Tulum's Ruins Now Under Army Guard: What It Means for Visitors

For residents and visitors of Tulum, a significant change has occurred: the Parque del Jaguar, home to ancient Mayan ruins, now sees its entrance fees managed by a military company, GAFSACOMM, instead of the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH). This shift, announced on July 27, 2026, marks a new era for those entering the park, which encompasses the Tulum National Park, the Jaguar Flora and Fauna Protection Area, and the Tulum-Tancah Archaeological Monuments Zone.

The transition has prompted a flurry of activity, with workers inside the park required to submit photographs to a state register by Friday, September 22. This move is part of a broader initiative called Tulum Renace, which aims to standardize training and certification for all park tourism service providers. While the new system brings some clarity, it also raises questions about the practical implications for visitors and local businesses.

Artisans, food vendors, and paramedics working within the park must now register and be photographed. The state government has set up a registration process at the Grupo Mundo Maya hotel, with two blocks of time each day. The process is straightforward but time-sensitive, with providers advised to act quickly to avoid any disruptions to their operations.

For those planning a visit to Tulum, it's important to familiarize yourself with these changes. If you are a service provider, make sure to comply with the registration requirements to maintain your operations. For visitors, expect a slight adjustment in the payment process, with the new fee structure coming into effect as of July 27.