Yucatán archaeological sites see significant price increases for foreign visitors

Foreign visitors to Yucatán’s archaeological treasures face steeper entry fees in 2025 following a series of price adjustments implemented on Jan. 1.

The most notable increase affects Chichén Itzá, where international tourists now pay MXN $648 (approximately USD $31.33) per person — a combination of updated fees from both the Cultur Board and the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH). This marks an increase following INAH’s adjustment of their base fee from MXN $90 to MXN $100 (USD $4.35 to USD $4.84), though the Cultur Board maintained their previous year’s rates.

The popular “Nights of Kukulcan” video mapping show at Chichén Itzá has also seen its total cost rise to MXN $755 (USD $36.51) for foreign visitors, bringing the combined cost of a day visit and evening show to MXN $1,403 (USD $67.84). This pricing structure reflects the site’s status as one of Mexico’s premier tourist destinations, having attracted over 2.2 million visitors in 2024.

At Uxmal, another major archaeological site, foreign visitors now pay MXN $561 (USD $27.13), while the evening “Echoes of Uxmal” show costs MXN $768 (USD $37.14). These prices represent a modest increase from 2024, primarily due to INAH’s fee adjustment. Mexican tourists face significantly lower rates, paying MXN $257 (USD $12.43) for site entry and MXN $629 (USD $30.42) for the evening show, while Yucatan residents enjoy the most favorable pricing at MXN $100 (USD $4.84) for basic entry and MXN $479 (USD $23.16) for the evening spectacle.

The pricing structure shows a clear three-tier system across all sites, with international visitors paying premium rates, domestic tourists receiving substantial discounts, and Yucatan residents enjoying the lowest fees. This is particularly evident at Ek Balam, where foreigners pay MXN $561 (USD $27.13), Mexican tourists MXN $227 (USD $10.98), and local residents just MXN $100 (USD $4.84).

One notable exception to the general trend of increases is the Dzibilchaltun archaeological zone, which has simplified its fee structure. Following its recent reopening, the site now only charges the federal INAH fee of MXN $100 (USD $4.84), eliminating the additional state fees that were previously required. This represents a significant reduction from 2023 when foreign visitors paid a combined total of MXN $303 (USD $14.65) – MXN $213 to Cultur and MXN $90 to INAH.

The changes extend beyond archaeological sites to other tourist attractions. The Meteorite Museum in Chicxulub Puerto maintains its three-tier pricing system, charging MXN $350 (USD $16.92) for foreigners, MXN $250 (USD $12.09) for Mexican nationals, and MXN $150 (USD $7.25) for Yucatan residents. Natural attractions like the El Corchito balneario have also adjusted their fees, with foreign visitors paying premium rates for boat tours at MXN $251 (USD $12.14) compared to national MXN $147 (USD $7.11) and local MXN $58 (USD $2.80) rates.

Despite these increases, both INAH and the Cultur Board have yet to provide detailed reports on annual revenue collection or specify how these additional funds will be used for site preservation and improvement. The price adjustments align with broader trends in Mexican tourism, where differential pricing for international and domestic visitors has become standard practice at cultural and historical sites.

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