National park · Mexico
KabahKabah Archaeological Site
Enter Kabah for MXN 70 (check) and walk the main ruins in 2 h; best early morning in Nov–Apr; avoid peak heat in May–Oct.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify
More
Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
1 km² (0 sq mi)0 sq mi (1 km²)
approximate
Established
2020
Best months
Jan–Apr
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- Mexico ↗Check entry rules for your passport with Mexico's National Migration Institute (INM) or your nearest Mexican consulate; keep proof of your entry (stamp or digital record) until you leave.
- Mexico ↗Security advice differs by state: some governments advise against travel to parts of several states. Check your own government's advice for each region on your route.
- Mexico ↗Do not drink tap water; use bottled or filtered water and ice from reliable places.
- Mexico ↗Foreign visitors to Quintana Roo (Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Bacalar, Holbox) pay the state VISITAX online at visitax.gob.mx only; lookalike sites add fees.
At a glance
- Country
- Mexico
- Area
- 1 km² (0 sq mi)0 sq mi (1 km²)
- The protected zone covers roughly 0.5 km² of archaeological remains (check official INAH map for exact boundaries).
- Established
- 2020
- Best months
- Jan–Apr
- Permits
- For some areas
Kabah is a Maya archaeological site on the Puuc Route in Yucatán, best known for the Codz Poop temple with hundreds of rain‑god masks. The compact complex includes a palace, gateway arch and several groups of structures, making it ideal for a short self‑guided walk, while longer treks beyond the gate require a guide.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- No UNESCO listing; national park since 2020.
Size and age
1 km² (0 sq mi)0 sq mi (1 km²) · national park since 2020
The protected zone covers roughly 0.5 km² of archaeological remains (check official INAH map for exact boundaries).
Why go
- See the Codz Poop temple with hundreds of rain‑god masks.
- Explore the Palace and Gateway Arch on a compact site.
- Combine with the Ruta Puuc circuit for a classic Maya experience.
When to go
- JanBest
- FebBest
- MarBest
- AprBest
- MayCaution
- JunCaution
- JulCaution
- AugCaution
- SepCaution
- OctGo
- NovGo
- DecGo
- JanCool, dry; ideal for walking.
- FebMild, little rain.
- MarDry, warm.
- AprWarm, low humidity.
- MayRising heat, occasional showers.
- JunHot, start of rainy season.
- JulRainy, high humidity.
- AugRainy, possible storms.
- SepRainy, humid.
- OctRain lessens, still warm.
- NovDry, pleasant.
- DecCool, dry.
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Local bird speciesAll year · Common in the surrounding scrub. | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
From Mérida
Drive south on federal highway MEX‑261 (≈100 km (62 mi)) to the sign‑posted parking area.Drive south on federal highway MEX‑261 (≈62 mi (100 km)) to the sign‑posted parking area.
1.5 h
From Mérida
Take an Autobuses SUR bus to Uxmal, then a 20‑min taxi to Kabah.
2 h
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Kabah archaeological zone | Main ruins: Codz Poop, Palace, Gateway Arch, Grupo Noroeste. | Open to visitors with ticket. |
Sketch map
Take the points offline
3 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Coordinates approximate for the main entrance; used for orientation.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry ticket | MXN 70 (≈ US$4) | person | Check current price at gate. |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Site entry permit or guide
Park rules
- Guides
- Not required for the main site, but recommended for the long trek beyond the gate.
- Litter
- Carry out all rubbish; no bins on site.
- Fire
- Open fires prohibited.
Where to stay
Near the park
Santa Elena
Budget hotels and hostels 5 km (3.1 mi) north of the site.Budget hotels and hostels 3.1 mi (5 km) north of the site.
Near the park
Mérida
Wide range of accommodation, 1.5 h drive.
Safety
Sun exposure medium
Mosquitoes low
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- Site reachable by car; main paths are uneven and not wheelchair‑friendly.
Visiting lightly
- Buy crafts from the on‑site shop to support local artisans.
- Avoid single‑use plastics; bring reusable water bottle.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Kabah?
Entry is MXN 70 per person (check at the gate for any updates).
What are the best hikes in Kabah?
The main walk covers Codz Poop, the Palace and the Gateway Arch in about 2 hours; longer routes beyond the gate need a guide.
When is the best time to visit Kabah?
Dry season November to April offers comfortable temperatures and minimal rain.
Can I visit Kabah without a guide?
Yes, the core ruins are open to self‑guided visitors; a guide is required for any extended trek outside the main area.
Where can I stay near Kabah?
Budget options exist in Santa Elena (5 km north); Mérida offers more choices and is a short drive away.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
Show the detailsHide
Sources
Ask about Kabah
Loading…
Was this useful?