Mexico's Archaeological Site Fees Double: Impact on Puerto Morelos Travelers

Starting January 1, 2026, visiting Mexico's most famous archaeological sites just got a lot more expensive.

 

Foreign tourists now pay more than double what they paid before, and even Mexican families are feeling the pinch.

 

For Puerto Morelos residents and visitors, understanding these changes matters because many of us take trips to nearby ruins.

 

The Big Price Hike

 

The National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) doubled entry fees for foreign visitors at major archaeological sites. At places like Tulum and Cobá, foreigners now pay 210 pesos instead of 100 pesos. Mexican nationals got a smaller increase, going from 100 to 105 pesos.

 

The changes apply to all Category I archaeological sites in Quintana Roo. That includes Tulum, Cobá, and others across the state.

 

Tulum's Real Problem

 

Tulum is being hit the hardest. Foreign tourists don't just pay the INAH fee anymore. They also pay fees to the National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (Conanp) and the Jaguar Park. Add it all up and foreign visitors now pay 515 pesos total, up from 415 pesos last year.

 

Mexican visitors pay 260 pesos, compared to 255 pesos before. That might not sound like much, but families visiting during school breaks feel the difference.

 

Why This Matters for Puerto Morelos

 

Puerto Morelos sits between Cancún and Playa del Carmen, making it a perfect base for exploring the region's archaeological sites. Many of our residents and their visiting friends take day trips to Tulum and Cobá. The fee increases mean planning a family outing costs significantly more.

 

Local tourism guides and tour operators are already reporting complaints from visitors. Some tourists are choosing to skip the sites entirely because of the combined costs.

 

What the Government Says

 

INAH claims the money will go toward conservation, research, and site operations. However, analysts believe this is mainly a revenue grab by the federal government.

 

They point out that Mexico is hosting the Soccer World Cup in 2026, and the government may be trying to capitalize on increased tourism.

 

Notably, Yucatán state did not receive the same fee increases, which has raised questions about fairness across the region.

 

Looking Ahead

 

If you're planning trips to archaeological sites from Puerto Morelos, budget accordingly. The fees aren't going down anytime soon.

 

Consider visiting during low season when sites are less crowded, even if prices remain the same.