The Mayans, who once flourished in this area, left behind a remarkable legacy.

Mayan cities in the Yucatán began to appear around 2000 BCE. Over time, they reached their peak of architectural and cultural glory during the Classic Period, which spanned from approximately 250 CE to 900 CE.

During this time, the Maya built city-states like Chichen Itza, Tikal, Uxmal, and Palenque. The towering pyramids, intricate temples, and observatories showcase the Mayans’ knowledge of astronomy and mathematics.

The decline of the Mayan civilization is a topic of ongoing debate among historians and scholars. It is believed to be associated with factors such as overpopulation, environmental stress, warfare, and resource depletion.

The arrival of the Spaniards marked a significant turning point in the history of the Yucatán. By the time the Spanish conquistadors arrived, many of these ancient city-states had already been abandoned or were in decline.

Over time, Spaniards imposed their culture, religion, and authority on the region, resulting in the amazing blend of Mayan and Spanish influences that can still be seen today in the local culture, architecture, and traditions.

The Yucatan Peninsula has a rich history and a great ancient heritage. If you happen to travel to the Riviera Maya, don’t miss the opportunity to visit these amazing Mayan city-states scattered all over the Yucatan.

Archaeological sites along the Riviera Maya coastline:

• Tulum
• Coba
• Xel-Ha
• Xcaret
• El Rey
• Isla Mujeres
• San Gervasio (Cozumel)

Archaeological sites near Chetumal:

• Oxtankah
• Kohunlich
• Dzibanche
• Calakmul
• Kinichna
• Becan

Archaeological sites near Valladolid:

• Chichen Itza
• Ek Balam

Archaeological sites near Merida:

• Dzibilchaltun
• Uxmal
• Muyil
• Sayil
• Labna
• Mayapan
• Kabah
• Izamal

Archaeological sites near Campeche:

• Edzna

These one-day excursions are to explore the ancient Mayan ruins in a short time.

Travelers have the freedom to choose between local transport such as buses or “colectivos”, private transfer, or opting for guided tours to gain deeper insights into the history and culture of pre-Hispanis Yucatan regions.

The inauguration of the Maya Tren adds an exciting new dimension to travel across the Yucatan Peninsula. The Maya Tren provides a convenient easy and efficient way to explore the Yucatan region and its wonders.

The Maya Tren is an additional option for an easy, eco-friendly, and time-efficient means of experiencing the rich Mayan historic and cultural remarkable heritage across the Yucatan Peninsula and the state of Chiapas.

Muyil was an important Maya city with a long history due to its location. The original name of the site is unknown. Muyil is the name by which one of the lagoons adjacent to the site has been known since the Colonial era.

Muyil is also known as Chunyaxché.

The original name of the site is unknown. “Muyil” comes from one of the nearby lagoons, while “Chunyaxché” is the name of another lagoon in the same area. Over time, both names have been associated with the ancient city.

The site played a key role in Maya history due to its strategic location.

Many artifacts found here date from 350 BCE to 1200–1500 CE. The ruins of Muyil are an example of Petén architecture similar to that found in southern Maya sites with steep-walled pyramids, such as Tikal in Guatemala.

The first evidence of settlement dates back to 300–50 BCE when Muyil had connections with northern Belize and southern Quintana Roo. For much of its history, Muyil is thought to have had close ties to the center of Coba.

These connections faded in the late Classic, as Muyil grew closer to the Yucatán Peninsula and experienced population growth, leading to the construction of many preserved buildings.

By the Early Classic (250–600 AD), Muyil had become a major city, building Petén-style structures. A few centuries later, in the Early Postclassic (1000–1200), it maintained contact first with Chichén Itzá, then with Mayapán.

During the Late Postclassic Period (1200–1450 CE), most of the known buildings in Muyil were built. Muyil became an important part of the coastal trade networks of the Yucatan Peninsula, increasing its influence in the area.

Muyil is located along a Caribbean trade route, once accessible through a series of canals. Among the most commonly traded goods were jade, obsidian, chocolate, honey, feathers, chewing gum, and salt.