Uncover the Secrets of Tulum: Mexico’s Third Most Visited Site!

The Tulum Archaeological Zone is now the third most visited pre-Columbian site in Mexico, attracting over three thousand visitors daily. The National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) revealed that it only trails behind Chichen Itza in Yucatan and Teotihuacan in the State of Mexico in terms of visitor numbers.

Tulum and the Regional Museum of the Eastern Coast (Mureco) have become the main cultural landmarks of the Jaguar Park in Tulum, Quintana Roo. The park's 2,913 hectares offer a variety of attractions, including a cultural lighthouse, birdwatching towers, bridges, lookout points, and beach access. Visitors can explore these sites on foot or by renting bicycles or electric vehicles.

The Archaeological Zone Improvement Program (Promeza), implemented by the Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico and INAH, has significantly improved the site's public service area. The program has led to the reconstruction of trails, rest areas, and information panels. José Manuel Ochoa Rodríguez, the head of the archaeological zone, stated that new scientific data derived from recent research and conservation work on pre-Hispanic monuments would soon be available to visitors.

The Mureco, another INAH facility located in the Jaguar Park, opened in September 2024. It has quickly gained popularity among locals and tourists, attracting over eight thousand visitors monthly. The museum, the largest cultural venue within the Mayan Train system, features three permanent rooms and displays 300 pieces, including original artifacts and replicas. It also hosts temporary exhibits, workshops, conferences, and a film club.

Visitors to the Jaguar Park should note that there are three separate fees to cover, each set by the different entities operating within the park: the Olmeca-Maya-Mexica Airport, Rail, Auxiliary and Related Services Group (Gafsacomm), the National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (Conanp), and INAH. The fees vary for foreigners, nationals, Quintana Roo residents, and Mexican school teachers and students. However, exceptions are made for senior citizens with Inapam cards, children under 12 years, and people with disabilities.

The Tulum Archaeological Zone operates independently from the park and has a separate general admission fee of 100 pesos. Exceptions are made for teachers, educators, students, senior citizens, Mexican minors under 13 years, people with disabilities, and foreign residents in Mexico with appropriate documentation.