Entrance Fee For Tulum & Coba Mayan Ruins Will Be Doubled For International Visitors

Share The Article

TULUM — Travelers planning a trip to the Riviera Maya in 2026 will need to budget significantly more for one of the region’s most iconic experiences. In a move that will affect millions of visitors, the entrance fee to top-tier archaeological sites, including the world-famous ruins of Tulum and Cobá, is set to be doubled for international tourists.

The proposal, which was approved by Mexico’s Chamber of Deputies on October 15 as part of the updated Federal Rights Law, will see the cost of entry for foreigners jump from approximately $5 to over $11 USD.

This is a major price hike that will have a real impact on vacation budgets. Here at The Cancun Sun, we’re breaking down the details of what’s changing, which sites are affected, and what this means for your next trip.

The Details of the Price Hike

This new fee structure is part of a broader federal initiative to increase admission fees to all museums and archaeological sites administered by the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) across Mexico.

The most significant changes are for “Category 1” sites, which include the most popular and highly-visited locations in the country. For these top-tier sites, the proposed changes are:

• For Foreign Tourists: The entrance fee will more than double, increasing from the current 100 pesos to 209 Mexican pesos (approximately $11.50 USD).
• For Nationals and Residents: The fee will see a much smaller increase, from 100 to 105 pesos.

This new law is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026, assuming it is confirmed by the Senate, which is highly anticipated.

Which Sites Are Affected?

The price hike will be felt across all of Mexico’s most famous landmarks. The “Category 1” designation includes not only the Tulum and Cobá archaeological sites in Quintana Roo but also other regional powerhouses like Palenque in Chiapas and Calakmul in Campeche.

Closer to home for Cancun visitors, other sites will also see significant increases. “Category 2” sites, which include the popular Mayan Museum of Cancún located in the Hotel Zone, are also slated for a massive 97% price increase.

The Bigger Picture: A Trend of Rising Costs

This federal move is consistent with a broader trend of rising costs and a push for increased revenue from tourism in the Riviera Maya. It comes on the heels of the recent and controversial implementation of a multi-tiered pricing structure at the new Jaguar Park in Tulum, which also saw a significant increase in the total cost for international visitors to access the ruins.

For the government, these price increases are a way to generate more revenue from its most valuable and in-demand assets, with the funds intended to support the preservation and maintenance of these incredible historical sites.

For the traveler, however, it’s another clear signal that a trip to the region is becoming more expensive. A family of four visiting just two of these top-tier ruins will now need to budget nearly $100 for entrance fees alone, a significant increase from previous years.

While the experience of standing before the dramatic, cliffside Castillo in Tulum or climbing the ancient pyramid at Cobá is undoubtedly priceless, the actual price is getting steeper. As you plan your 2026 vacation, this is a new and important cost that must be factored into your budget.