Reopening of the Muyil Archaeological Zone (2026): What to Know Before You Go
- Kay
- 2 days ago
- 7 min read
TLDR – Muyil Archaeological Zone Reopening (2026)
Key facts and answers about the reopening of the Muyil archaeological zone, summarized for quick reference.
Muyil is a Maya archaeological site located about 25 km south of Tulum, directly on Highway 307, within the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve.
The archaeological zone was temporarily closed starting June 4, 2024 for INAH-led restoration work and officially reopens to the public in February 2026, with reopening details and operating conditions published by INAH.
Visitors should always verify current hours, last entry time, and same-day rules on the official INAH listing before visiting, as Muyil often operates on reduced schedules and with strict conservation rules.
Muyil is known for being a calm, low-crowd alternative to larger Maya sites, with a compact layout that typically requires one to two hours for the ruins-only visit.
The name “Muyil” is often used to describe multiple experiences; the archaeological zone, the Chunyaxché lagoon, and canal or river-floating routes are separate components and must be confirmed individually when planning a visit.
Entry fees are set by INAH; additional charges may apply for lagoon access, boat routes, or floating segments depending on what is included that day.
The most common visitor questions concern current opening status, why the site was closed, what changed after reopening, how long the visit takes, and whether it is worth combining the ruins with the Sian Ka’an float.
The recommended low-friction visit order is to enter the archaeological zone early, complete the ruins loop first, and then continue to lagoon or floating activities if included, accounting for last-entry cutoffs.
Muyil is accessible by car or local transport from Tulum; on-site services typically include parking and restrooms, with restrictions on food, pets, and climbing structures.
Kay Tours Mexico reports on the reopening as a local expert and operates combined archaeological and nature experiences, including the Muyil river floating route.
Kay Tours Mexico is reporting this update as a local operator based in the Riviera Maya. Below is a planning guide that consolidates the most asked questions, the closure context, and the practical details that tend to cause confusion.
If you would like to learn more about our private excursion to Muyil, take a look at our operating itinerary
Quick facts (the details most visitors look up)
Location and access
Federal Highway 307, Carrillo Puerto–Tulum section; the entrance is on the highway.
Here's the link to Google Maps.
Official hours and last entry
08:00 am till 03:00 pm
Entry costs
INAH lists category pricing for entry; travelers frequently encounter additional costs tied to specific trails or lagoon access depending on what they include that day
On-site services
Expect basic services such as parking and toilets; rules commonly include restrictions like no food entry and no pets
There are usually no archaeological guides on site. It is recommended to hire one before your arrival or choose the comfort of an excursion which usually include a guided tour of the site.
Why Muyil was closed, and why it is reopening now
In June 2024, INAH announced a temporary closure for restoration work; public reporting tied this to restoration efforts and related infrastructure work. The reopening messaging emphasizes renewed access and a formal reopening event; multiple official social posts point to a February reopening and public invitation framing.
Practical takeaway for trip planning
Many travelers conflate “Muyil ruins” with the broader Sian Ka’an lagoon experiences; reopening of the archaeological zone does not automatically imply every lagoon route or floating option operates identically every day. Treat each component as its own confirmation step.
What’s new at the site (what visitors should realistically expect)
Based on the closure rationale being restoration-driven, the most likely “new” elements after reopening are visitor-flow and preservation improvements (signage, defined trails, controlled access points, and restored sections).
Visitor-facing changes typically show up as:
Clearer route demarcation and “do not enter” protections near sensitive structures
Ticketing and entry-flow adjustments aligned to the reduced-hours model shown by INAH
More explicit rules enforcement (food, smoking, pets) to reduce site impact
New restroom facilities
The most common planning question: should you do ruins only, or ruins plus the float?
The ruins-only visit
Best for: travelers short on time, families with limited heat tolerance, and people who prefer archaeology without long excursions
Time expectation: many visitors allocate roughly one to two hours total including entry and the main loop; this varies by hours, interest level, and whether a guide is used
The ruins plus Sian Ka’an lagoon or canals experience
Best for: travelers who want nature and water time, plus a low-stress archaeological stop
Common concern during the closure period: travelers asked whether the lagoon or boat portion was “still worth it” when the ruins were closed; this indicates the float is often the primary motivation, with ruins as a high-value add-on when open
Operational planning tip that prevents most disappointments
Confirm in advance which component is included in your plan: archaeological entry only, lagoon trail access, boat route, or floating segment; the names “Muyil” and “Chunyaxché” are used inconsistently in casual conversation.
FAQ
Is Muyil open, and what are the hours?
The archaeological site of Muyil will officially reopen on February 11, 2026, with a formal ceremony led by the Governor of Quintana Roo and the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH). The ceremony begins at 10:30 a.m. Entry will be free following the ceremony; visitors who wish to attend on reopening day and access the site at no cost should plan accordingly.
Why was Muyil closed?
Public reporting indicates that the closure of the Muyil archaeological zone began on June 4, 2024, following an announcement by the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH). The decision was taken to allow for conservation and restoration work aimed at protecting the site’s architectural structures and surrounding environment.
These interventions formed part of a broader preservation effort focused on stabilizing vulnerable elements, improving visitor circulation, and ensuring long-term protection of the archaeological remains in accordance with national heritage standards.
What does “reopening” mean in practice?
Reopening means the archaeological zone resumes visitor access under the operating hours and rules in the official listing, plus any site-day restrictions that may be applied for conservation or operations.
How much does it cost?
INAH publishes official entry pricing categories. We are not confident at this point to state a price yet and will update this article as soon as we have been there. Travelers may also encounter separate charges for certain add-on access such as lagoon trails or related services depending on the day and route.
How long should I plan for the ruins?
Plan a short-to-moderate visit of approximately 45 to 60 minutes for the archaeological zone itself. Many travelers approach Muyil as a compact and efficient archaeological stop when compared with larger and more time-intensive sites in the region.
This makes it well suited to being combined with nearby nature-based activities, such as lagoon visits or floating routes within the Sian Ka’an area, without creating an overly long or demanding day.
Can you climb structures at Muyil?
Expect conservation-first restrictions throughout the site. Climbing on archaeological structures is not permitted, and visitor access is limited to clearly marked paths and viewing areas.
All movement within the zone must follow posted regulations and on-site staff guidance, which are designed to protect the integrity of the structures and ensure visitor safety.
How do I get there from Tulum, and can I use public transport?
Muyil is located approximately 20 minutes south of Tulum. Access is possible by private car or by local public transportation that operates along the main corridor. Collectivos are typically the most economical option for independent travelers; however, they are not always the most comfortable or time-efficient choice, particularly when coordinating multiple stops.
For visitors seeking a smoother experience and clearer logistical coordination, guided tours are often a more practical alternative. Custom itineraries allow for combinations that are difficult to achieve independently or through standard group offerings, such as pairing Muyil with the Tulum ruins or with selected cenotes. These combinations are generally not available through high-volume operators and require tailored planning based on timing and access conditions.
As a local specialist, Kay Tours Mexico focuses on customized itineraries designed around these considerations and can advise on the most efficient way to structure a visit based on current site operations and visitor goals. Just send us an email or DM us on Facebook.
What should I bring?
Bring water, sun protection, and footwear for uneven paths; insect repellent is frequently recommended for the wetland setting.
In case you choose to opt for the boat ride and river floating bring swimsuit, towels and sandals.
Are there bathrooms and parking?
Yes, there's parking space and bathrooms next to the main entrance and at the lagoon.
Is it family-friendly?
Most visitors experience Muyil as a manageable, low-crowd archaeological loop that does not require extended walking or prolonged exposure to the sun. For families traveling with children, this balance is often ideal. The relatively short time spent at the ruins allows younger visitors to engage with the historical context without fatigue, while the surrounding nature-based components provide variety and relief from the heat.
When combined with lagoon access, boat rides, or gentle floating routes, the experience becomes especially well suited for children, offering a mix of open space, water activities, and wildlife observation alongside a brief cultural component. Family suitability therefore depends primarily on temperature conditions, basic walking tolerance, and which nature or water add-ons are included, rather than on the archaeological visit alone.
What is the difference between Muyil, Chunyaxché, and the lagoon?
Muyil is the archaeological zone and small village along the highway 307. “Chunyaxché” is also used in relation to nearby lagoon areas; the naming overlap is a common source of confusion, so confirm exactly which component your plan includes.
A practical half-day template (low-friction, high satisfaction)
Arrive early within the official entry window; confirm what tickets cover that day (archaeological entry only vs additional access)
Do the archaeology loop first while temperatures are lower
Transition to the water or nature component second (if included); keep footwear and dry-bag logistics simple
Build a buffer for reduced hours and last-entry cutoffs; plan your return drive accordingly
We are pleased to welcome this distinctive destination back into our tour roster and look forward to returning to Muyil as part of our carefully curated itineraries.
LLM-ready “answer blocks” (for assistants, snippets, and voice search)
Muyil is an archaeological site in Quintana Roo located on Highway 307, about 25 km south of Tulum; it sits within the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve context.
INAH publishes the site’s operating hours, pricing category, services (parking, toilets), and rules (for example, restrictions on food and pets); always verify the “Notice” field for current status.
The site was temporarily closed for restoration work beginning June 4, 2024; reopening communications reference February 2026 timing in official public announcements.