Xel Há archaeological site reopens after four-year maintenance, offering new museum experiences

Xel Há, a significant Mayan archaeological site in Mexico, has reopened its doors to the public on July 6, following a four-year closure for maintenance. This reopening is part of the broader Program for the Improvement of Archaeological Zones (Promeza), an initiative dedicated to preserving the region's cultural heritage.

The INAH (National Institute of Anthropology and History) has enhanced Xel Há as one of 11 archaeological zones improved under the Promeza program. Margarito Molina, director of the INAH Center in Quintana Roo, highlighted that the site's reactivation will benefit local tourism. Alongside Xel Há, visitors can explore two new museums in the vicinity: the Regional Museum of the Eastern Coast of Tulum (Mureco) and the Historical Museum of the City of Felipe Carrillo Puerto (MHCFCP).

Mureco, located in the Jaguar Park and inaugurated in 2024, showcases the history and culture of the Mexican Caribbean, from early Mayan inhabitants to the present day. It features 300 historical pieces and utilizes interactive technology to offer an educational experience on Mayan social organization, religious practices, trade, and astronomical and architectural legacies. The MHCFCP, known as Maya Santa Cruz Xbáalam Naj, was reinaugurated in April 2025. It comprises six rooms detailing the spirit of the Mayan civilization, including the founding of Noj Kaaj Santa Cruz Báalam Naj, the establishment of peace pacts, and the creation of early communal landholdings and commercial cooperatives.

These museums also delve into ancestral farming practices, regional art, clothing, and popular objects. The MHCFCP specifically highlights the Santa Cruz symbol, which guided the Mayan civilization during the "macehual struggle" for over 50 years, serving as a space to learn about Mayan resistance. Xel Há is located at Km. 246 of the Federal Highway 307 Reforma Agraria-Puerto Juárez, Quintana Roo, about 20 minutes from Tulum's center. It is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with an entrance fee of $210 pesos for adults, offering a 50% discount for Mexican nationals, residents, students, and seniors. Sundays are free.

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its reopening will benefit local visitors by reactivating tourism.