- LAST UPDATE: JANUARY 6, 2025
Navigating Entrance Fees for Archaeological Sites in Mexico
All You Need to Know About Mayan Ruins Entrance Fees
Taxes Breakdown
Visiting ancient ruins in Mexico often involves paying multiple taxes. Let us break the Mayan Ruins Entrance Fees down for you.
First, there’s the INAH tax, which is a federal fee for the National Institute of Anthropology and History. This organization oversees 193 archeological sites open to the public year-round.
Secondly, if the site is located within a national park, you’ll need to pay the CONANP fee. CONANP is the National Commission for Natural Protected Areas, responsible for conserving 232 areas across Mexico.
In some cases, the State where the ruins are situated may also levy a tax to fund cultural projects.
Additionally, if the ruins are situated on an “Ejido” (a type of land tenure combining individual and communal ownership), a fee is collected to support the local community.
Finally, if a private company manages services around the archeological site, they may charge an additional entrance fee.
So, in summary, be prepared to pay multiple Mayan Ruins Entrance Fees when exploring Mexico’s ancient wonders, each contributing to the preservation of these cultural treasures and the surrounding natural environments.
During your forthcoming visit to the Riviera Maya region, you may consider exploring the primary archeological sites that showcase the remnants of ancient civilizations. These ruins offer a captivating glimpse into the rich cultural heritage and historical significance of the area, providing an enriching experience for visitors seeking to immerse themselves in the region’s storied past.
Tulum Entrance Free
The Tulum Mayan Ruins, situated in the Quintana Roo state of Mexico, charge an admission fee of 515 Mexican pesos for adults and 100 Mexican pesos for children under the age of 11.
- 100 pesos per person for the Ruins entrance INAH ticket.
- 120 pesos per person for the Tulum National Park CONAP bracelet (mandatory to access the ruins), from 12yo.
- 295 pesos per person for Jaguar Park (mandatory to access the ruins), from 12yo.
Coba Entrance Free
The Coba Mayan Ruins, situated in the Quintana Roo state of Mexico, charge an admission fee of 195 Mexican pesos per person.
- 100 pesos per person for the Ruins entrance INAH ticket.
- 100 pesos per person for the Ejido
Chichen Itza Entrance Free
The Chichen Itza Mayan Ruins, situated in the Yucatan state of Mexico, charge an admission fee of 648 Mexican pesos for adults and 100 Mexican pesos for children under the age of 11.
- 100 pesos per person for the Ruins entrance INAH ticket.
- 548 pesos per person for the State of Yucatan (from 12 yo)
Ek Balam Entrance Free
The Ek Balam Mayan Ruins, situated in the Yucatan state of Mexico, charge an admission fee of 556 Mexican pesos for adults and 95 Mexican pesos for children under the age of 11.
- 100 pesos per person for the Ruins entrance INAH ticket.
- 461 pesos per person for the State of Yucatan (from 12 yo)
How to Buy Tickets?
You’ll need to get in separate lines to purchase tickets for Mayan Ruins Entrance Fees. Since they’re separate entities, there isn’t a single desk where you can buy everything at once. It’s a bit inconvenient, but that’s how it works.
It is advisable to carry local currency (Mexican pesos) when visiting these sites, as they may not have sufficient change available for larger bills. Additionally, they may not accept foreign currencies such as US dollars, nor card payments. Ensuring you have an adequate amount of pesos on hand will facilitate a smooth transaction.
Can We Buy Tickets Online?
No, online ticket purchases are not available to access the ruins. To avoid waiting in long queues, it is recommended to book a guided tour through an authorized agency. Please note that not all tour operators or guides provide expedited entry privileges. Visitors are advised to inquire about “skip the line” access when making reservations to ensure a seamless and efficient experience.
Lengthy Ticket Lines at Archaeological Sites
During peak tourist seasons, visitors can encounter substantial wait times exceeding one hour when attempting to purchase admission tickets for popular attractions. This situation is exacerbated when multiple tickets are required, as is the case for sites like Chichen Itza (two tickets) or Tulum (three tickets). After acquiring the necessary tickets, visitors must then proceed through a final access line where all tickets are verified, further prolonging the entry process…
How To Avoid Crazy Lines?
To circumvent lengthy queues, it is advisable to opt for a private tour. By choosing a private tour, you can depart early in the morning without any delays or interruptions to pick up additional guests from various resorts. This direct approach allows you to proceed straight to the desired site, where your guides have already secured the necessary tickets, enabling you to bypass the general admission line and gain immediate access.
