Chichen Itza Loses Top Spot as Mexico’s Most-Visited Archaeological Site

Mérida, Yucatán — Chichen Itza has lost its title as Mexico’s most-visited archaeological site for the first time in seven years, overtaken by Teotihuacan in May 2026, according to preliminary visitor statistics from the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH).

The decline in tourism was linked to a 13-day protest by artisans and merchants that limited access to the site, as well as maintenance work carried out by INAH, leading to a significant drop in visitor numbers.

Data released by the federal agency shows that Chichen Itza received 104,117 tourists in May, an average of 4,732 per day — its lowest monthly figure in six years.

In contrast, Teotihuacan attracted 110,113 visitors, surpassing the Yucatan site by about 6,000 people and becoming the country’s top archaeological attraction for the month.

The report indicates that from January 2020 through April 2026, Chichen Itza had held the national lead in visitor numbers without interruption. However, the events in May ended that streak.

The drop was steep: compared to April 2026, when 159,089 visitors were recorded, attendance fell 34.55%. Compared to May 2025, when 141,413 people visited, the decline was 26.37%. Even May 2024’s figure of 135,747 visitors was higher than this year’s count.

Ek’ Balam Rises in Rankings

While Chichen Itza saw a sharp decline, other archaeological sites in Yucatan experienced extraordinary growth, particularly Ek’ Balam, which absorbed much of the redirected tourism during the conflict.

In May 2026, Ek’ Balam reported 24,831 visitors, a 112.09% increase from April’s 11,708. Compared to May 2025, when 9,896 people visited, the growth was 150.92%.

Thanks to this surge, Ek’ Balam became the fifth most-visited archaeological site in the country, behind only Teotihuacan, Chichen Itza, Monte Alban in Oaxaca, and El Tajin in Veracruz.

The preliminary INAH report notes that, aside from these specific cases, most archaeological sites open to the public in Mexico saw a decrease in visitors in May, reflecting an atypical month for the country’s cultural tourism sector.