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Just a few days have passed since the southern section of the Maya Train debuted in Cancun, and although the train’s arrival in Tulum has garnered extensive media attention, many other remarkable destinations have remained largely overlooked in terms of accessibility for tourists.
What you might not know is that if you travel beyond the crowded beaches of southern Quintana Roo and the lively resort scene in Tulum, you will discover one of Mexico’s best-kept secrets, nestled just south of this popular town. Here, you can explore stunning, untouched nature along with remarkable Mayan ruins.
This winter, take the opportunity to explore Sian Kaʼan, known as Mexico’s ‘Gates of Heaven’:
This Is Where Heaven Begins
This isn’t just poetic language.
The name translates to ‘Gates of Heaven’ in the Yucatec Mayan language, or ‘the place where heaven begins.’ While you might have different beliefs, we’ll take the ancient Mayans at their word.
Sian Ka’an is a designated Biosphere Reserve, one of Mexico’s largest, spanning 2,039 square miles of untouched jungles, waterway-filled marshes, animal sanctuaries, and up to 23 archaeological sites—making up more than 10% of Quintana Roo’s land area!
This reserve encompasses coastal and inland regions, and if you’re coming from Tulum, there are two main access points: Punta Allen, a headland extending into the Caribbean, and Muyil, the lagoon-filled area where most archaeological sites can be found.
What You Should Know About Visiting Sian Ka’an from Tulum
Reaching Punta Allen is quite the trek, often taking up to four hours to cover the 35 miles from Tulum to this remote village. They refer to the winding, pothole-filled road connecting the two places as the worst in Mexico for good reason.
Fortunately, you can book a day tour from Tulum that covers hidden beach spots, traditional Mayan settlements, transportation, and meals, lasting a total of 10 hours.
On the flip side, Muyil is much more accessible, being just a 29-minute drive from the Maya Train station in downtown Tulum. If the ancient Mayan culture piques your interest, this is the area where you’ll want to spend your day.
Muyil features the Muyil Ruins, among the oldest and longest-inhabited Mayan cities, complete with a monumental step pyramid and several other ornately decorated temples in various states of restoration, untouched by over-tourism.
Muyil is undeniably the more captivating portion of Sian Ka’an: in addition to historical sites, it provides numerous nature-based activities, including swimming in open cenotes, exploring Mayan canals, and bird-watching.
A half-day tour from Tulum costs only $133 and lasts 6 hours from pickup to drop-off.
Using The Maya Train To Get To Sian Ka’an
Sian Ka’an is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its largely unspoiled status—particularly when compared to the heavy tourism faced by much of the Quintana Roo coastline—makes it an even more attractive destination.
According to the Maya Train website, the southbound train operates once daily from Cancun Airport.
The train departs Cancun at 8 a.m., with stops in Playa Del Carmen, Tulum, Tulum Airport, and Felipe Carrillo Puerto, the latter of which is located just west of the reserve.
The train arrives at Tulum Station, located at the heart of town, at 9:36.
Tickets for the ‘International Tourist’ fare, relevant for U.S. travelers, start at 384.50 Mexican pesos, approximately $20.
The central area of Tulum is a popular pickup point for guided tours to Sian Ka’an.
Staying Overnight To Visit The Park
If you’re only planning to explore the ruins in Tulum and not including a trip to the reserve, you can return later in the evening at 7:51 pm, enjoying 5 hours and 30 minutes in town.
This isn’t feasible if you wish to visit Sian Ka’an as well, since most day tours last between 6 to 10 hours.
Fortunately, for budget-savvy travelers planning to stay overnight to tour Sian Ka’an and catch the next train back to Cancun the following day, there’s no need to splurge on an all-inclusive hotel in Tulum.
For example, you can enjoy glamping by the beach for as little as $44, book a charming boutique hotel for about $90, or select an affordable Aparthotel at Valhalla Residence, which is currently priced at $52 this season, down from $179.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The views expressed in this article belong solely to the author and do not necessarily reflect those of any bank, credit card company, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or endorsed by any of the included entities.
