ATV riding Tulum: Muyil ruins and ancient Mayan canals

The Mayan canals you float through were built to connect the lagoon to the sea.

Ride an ATV or scooter from Tulum to the Muyil archaeological site within Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, explore the ruins on a self-guided trail, then take a boat through a 40-minute float down man-made ancient Mayan canals while your guide explains the ecology and history. The tour includes a local Mayan lunch, snacks, water, life jackets and a six-hour itinerary with pickup from your hotel.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Muyil3h · entry included
2. Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve3h · entry included

Explore Muyil ruins and lagoons

• Scooter or ATV to Muyil
• Tour Muyil archaeological ruins
• Enjoy local Mayan lunch
• Boat ecological tour of lagoons
• Float down ancient Mayan canals
• Scooter or ATV back to Tulum

The experience

You start by riding an ATV or scooter from downtown Tulum toward Muyil, arriving at the ruins nestled in mangroves within the UNESCO-protected Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve. The site itself is self-guided unless you hire an archaeological guide separately. Your tour guide walks the interpretive nature trail with you and explains the ecology and the Maya civilization before lunch. After exploring the structures, you head to the lagoon for a boat ride to see the old trading post and El Castillo, the structure overlooking the freshwater lagoon.

The centerpiece is the 40-minute float down the ancient Mayan canal, a waterway the Maya built to connect the lagoon and provide passage for boats heading out to sea. You drift through mangroves on shallow water, and your guide points out the unique vegetation and the engineering that made this route possible centuries ago. A local Mayan lunch arrives after the boat tour, along with snacks and water throughout the day. Life jackets, a heavy-duty lock and chain for your vehicle, and a backpack are all included.

You can ride solo or double up on a scooter or ATV. The choice is yours at booking. The minimum is two guests to operate, and the tour runs six hours total. Hotel pickup is included from most Tulum-area hotels. Pickups north of Tulum (between Bahía Puerto Príncipe and Playa del Carmen) carry an extra fee. Your guide speaks English or Spanish, and the minimum age is 18.

What’s included

• Use of an ATV, scooter or E-bike.
• a local Mayan lunch.
• snacks and water.
• life jackets.
• a heavy-duty lock and chain for your vehicle.
• a backpack.
• boat fees on the lagoon.
• hotel pickup.
• and a guide in English or Spanish.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (18 to 85 years) · Under 18: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by TAE Tulum Area Experiences

Is this one for you?The ride to and from Muyil is moderate pacing on roads, and the boat portion involves shallow water with life jackets provided, so this suits riders comfortable on two wheels for roughly an hour total and those who don't mind getting wet on the canals. If you want to double up on a scooter or ATV, you can ride as a passenger instead of operating the vehicle yourself.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I ride an ATV instead of a scooter on this tour?

Yes, you can substitute an ATV for the scooter at no extra charge, or ride double on either vehicle. Let the operator know your preference when you book.

What happens at Muyil ruins? Is there a guide who explains the archaeology?

The tour guide walks the self-guided interpretive trail with you and explains the ecology and Maya civilization. If you want a dedicated archaeological guide, that's available for an additional charge.

How long is the float through the Mayan canals?

The float down the ancient canals lasts over 40 minutes as you drift through mangroves on shallow water, with your guide narrating the history and ecology of the waterway.

Does the tour include lunch?

Yes, a local Mayan lunch is included after the boat tour, along with snacks and water throughout the six-hour day.

Is hotel pickup included in the price?

Hotel pickup is included from most Tulum-area hotels. Pickups from locations north of Tulum (between Bahía Puerto Príncipe and Playa del Carmen, or further north toward Playa del Carmen) carry an additional per-person fee.

What's the minimum age to ride an ATV or scooter on this tour?

You must be at least 18 years old to operate an ATV or scooter on this tour.