Mexico City — The video by popular YouTuber MrBeast, which showcased the archaeological zones of Calakmul, Chichén Itzá, and Balankanché, reached 60 million views this Friday. Following statements from Mexico’s Secretary of Culture and the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) regarding potential legal action against the influencer for spreading false information and commercializing Mexican heritage, Campeche Governor Layda Sansores defended MrBeast, calling his video a significant promotional tool for the state’s archaeological sites.
Declining Visitor Numbers in Calakmul
According to INAH’s Visitor Statistics, available on its official website, the Calakmul archaeological site recorded 15,177 visitors in 2025, making it the second most visited site in Campeche, behind Edzná, which received 19,283 visits.
However, the data reveals a downward trend in Calakmul’s tourism. In 2023, the site welcomed 41,580 visitors, but by 2024, numbers dropped by nearly 40%, with only 28,450 visitors recorded over the year.
Stable Figures in Chichén Itzá
In contrast, Chichén Itzá—another location featured in MrBeast’s video—recorded 839,310 visitors so far in 2025. The site maintained stable figures in previous years, with 2,332,445 visitors in 2023 and 2,248,197 in 2024.
Government Response
The INAH has filed an administrative complaint against MrBeast’s production company, accusing it of exploiting Mexico’s cultural heritage for private profit. Meanwhile, Governor Sansores has emphasized the video’s potential to boost tourism, despite the controversy.
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