Mexico INAH Archaeological Sites, Dual State Fees & Cenote Entry Guide (2026)

Last reviewed: October 25, 2026 · Prices in Mexican Pesos ($ MXN) are approximate and for orientation only.

INAH Federal Tickets ($95–$100 MXN) vs Yucatán & Quintana Roo Dual-Ticket Rules

Mexico's National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) manages 193 open archaeological zones across the country. At federal-only sites such as Teotihuacán, Templo Mayor, Museo Nacional de Antropología, Monte Albán, Mitla, and Palenque, international visitors pay a single Category I federal admission of $95–$100 MXN (~$5 USD). However, in Yucatán and Quintana Roo, major sites collect TWO separate tickets at the gate: the federal INAH fee PLUS a state cultural/park agency fee (CULTUR in Yucatán or Parque del Jaguar / CONANP in Tulum). At Chichén Itzá, foreign visitors pay $100 MXN (INAH) + $548 MXN (CULTUR) = $648 MXN total; at Uxmal, total entry is $561 MXN; at Tulum + Parque del Jaguar, expect ~$195–$415 MXN depending on park access.

Opening Hours (08:00 AM Rule), Tripod/GoPro Permits & Plastic-Free Checkpoints

Virtually all major INAH archaeological zones open at 08:00 AM and begin clearing visitors between 16:00 and 16:30. Arriving between 08:00 and 08:30 AM lets you explore Teotihuacán, Chichén Itzá, Tulum, Monte Albán, or Palenque in cool 24°C morning air before 10:30 AM tour buses arrive. Security checkpoints strictly ban single-use plastic bottles, food, drones, tripods, and selfie sticks; bring a reusable metal water bottle, and pay the small $55–$60 MXN INAH video permit at the booth if carrying a GoPro or action camera.

Cenote Types (Open, Semi-Open & Cavern) & Mandatory Shower/Sunscreen Rules

Across the Yucatán Peninsula, over 6,000 limestone sinkholes (cenotes) expose crystal-clear subterranean rivers. Community ejido cenotes around Homún and Valladolid cost $100–$200 MXN, while famous cenotes with lockers and life jackets (Gran Cenote, Dos Ojos, Ik Kil, Suytun, Oxman) charge $200–$500 MXN. To prevent oil and chemical runoff from destroying cave stalactites and blind cavefish, every cenote requires rinsing thoroughly at the outdoor showers before entering the water and wearing a UV shirt instead of sunscreen or mosquito repellent.

Key Takeaways & Local Tips

• Use our interactive INAH Archaeological Site & Cenote Fee Calculator (/tools/archaeological-cenote-calculator/) to total your exact federal, state, and cenote costs in $ MXN.
• Note that INAH's free Sunday admission applies ONLY to Mexican citizens and foreign residents holding a Mexican Temporary/Permanent Resident card—international tourists pay standard admission on Sundays while enduring the largest weekly crowds.
• Beware of roadside 'informants' waving rental cars down 3 km before Chichén Itzá, Cobá, or Tulum claiming the main parking lot is closed—drive straight to the official INAH ticket booth.