Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve | Crazy Adventure near Tulum, Mexico | Muyil Ruins | Mayan Lazy River

Can one excursion from Tulum, Mexico really pack in that much adventure? Yes! In a stunningly beautiful world heritage site in Mexico’s Yucatán, we discovered Mayan ruins, a jungle boardwalk, a rickety lookout tower, picturesque wetlands, freshwater lagoons, mangrove forests, and Mayan-carved canals that served as our own lazy river. Join Cris & Cale at Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve near Tulum, Mexico.
CONTENTS
00:00 Teaser Intro
00:57 Map and Overview
01:30 Mayan Ruins
02:47 Boardwalk
03:20 Lookout Tower
05:00 Lagoons
06:30 Lazy River
09:10 Ride Back
This fall we visited dreamy Tulum in the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico. Sian Ka’an is a breathtaking natural preserve located just south of Tulum and 2 hours southwest of Cancun. We used the Muyil entrance, a simple 20 minute drive from Tulum down one road - highway 307. Through this port, we are able to wander through the jungle and explore pre-hispanic Mayan ruins before accessing Sian Ka’an.
Muyil was one of the earliest Mayan settlements on the Caribbean Coast, predating Chichen Itza, Uxmal, and Tulum by centuries. The site is believed to have been established around 300 B.C. and remained as a settlement up until the time of the Spanish invasion in the 16th Century when they either fearfully fled from the Spanish or were killed by Spanish brought disease.
The Castillo, an impressive 5-tiered structure is crowned by a temple and stands at 59 feet high, the highest pyramid on the Riviera Maya Coast.
Throughout the site is the ancient Ceiba (say-ee-bah) Tree, known as the “tree of life” and believed by Mayan to be connected to the underworld.
The mildly venomous Parrot Snake typically needs no medical attention after a bite.
With few visitors, the lush jungle site of Muyil is magical and provides an astonishing gateway to the Sian Ka’an lagoons.
The Lagoon lookout is open to the public and gives way to spectacular views of Laguna Muyil and the jungle.
Among the eco-parks in the Yucatán, none compare to the natural wonder of Sian Ka’an. It is a must-see experience and is remarkably close to the tourist destination of Tulum.
Large fish have been known to swim from the saltwater ocean into the freshwater lagoons, seeking refuge from predators.

[@backbonz]

Why wouldn’t you do that float in Florida?? Did your guide tell you the lagoon is loaded with Crocs? 😅 The two big fish were Jack Crevalle, harmless and fun to catch on a fly rod. That lagoon has some of the best bonefishing in the world. I’m in North Carolina as well. Stumbled upon your channel and saw the hiking videos. My daughter backpacked a good portion (3 nights) of Art Loeb while at summer camp last year, so we were watching to see if she remembered any specific spots on the trail. Enjoying your content. Glad y’all didn’t get shot in Tulum. It’s crazy down there. I remember when it was nothing 25 years ago.