National park · Mexico
IchkabalParque Nacional Ichkabal
Enter Ichkabal for a 2–3 hour walk among massive Classic‑period pyramids (entry MXN 70 – 120, check), or add the 5 km (3.1 mi) jungle sacbe hike to Kinichna (guide MXN 300 – 500, check) in the dry season Dec–Apr; avoid the rainy months Jun–Oct.Enter Ichkabal for a 2–3 hour walk among massive Classic‑period pyramids (entry MXN 70 – 120, check), or add the 3.1 mi (5 km) jungle sacbe hike to Kinichna (guide MXN 300 – 500, check) in the dry season Dec–Apr; avoid the rainy months Jun–Oct.
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Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
30 km² (12 sq mi)12 sq mi (30 km²)
approximate
Established
1995
Best months
Dec–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
- 30 km² (12 sq mi)12 sq mi (30 km²)
- Approx. 30 km², about three times the size of Chichen Itza (check).
- Established
- 1995
- Best months
- Dec–Apr
- Permits
- For some areas
- Base
- Bacalar
Ichkabal is one of the largest Classic‑period Maya cities, deep in the Yucatán jungle, featuring massive pyramids, a 7‑ha plaza with a restored reservoir, and ancient sacbe highways linking it to Kinichna and Dzibanche.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- No UNESCO listing; national park since 1995.
Size and age
30 km² (12 sq mi)12 sq mi (30 km²) · national park since 1995
Approx. 30 km², about three times the size of Chichen Itza (check).
This page covers the park itself. Nearest base: Bacalar.
Why go
- Explore one of the largest Classic‑period Maya cities, three times the size of Chichen Itza.
- See massive pyramids up to 42 m high and a 7‑ha main plaza with a restored reservoir.
- Walk ancient sacbe highways that link Ichkabal to Kinichna and Dzibanche.
When to go
- JanBest
- FebBest
- MarBest
- AprBest
- MayGo
- JunCaution
- JulCaution
- AugCaution
- SepCaution
- OctGo
- NovGo
- DecBest
- JanDry, cooler evenings.
- FebDry, pleasant.
- MarDry, warming.
- AprEnd of dry season.
- MayStart of rains.
- JunFrequent afternoon storms.
- JulRainy, high humidity.
- AugRainy, possible flooding on trails.
- SepRainy, still hot.
- OctRain tapering, still warm.
- NovDryening, cooler nights.
- DecDry, comfortable.
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jungle birds ( toucans, motmots )Mar–Sep | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
| Insects (mosquitoes, leeches)Jun–Sep · Use repellant and wear long sleeves. | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
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 Tulum International Airport (TQO)
Rent a car or take a shuttle to Bacalar (≈1 h 30 min), then follow signs west 18 km (11 mi) to the access road.Rent a car or take a shuttle to Bacalar (≈1 h 30 min), then follow signs west 11 mi (18 km) to the access road.
2–2.5 h
Open the page →
From Cancún International Airport (CUN)
Drive south on MEX‑307 to Bacalar (≈3 h), then follow the same access road.
3.5–4 h
Open the page →
From Bacalar town
Take the paved road west on El Suspiro/Reforma 18 km (11 mi) to the site; parking is roadside.Take the paved road west on El Suspiro/Reforma 11 mi (18 km) to the site; parking is roadside.
1 h
Open the page →
From Tren Maya station (Bacalar)
Taxi or shared van to the access road, then 18 km (11 mi) west.Taxi or shared van to the access road, then 11 mi (18 km) west.
1 h
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Entrance & ticket office | Parking area, information desk, basic amenities. | Open with ticket. |
| Main Plaza | 7‑ha open plaza, reservoir, Structure 5 and 5c pyramids. | Open with ticket. |
| West Plaza | Structure 4 pyramid, staircases, viewing platform. | Open with ticket. |
| Sacbe trail to Kinichna | 16 km (9.9 mi) ancient road through jungle.9.9 mi (16 km) ancient road through jungle. | Guide required. |
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 from Wikidata; approximate 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Site entry (ticket office) | MXN 70–120 (≈ US$4–7) | person | Includes access to main plaza and core structures (check). |
| Guided sacbe hike to Kinichna | MXN 300–500 (≈ US$17–30) | person | Guide required for off‑site trail. |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Site entry permit or guide
Off‑site sacbe hike permit or guide
What would our group pay?
People
Nights or days
- MX$70–120≈ US$4–7
- MX$300–500≈ US$17–30
Tick the fees that apply to your trip to see a total.
A guide, not a quote: the ranges are estimates (checked 2026-09) and each fee may have rules on who pays it. Check with the park or your operator before you go.
Park rules
- Guides
- Required for any trail beyond the main plazas.
- Litter
- Carry out all rubbish; no bins on site.
- Fires
- Not allowed anywhere in the park.
- Off‑trail
- Prohibited for safety and preservation; stay on marked paths.
Where to stay
Near the park
Bacalar town
Hotels, hostels and modest guesthouses 20 km (12 mi) north; good base for day trips.Hotels, hostels and modest guesthouses 12 mi (20 km) north; good base for day trips.
Safety
Heat and dehydration medium
Mosquito‑borne disease medium
Jungle snakes 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
- Entrance area is reachable by car with short flat walks.
- Pyramids involve many steps; not suitable for limited mobility.
Visiting lightly
- Hire local guides; fees support site maintenance.
- Do not disturb wildlife or vegetation.
- Leave no trace; pack out all waste.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Ichkabal?
Entry tickets are MXN 70 – 120 per person (check for the latest price). Guides for off‑site hikes cost MXN 300 – 500.
What are the best hikes in Ichkabal?
The core walk around the Main Plaza is easy and takes 1–2 h. For a longer challenge, the 5 km sacbe trail to Kinichna (4–5 h, guide required) offers jungle scenery and ancient road fragments.
When is the best time to visit Ichkabal?
The dry season Dec–Apr offers the most comfortable heat and clear trails; avoid the heavy rains of Jun–Oct.
Do I need a guide?
A guide is mandatory for any trail beyond the main plazas, such as the sacbe hike. Inside the plazas you can explore on your own after buying a ticket.
Where can I stay near Ichkabal?
Bacalar town, about 20 km north, has a range of hotels and guesthouses suitable for day‑trippers.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
Show the detailsHide
Sources
Ask about Ichkabal
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