Muy-Il (also called Chunyaxche)

About 15 km south of Tulum, near the coast of the Gulf of Mexico, this ruin complex dates from approximately 300 to 1500 AD (preconquest). It is thought that this site was a trade link from the coast inland to the much larger city of Coba. The natural setting is gorgeous, being adjacent to the Sian Ka’an Lagoon.

The most impressive structure here is a vertically oriented pyramid, with stepped vertical facings, each step topped by a square cornice. (there are two other pyramids adjacent but they are collapsed). The pyramid is constructed of a rubble core faced with dressed stone, and a central front stairway.

One of the best aspects of this site is that it’s unspoiled. Although quite close to the crowded resort area of Tulum, it is likely that if you visit the site you might not encounter any other tourists here. And the jungle has overrun the site, meaning you walk from ruin to ruin through the jungle via small paths. This is a fantastic counterpoint to the larger and more well-known site of Tulum, and well worth a visit.