Yucatán Archaeological Sites: New Admission Fees Explained

The federal and state authorities have announced new rates for visiting archaeological sites in Yucatán this year. Jorge Carrillo Sáenz, the president of the Tourist Business Council (Cetur), has expressed mixed feelings about these changes. He believes that the adjustment made by the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) is reasonable, but finds the rates set by the Cultur Trust to be quite steep.

From the beginning of 2025, INAH has implemented a new fee structure for entering archaeological sites and for viewing the nighttime "videomapping" show. The INAH fee has increased from $90 to $100 per person, an increase of $10 per ticket. The fee for the light and sound show has also been raised to $355 per person.

Meanwhile, the Cultur Trust charges foreign visitors $548, in addition to the $100 INAH fee, for a tour. In Uxmal, the state fee for foreign visitors is $461, plus the $100 INAH fee. Nationals are charged $157 by Cultur and $100 by INAH, while Yucatán residents only pay the INAH fee.

Carrillo Sáenz views the $10 increase by INAH as a logical adjustment considering inflation. He stated, "This increase is not significant and should not negatively impact the number of foreign, national, and local visitors. However, the fee charged by Cultur and the Fiscal Administration Agency of Yucatán (AAFY) does make access to these Maya culture sites more expensive. This is a state fee not charged at any other archaeological site in the country."

There is uncertainty about the future of these fees as Visitor Attention Centers at Chichén Itzá and other archaeological sites in Yucatán are set to open this year. It is unclear whether the Cultur fee will continue to be charged or if it will be eliminated, as was the case in Dzibilchaltún.

Despite the increased fees, Carrillo Sáenz believes that the global interest in Mayan culture will continue to draw visitors. He stated that he would support the state fee if the funds were used to improve archaeological sites, restore historic buildings, support research, preserve displayed remains, and construct better visitor infrastructure.