Visit Ichkabal: Ancient Mayan Site in Riviera Maya

Ichkabal Archaeological Zone Emerges as Popular Winter Destination in Riviera Maya

The Ichkabal Archaeological Zone is becoming one of the new popular attractions in the Riviera Maya during this winter season. If you want to visit it in December 2025, here is everything you need to know about this sacred place.

One of the main attractions of Quintana Roo, apart from the beaches and cenotes, are the archaeological zones that have been preserved over time, repeatedly telling the story of the Mayans who were once the “owners and lords” of the entire southern territory.

Ichkabal not only joins the list of Mayan archaeological zones in the Riviera Maya, but this sacred place, which means “place of low height,” is even older than Chichén Itzá and may be equally large, as historically it was considered one of the most important cities of the Yucatán Peninsula.

Why is the Ichkabal Archaeological Zone Considered Sacred?

After its discovery in the 1990s, specialists have found various remains of offerings and sacrifices at the site, so it is presumed that the Mayans previously used it as their “ceremonial center,” which coincides with the fact that it has so many pyramids, the Mayan symbol representing the union of earth and sky.

During the tour of the Ichkabal Archaeological Zone in December 2025, what you will find are pyramids up to 46 meters tall, some buildings or houses that the Mayans built, and ruins of what was once a place for making sacrifices to the gods of the culture.

How to Get to the Ichkabal Archaeological Zone

Located just 35 kilometers from Bacalar and next to the Laguna de los Siete Colores, it has free entry as it is a new natural tourism experience in Quintana Roo; however, parking costs 50 Mexican pesos, around three dollars, and locals assure that it is better to go very early to avoid suffering during the tour under the sun.

Regarding ways to get there, there are three options: you can rent a car and arrive at the Ichkabal Archaeological Zone, take a taxi, or take the Maya Train. The last option is one of the most economical, and you only need to get off at the Bacalar station or the Chetumal station.