other side of Chunyaxche lagoon we lead into another canal
that is natural and much deeper.
Along the canal—which extends 12 kilometers--we will stop at Xlapak ruin, a small,
mysterious Mayan ruin used as a rest stop and customs post on the trade route.
After exploring the ruin, we will dive into the clear canal water to float and
snorkel as the currents carry us gently toward the sea. At times the only sound you
will heart will be the peaceful rustle of wind through the straw and saw grasses
that surround us. Our guide will share his knowledge of the plants and wildlife
along the winding canal.
After the 40-minute float we will make our way into our boat and ride back through
the series of canals and lagoons to the shore at Muyil archeological site. Going
back on the road we stop in a pristine, colorful and unspoiled cenote where a tasty
lunch is waiting for us. You are invited for jump into the warm water and enjoy
cooling off before, during and after lunch—a wonderful way to finish our journey
in Sian Ka’an.
Tour includes
- A trilingual nature guide (Mayan, Spanish, and English)
- Air-conditioned transportation to and from Tulum. (Service available for visitors in Playa del Carmen and the Cancun area for additional charge.)
- Lunch
- Snacks and drinks
- Entrance fees to Sian Ka’an
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What to bring
- Sun protection (Sunblock, sunglasses, hat)
- Swimwear and towel
- Change of clothes
- Camera and binoculars (optional)
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Summary
The Muyil forest and float tour is a great day trip for a combination of ancient Mayan
culture, Sian Ka'an flora and fauna
Price
$95.00 Adult / $75 Child (12 and under)
Duration
8 Hours
Level of phisical activity
This is a fairly active excursion requiring intermittent effort throughout, including walking and climbing stairs.
Awarded by:
Itinerary
| 8/8:30am |
Pickup at Tulum Hotels
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| 9:00 |
Departure from main office at Tulum
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| 9:30 |
Hike the Muyil Archaeological Site
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| 10:30 |
Follow trail to the Chunyache Lagoon
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| 11:30 |
Boat ride to Chunyaxche Lagoon
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| 12:00pm |
Float down an ancient Mayan trade route
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| 1:00 |
Return to Muyil
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| 2:00 |
Lunch at Muyil
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| 3:00 |
Swim in the Yucutan’s cenotes
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| 4:00 |
Return to Tulum, end of tour |
Space is limited due to the nature of these activities. Guests should book early to avoid disappointment.
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