Birdwatching tour Muyil from Tulum: 40–80 species

Spot birds across three habitats in one morning walk

A shared birdwatching tour from Tulum to Muyil, 20 minutes south, where you walk through a Mayan village, an archaeological site and flooded jungle boardwalk to reach a freshwater lagoon. The guide, fluent in English or Spanish, points out 40 to 80 bird species depending on the season. Breakfast, coffee and a refillable water bottle are included. A boat trip across two lagoons and a lazy river float is available as an add-on.

Step-by-step itinerary

Birdwatching and exploring Muyil

• Meet for briefing with coffee and snacks
• Birdwatch in Mayan village of Muyil
• Walk archaeological site of Muyil
• Optional boat trip and floating experience

The experience

The tour starts with a short briefing and breakfast (coffee or tea, banana and energy bar) before you head into the Mayan village of Muyil, your first birding spot. The village itself holds a vast number of species, and from there you move into the archaeological site that marks the entrance to the Sian Ka'an Biosphere. Walking through the ruins, you search for birds while learning about this former Mayan trading post. The guide speaks English or Spanish and adjusts the pace to what the birds are doing that day.

The walk takes you through different habitats: mature semi-deciduous jungle at the archaeological site, then into fresh water wetlands where a boardwalk carries you over flooded jungle until you reach a lagoon. The boardwalk keeps you dry while you move through the mangroves and look for wetland species. Depending on the season, you'll identify anywhere from 40 to 80 species across the morning. If you don't have binoculars, the operator will lend you a pair. Bring your own refillable water bottle or use the one provided.

The core tour runs about five hours. If you want to extend it, you can add a boat trip across two lagoons and a lazy river float through mangrove tunnels for an extra fee: a chance to drift through crystal clear water and listen to the sounds of the forest. Pickup from Tulum hotels is optional and costs extra. You can also meet directly at Muyil. If you're the only person booking, the operator will either offer you another departure date or run the tour as a private booking.

What’s included

• Breakfast with coffee or tea, banana and energy bar.
• refillable water bottle.
• binoculars (bring your own or borrow a pair).
• live guide in English or Spanish.
• all fees and taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday, Wednesday, Friday and SundayDeparts at 06:00

AgesAdult (9 and older) · Under 9: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go 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 16 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availableInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Amar Aves: Birdwatching and Mayan culture

Is this one for you?Five hours leaves room for another activity or meal elsewhere in your day, but rules out a second major site. If you want to add the boat and lagoon float, plan for extra time and budget the add-on fee separately.

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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.

How many bird species can I expect to see on this tour?

You can identify from 40 to 80 species depending on the time of year. The guide adjusts what to look for based on the season and the birds that are active that day.

What's included in the five-hour tour?

Breakfast with coffee or tea, a banana and energy bar; a refillable water bottle; binoculars if you don't bring your own; and the guide in English or Spanish. All fees and taxes are included in the price.

Can I add the boat trip and lagoon float to this tour?

Yes, a boat trip across two lagoons and a lazy river float through mangrove tunnels is available as an add-on for an extra fee. You float in crystal clear water and listen to the sounds of nature among orchids and bromeliads.

Do I need to arrange pickup from my Tulum hotel?

Pickup from Tulum hotels is optional and costs extra per person. You can also meet directly at Muyil. Pickups from north of Tulum have a separate quote depending on where you're staying.

What's the walk like through the archaeological site and wetlands?

You walk through the Muyil archaeological site, a former Mayan trading post, then continue into flooded jungle on a boardwalk that keeps you dry as you move toward the freshwater lagoon. The boardwalk lets you search for wetland birds without getting wet.