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The Riviera Maya’s rich cultural history has long drawn tourists from around the globe.
While Mexico’s Archaeological Parks, such as Chichen Itza and Tulum, are the most famous historical attractions, there are many more ways to discover the heritage of the Riviera Maya.
According to Mexico’s National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI), many tourists have learned that Quintana Roo’s public museums are a fun and exciting way to learn about the region.
According to statistics from INEGI for International Museum Day, more than 270,000 people visited public museums in Quintana Roo in 2022.
Of all museum visitors, over 80% had never visited the museum before, showing that museums are growing in popularity with new demographics.
The most visited museum in the country is the Cancun Maya Museum. Nearly 70,000 people visited the Cancun Maya Museum in 2022, more than 25,000 more than the previous year.
Other famous museums in Quintana Roo include the Museum of Mayan Culture, the Model Payo Obispo Museum, the San Felipe Fort Museum, and the Caste War Museum. These museums saw a 23.6% increase in visitors compared to 2019.
Before your next vacation, take a look at the most visited museums in Quintana Roo!
The Mayan Museum Of Cancun
The Mayan Museum of Cancun replaced Cancun’s anthropology museum in 2012. Since it is so new, the museum has sleek architecture and state-of-the-art facilities.
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Behind the museum, visitors can enjoy winding jungle paths that lead through the San Miguelito Mayan Ruins. The campus is one of the few places to experience the Yucatan jungle without venturing out of the city.
The museum has permanent exhibitions showcasing Mayan artifacts from Quintana Roo and the greater area influenced by the Mayan civilization.
The most famous exhibition is La Mujer de Las Palmas, Spanish for the Woman of the Palms. La Mujer de las Palmas is a skeleton discovered near Tulum believed to be around 12,000 years old.
Since the museum is conveniently located at the south end of Cancun’s hotel zone, it is easily accessible by bus or taxi.
The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, and entrance fees are around $5 USD. It is a must-see for those staying in Cancun’s hotel zone!
The Museum of Mayan Culture
If you enjoy the Mayan Museum of Cancun, the Museum of Mayan Culture should be your next stop!
The Museum of Mayan Culture is in Chetumal, a city south of Cancun on the Mexican border with Belize.
Although it is a long journey, it is worth it for those who want to truly understand ancient Mayan civilization since experts consider it one of the most complete collections of Mayan artifacts.
The museum’s eight halls give visitors an understanding of the origins of Mayan civilization, daily life, agriculture, trade, science, technology, and way of seeing the world.
The Model Payo Obispo Museum
While in Chetumal, you might as well stop by the Model Payo Obispo Museum, which displays replicas of the city of Chetumal over time.
It is an excellent place for those who want to learn about how the culture of the Riviera Maya has developed since ancient times.
The San Felipe Fort Museum
The San Felipe Fort Museum is located in Bacalar, near Chetumal. It tells the story of the San Felipe Fort, which the Spanish built to protect Bacalar from the constant threat of pirates in the 18th century.
It is the perfect place for those interested in more recent Mexican history.
The Caste War Museum
Located about halfway between Tulum and Chetumal, the Caste War Museum memorializes the home of Jacinto Pat, leader of the indigenous rebellion against the Spaniards in the 19th century.
Its collection includes weapons, documents, art, and models from the war so that the locals and visitors can remember the rebellion.
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