QUINTANA ROO.- After years of careful planning and collaboration with local communities, the ancient Mayan city of Ichkabal in Quintana Roo has finally opened its doors to the public. This exciting development, made possible by the Tren Maya project's Program for the Improvement of Archaeological Zones (Promeza), adds another jewel to Mexico's rich tapestry of pre-Hispanic heritage.

Imagine venturing into the heart of the Yucatan Peninsula, where towering structures rise from the jungle floor, whispering tales of a civilization that thrived centuries ago. This is now a reality at Ichkabal, a site that played a pivotal role in the development of Mayan architecture.


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The opening is the result of a two-year partnership between INAH (Mexico’s National Institute of Anthropology and History) and local ejido communities (communal land owners). This collaboration, formalized in an agreement signed on January 10, 2025, ensures the protection of the 113-hectare site, including Ichkabal's core area, whose Mayan name translates to "between lowlands."

"This agreement is a win-win," says anthropologist Diego Prieto Hernández, general director of INAH. "It not only provides legal security for our research and conservation efforts but also directly benefits 165 ejido members and their families, who have been incredibly supportive throughout this process."

Quintana Roo Governor Mara Lezama celebrated the opening as a landmark moment for the region. "This is a historic event that will create new opportunities for economic and social development in the surrounding communities," she stated. "I’m so proud that Quintana Roo, with 12 archaeological zones, now has the highest number of enhanced heritage sites thanks to Promeza. The world deserves to experience the grandeur of Mayan culture."

Ichkabal’s history stretches back to between 200 BC and 200 AD, a time when it was a major player in the development of the Petén architectural style, sharing its prime with powerful cities like Calakmul and Tikal (located in present-day Campeche and Guatemala). The city is known for its exceptionally tall structures, many soaring over 40 meters high, often arranged in distinctive triadic groups.

For years, archaeologists like Luz Evelia Campaña, Javier López Camacho, Enrique Nalda Hernández, Hortensia de Vega Nova, and Sandra Balanzario Granados have been working tirelessly at Ichkabal, conducting surveys, cleaning, conserving, and restoring these magnificent structures, along with remnants of stucco and vibrant mural paintings.

Thanks to the Promeza program and the support of the Secretariat of National Defense, the site is now equipped with visitor-friendly amenities, including a service area, parking, a ticket office, rest areas, and clear signage.

Getting to Ichkabal is now easier than ever. Located south of Quintana Roo, it’s about 40 kilometers from Bacalar and its famous Lagoon of the Seven Colors, and 75 kilometers from Chetumal. A newly constructed 23-kilometer access road connects the site to the Tren Maya train stations in Bacalar and Chetumal.

Ichkabal welcomes visitors from Monday to Sunday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with the last entry at 4:30 p.m. Best of all? Admission is currently free, inviting everyone to explore this remarkable piece of Mayan history. The first visitors to experience this newly opened treasure were tourists from Guanajuato, marking the beginning of a new era for Ichkabal and its surrounding communities.


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