Discover two of Quintana Roo’s most magical spots – the ancient Mayan city of Muyil and Bacalar, the Lagoon of Seven Colors, an unforgettable blend of history and nature.

Muyil is the first stop, just 20 minutes to the south of Tulum. This archaeological site, the largest of 23 discovered to date in Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, lies deep in the jungle and the first building you’ll see is El Castillo, the principal pyramid towering above the treetops. As you explore, you’ll come across other temples hidden by the undergrowth.

In ancient times, Muyil was a port with links to cities in the Yucatán and Central America. More than 1,000 years ago, the Maya dredged and widened a natural canal running through the wetlands between the city and the sea to create a trade route for their canoes.

Leaving Muyil behind, your journey continues south along Highway 307, through the historic town of Felipe Carrillo Puerto, district capital of the Mayan heartland called the Zona Maya, and on to Bacalar.

Bacalar, the Lagoon of Seven Colors, is one of Quintana Roo’s most spectacular natural treasures. Sporting clear waters in every shade of blue imaginable, from aquamarine, azure and turquoise to indigo, it snakes through the jungle and wetlands for 34 miles, and your trip includes a boat ride across its unruffled surface. There’s time for a refreshing dip in the cool waters and an exfoliating bath in the sulfur-rich sand, which has cleansing properties.

You’ll also visit an area of the lagoon where stromatolites abound. These are fragile living rocks formed by algae and other microorganisms and they are the oldest life forms on Earth. No swimming here.

Wildlife abounds in Bacalar, especially birds and you’ll see herons and egrets, ibis, roseate spoonbill, cormorants and osprey. You may even be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of a rare manatee.

Other attractions in the historic waterfront village of Bacalar include the San Felipe Fort built in 1729 to protect the settlement from pirate raids and now the site of a history museum, and the famous Cenote Azul. At almost 300 feet deep, this imposing sinkhole is the deepest in the Maya World.

For information about the day trip to Bacalar visit the Thomas More Travel tour desk during your stay or email tourdesk@royalresorts.com