Tulum Mexico vacation, February 2023
Adventure for Noel and Lionel Space, Nanaimo BC
Muyil Ruins, 2/21/2023
(Photos can be clicked on for a larger view)

Only about 20 km South of where we are staying is a less publicized ruins. The highway was 100 kph of smooth asphalt with light traffic. As we approached the planned distance, we were pleasantly surprised with stupendous signage and an easily identifiable parking and ticket area. Parking was mostly full, but we found a spot right by the road. Entrance was only 70 pesos per person ($5 Cdn) and free parking. Although the parking lot was full, the facility was not at all crowded.
 
Excellent signage. 
 
Easily identifiable entrance and parking. 
 
Diagram of available ruins. 
 
Description of the ruins. 

Recovery of artifacts is ongoing and more ruins are yet to be discovered. Number 9 on the map was closed to the public as it is still being uncovered. There is a 500m path down to the lagoon for an additional fee and boat rides can also be purchased to swim in the lagoon to the East or travel to the beach.

Very soon after entering the area, one can already see the first ruin. They've cleared out a lot of the brush to make it a park like setting with a defined path that wanders the area to help guide. The Castle is 17 meters high and is the tallest in all of the north central coast of Quintana Roo.
 
Walking to the first ruin. 
 
 
 
 
 
Facing East, looking at the front of the castle. 
 
Dorothy and Noel. 
 
Dave and Dorothy. 
 
Noel and Lionel. 
 
South side of the castle. 
 
Back of the castle. 
 
There were numerous skinks (lizards) at the base of the castle. 

There are a couple of paths (not shown on the map) that are to the left of the castle that lead to a small temple, through dense woods. I found it interesting that they did not level the earth prior to it's construction, but gradually sloped the stones to finally achieve a level top structure. Probably good for drainage.
 
Cave on the way to the temple. 
 
A ruin can be detected through the woods. 
 
Back of the temple. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Front of the temple. 
 
 
 
 
On the other path back to the main area, there was some interesting fauna.
 
Agave in tree. 
 
Interesting tree base. 
 
 
 
 
 
A different path back to the castle. 

We made our way back to the castle to meet Dave, who had waited there for us. The paths were too treacherous for his crutches, which he started using the day before after falling on his replaced hip. Along the way we took note of some of the interesting fauna.
 
Dave takes a shortcut to limit his distance. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The weather was perfect and noticeably more humid on the paths in the bush. We got to experience some real ruins that have not been too comercialized and were not crowded, plus close to our base.

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