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    Parque Nacional Tulum

    4.5 (49 reviews)
    Closed 8:00 am - 4:30 pm

    Parque Nacional Tulum Photos

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    Kerri F.

    This is an absolute treasure to visit. So amazing to see the past. I highly recommend coming with good hat, running shoes, water, and lots of sunscreen. Totally worth a visit if you're visiting in the area.

    Inside one of the gift shops on the way to the Tulum Mayan ruins. Zona Arqueológica de Tulum, part of Parque Nacional Tulum.
    Daniel B.

    Parque Nacional Tulum, or Tulum National Park, is a Mexican national park located on the eastern portion of the Yucatan Peninsula. It faces the Caribbean Sea. The land is over 1,641 acres and contains jungles, beaches, wetlands, cenotes, and six archaeological zones. Those zones include Coba, Muyil, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Xcaret, and Xelha. We visited the park to see the Mayan ruins in Tulum. I highly recommend it: https://www.yelp.com/biz/zona-arqueol%C3%B3gica-de-tulum-tulum-2 We also went to two wonderful cenotes, Xunaan Ha ( https://www.yelp.com/biz/cenote-xunaan-ha-ciudad-chemuyil ) and Taak Bi Ha ( https://m.yelp.com/biz/taak-bi-ha-zona-hotelera-tulum ). If you're visiting the area, I also highly recommend booking a tour with My Quest Concierge Private Tours, based out of Playa del Carmen. They're top notch and will take great care of you: https://www.yelp.com/biz/my-quest-concierge-private-tours-playa-del-carmen Visiting Tulum and the greater Riviera Maya region opened my eyes to the natural beauty that Mexico can offer. My wife and I love tropical vacations and Riviera Maya now ranks up there among our favorite tropical destinations that include Bora Bora, Thailand, and Hawaii. Parque Nacional Tulum is filled with dense jungle, lush vegetation, and amazing wildlife, mesmerizing cenotes that are unique to this part of the world, and it has sea cliffs with breathtaking views of picturesque white sand beaches and magnificent deep blue ocean.

    Ariella W.

    We visited tulum with a combo tour for this and Rio secreto. We were picked up by a shuttle from our hotel and taken to tulum. When you first get there. There are many vendors who will try to bully or push you into buying something. Also people wanting to take your picture with a monkey. Be fore warned they will tell you after the fact, the picture is $20 so don't be scammed/fooled. Our guide gave us wrist bands and we all went in together for awhile. It was easy to get in with the guide. She gave us a fair amount of useful information and then we were able to explore our own. It was very beautiful! And worth the visit. Even though it's smaller than some of the other ruins. My only real Complaint is that it was so very crowded. Everywhere you turn someone was stopping right in the middle of a walk way to take a picture or something. And there was literally mobs of people. I'd recommend a visit though!

    Elle M.

    Even if you were only ever to visit Tulum once in your life, I'd advise to skip this. The ruins on the cliff over turquoise water are a gorgeous site, but the park is terribly overcrowded. There's an entrance fee to the National Park and then another entrance fee to the ruins, without signs or guides explaining such. You'll wait in long lines only to be turned around to buy more tickets and wait again. Long bathroom lines. Very persistent vendors and performers aggressively calling after visitors. Skip. Visit tranquil Mayan ruins in Belize or Guatemala, instead.

    If you're in Tulum this is a great spot to see some ancient architecture along the ocean. When you arrive in the official parking lot there is an information booth where employees let you know the different tour options. You have 3 tour options- admission to walk the ruins, admission which includes a boat tour in the waters surrounding the ruins, or having a personal tour guide for the duration of the ruins. We opted to just walk the grounds ourself which takes 1-2 hours. Once you enter the main entrance you will see a ticket booth and get your arm bands. A shuttle bus brings you closer to the start of the trails. There are nice mostly shady trails all throughout the site but those with limited mobility will not be able to walk much of the grounds as the trails include many larger or uneven stairs.

    Ocean view-- not able to access though
    Syana C.

    Very cool history and lots to see. Shuttle service to and from the ruins from the main road which is helpful because it would be a very long walk. Beautiful view of the ocean as well. HOWEVER-- it's a tax of $450 pesos just to enter the park, then additional $100 pesos to enter the ruins. Plus parking fee if you drive there. You CANNOT access the beach for free-- you have to pay the $450 even if you are not going to the ruins. You are not allowed to bring ANY plastic bottles so if you want to bring water make sure it's in a metal bottle. No coke, no snacks in plastic wrappers, no cans, no alcohol, no speakers, no cigarettes. No cameras allowed except phone. They will make you throw it away at the gate. There are no lockers to hold your stuff to get later. Bring sunscreen as they do not sell any at the park. There are not very many signs so you might have to pay for a tour guide to know what's your even looking at inside the ruins. I wouldn't go again but for some people this would be an interesting activity.

    Seeing the Mayan ruins was a dream come true;)
    Michelle D.

    The Parque Nacional Tulum was one of the most incredibly beautiful places I've ever seen. Located on the Riviera Maya, a magnificent coastline running from Cancun south to Tulum. We booked the tour through Adventurous Mayas and they hooked us up with a wonderful tour guide, Flash. Flash was a descendant of the Mayans. Who better to guide us through this historic place. The Mayan ruins date back to 1200-1450 AD. Flash taught us history regarding the way the Mayans looked to the sun, moon and stars to determine when the rainy season would start. They used astrology to determine the seasons. They built the tallest structures with holes in the brick at the top. And when the sun appeared on a specific building's hole they would know which season had arrived. I so badly wanted to climb the many stairs of the biggest remaining ruin. But all of the structures were roped off for guest safety. There were so many huge grandpa looking iguanas just chillin on the ruins. We got a lot of steps in that day but it was worth the tired legs! The history in this park had a certain magic I can't explain. This was by far the best excursion I've ever experienced and I highly recommend a stop in Tulum!

    The House of the Halach Uinic served as the residence for the leader
    Rachelle P.

    Such amazing history! 9 of us took a guided English speaking tour through the ruins which I highly recommend so you get all the details on the various buildings as well the overall site and surrounding area. Our tour guide, Josu (Josh) filled our heads with thorough history and did an excellent job in doing so. Extremely personable and knowledgeable! It was hot and humid when we went (1/19/24, 86 degrees and 89% humidity) but absolutely worth powering through the 1 1/2 journey to see this incredible piece of history! Tons of shopping and places to get food at drinks at the end.

    F M.

    Bonito lugar de ruinas arqueológicas a la orilla del mar con unas vistas hermosas. Totalmente recomendado

    Tulum National Park!
    Dr. Scott C.

    This is a must see Mayan wonder!! The Mayan Ruins set at top of Cliff with phenomenal views! This is a must see if in the Riviera Cancun area! Great History of the Mayan Culture! Easy 5 Stars !!

    Bianca C.

    Definitely recommend visiting this park when visiting Tulum. Great history and great picture opportunities. Keep in mind, you must bring your own water bottles, it gets really hot! Another thing to keep in mind is that there is an entrance fee.. overall, I'm happy I came here.

    Beautiful carvings
    Joanna T.

    When we planned a trip to the area, I knew I wanted to see some ruins. Tulum was the closest and most accessible and I'm glad to have seen it. Unlike Chichen Itza, Tulum was always more of a fort - only a select few lived within the walls and the rest lived outside. It's also the only preserved coastal ruin (I think). It's a smallish site but there are plenty of cool buildings to see, some still have carvings and original colors on them. If you go, know these things: *Good shoes, a hat, sunscreen and lots of water are essential. The paths are uneven and rocky, there's little shade and it's hot and humid. *A guide really helps bring the site to life, though there are placards available. *There is a beach to wade or swim at, so bring a towel if you're so inclined. *Its a long walk to the entrance from the parking areas and there are no toilets or shops inside - be prepared! *The bathrooms are not great. At all. *Watch for Iguanas, caotis, beautiful birds and other wildlife! Definitely worth visiting to experience some interesting history.

    Background of the main site.
    Sue S.

    This is a very inexpensive place to visit in Tulum. Take water as there is none there inside and it's a good walk. There is the entry way which charges about $5 USd per person. THere are some tour guides that accept donations inside throughout the ruins. Very safe place to visit. Parking in the area costs from $5-15 depending where you park. There are lots of small shops that sell souvenirs and food before entering. They also have good photo ops as well, even with monkeys for a small fee.

    Entrance to the park

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    Amazing architectural site with an incredible beach. Make sure you visit and learn about the people and culture of Tulum.

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    Page 1 of 2

    Parque Nacional Tulum Reviews in Other Languages

    Review Highlights - Parque Nacional Tulum

    Wear comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and bring a bottle of water as there is a LOT of walking and very little shade.

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    Gran Cenote

    Gran Cenote

    4.0(85 reviews)
    4.8 km

    First off, do not use Apple maps to find this place as it will divert you to some dive shop in the…read moremiddle of town. You'll need to use Google maps to get you to the exact location. This was our very first cenote on this trip. It's 500 pesos for adults and 250 pesos for kids that are less than 4'5" or so. Cash only. (If paying in US dollars, it's $30 US and $15 for children.) Be sure to collect your ticket. There is free parking out front as well. Once you go in, there are outdoor showers that you are expected to use to rinse off. No sunscreen is allowed. And before you get your Personal Flotation Device (PFD), they will check that you have showered. However, no one is actually watching you as you rinse off as some reviews have mentioned. They'll also provide a snorkeling mask too. You'll need to walk down some stairs and there's an option to rent a locker for 30 pesos. Some people left their belongings unattended, but you'll get a key for your locker and they'll hold your ID card until you return the key. It's a small area to snorkel around and you'll see a lot of turtles. There are some darker areas, and a waterproof flashlight would have been very useful during those parts. The water is super clear, so let's keep it that way. There's a large grassy area to dry off and relax. I would suggest bringing some snacks if you want to relax out in the sun because it does get cold in the water after awhile. There are no in and out privileges though. Overall, it's a nice little cenote to visit. I would recommend 1-2 hours depending on how much time you want to swim around. Park hours: 8:10 am to 4:45 pm, last entrance at 4:15 pm.

    One of the best cenotes in Tulum. The entrance cost at the time of this review was 500 pesos in…read morecash per person. They didn't have any ATM and they didnt accept credit. Locker rental was 30 pesos and equipment rental (livejacket) was included, just need to leave a security (ID, passport, etc) The experience was amazing as you get to swim along fish and turtles. You get to see them in action underwater. The sights underwater are incredible. The water is pretty clear and a bit chilly at the beginning but as you keep on swimming your body temperature adapts to it and it gets used to it Overall, it was really pretty and an amazing experience. Definitely worth coming here and checking it out. : )

    Photos
    Gran Cenote - Turtles at Gran Cenote

    Turtles at Gran Cenote

    Gran Cenote
    Gran Cenote

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    Zona Arqueológica de Tulum - Architecture

    Zona Arqueológica de Tulum

    4.4(236 reviews)
    0.6 km

    Tulum was a pre-Columbian, walled Mayan city that is located on a cliff on the Yucatán Peninsula…read moreoverlooking the Caribbean Sea. It was inhabited from the 13th to 15th centuries and played an important role in defense and trade. My husband and I toured the Tulum ruins with a tour guide. The site was walkable, although the weather was very sunny and hot. We saw the structures El Castillo, a castle overlooking the beautiful shore; the Temple of the Frescoes, which has wall murals; the Temple of the Descending God; Casa del Chultun; and many others. The ruins were roped off, so we could see them only from a distance and not touch them, but they still looked impressive and interesting. We also enjoyed seeing wildlife such as iguanas. We have visited other Mayan ruins in Mexico and in Belize, and in comparison, I do recommend visiting Tulum.

    Our 2nd time to Tulum Ruins was great! We joined a tour this time and enjoyed it. Our guide was…read moreknowledgeable and very accommodating when questioned. We went on a March weekend and was surprised it was not crowded which was great. I would love to come back during sunset next time - the dramatic scenery, combining ancient ruins with a beautiful beach and the ocean view, will definitely be worth it!

    Photos
    Zona Arqueológica de Tulum - Peeking through the jungle

    Peeking through the jungle

    Zona Arqueológica de Tulum - Looking directly into the sun with obsidian glass, like how the Mayans did it. Mayan ruins. Zona Arqueológica de Tulum, Parque Nacional.

    Looking directly into the sun with obsidian glass, like how the Mayans did it. Mayan ruins. Zona Arqueológica de Tulum, Parque Nacional.

    Zona Arqueológica de Tulum - Ruins

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    Ruins

    Reserva de Sian Ka'an

    Reserva de Sian Ka'an

    4.5(16 reviews)
    10.8 km

    Sian Ka'an will forever be a special place. Not just because it's an UNESCO world heritage site,…read morebut because of it's natural beauty, biodiversity and the fact that I got engaged here. I highly suggest getting out on a boat to tool around the reserve, photograph the Beautiful birds, check out the manitees, and float in the Mayan channels. It's a special place!

    This review is for Punta Allen, at the end of the Sian Ka'an bioreserve. Holy moly where do I…read morestart? We were thinking about a day trip to Holbox, but we met a local Yucatan couple at a cenote one day that said Punta Allen would be a much better option. The main deterrent is the road to get there, and that's what keeps the place such a hidden gem. They told us we would be fine in our little tiny rental car, but every blog/article online said you needed a 4x4. I read horror stories about getting stuck in the sand and the idea of getting a flat on a tiny strip of land in the middle of the ocean with nobody around for miles definitely scared us. We proceeded to ask local people, and they pumped us up to go, so off the hell we went! It was definitely the craziest drive I've ever experienced. There are so many dips everywhere, if you're not a good driver or a nervous driver it might not be a good idea. It is also one of the most beautiful drives through the jungle with glimpses of the ocean every now and then and watch out for the iguanas crossing the road. And then finally you reach the little town of Punta Allen, with no cell phone service and electricity only at certain times of the day. Amazing. There are plenty of eco tour options in the area, they're all connected so you're going to get the same price and tour. We were having lunch at one of the restaurants on the beach, and one of the tour boats was right there, so we finished up our super fresh seafood lunch and got right on the boat. Our host was amazing and man can he drive a boat! He's a local that's dedicated to this and knows this part of the ocean like the back of his hand. He took us to see dolphins, then to see sea turtles, then to snorkel around the coral reefs, and finally to the "natural pool." This was such an amazing experience! This was one of the most magical experiences in Tulum, which is already magical. The hardest roads sometimes lead to the most beautiful places. I don't know whose bumper sticker I read that on but it fits. The rough journey makes it that much sweeter, and I'm so glad we made it.

    Photos
    Reserva de Sian Ka'an
    Reserva de Sian Ka'an
    Reserva de Sian Ka'an

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    Taak Bi Ha - Cenote Taak Bi Ha. View after you climb down the stairs to the first platform.

    Taak Bi Ha

    5.0(3 reviews)
    12.9 km

    We had an amazing time at Cenote Taak Bi Ha, located just north of Tulum. If you haven't been to…read morethis cenote, I highly recommend it. This is a cave / underground cenote. We visited Taak Bi Ha through My Quest Concierge Private Tours, booked through Viator as "VIP Tulum Private Tour." Taak Bi Ha was the last of three stops on our day tour. My wife and I couldn't have been happier with My Quest. For details, including how much we paid, see My Quest's Yelp page here: https://www.yelp.com/biz/my-quest-concierge-private-tours-playa-del-carmen In regard to Taak Bi Ha, My Quest took care of transportation to and from, parking, tickets, translation with on-site staff, pictures, and a personalized guided tour. We entered the cenote just after 12:15pm on a Monday. We stayed until about 1:30pm. During that time, the cenote wasn't crowded at all. There were other groups, but not many. The cenote opening is narrow and steep (watch your head). As soon as you enter and take a look at the cenote from the first elevated platform, the view is stunning. This cenote is an example of nature at its finest. Cenotes have formed over millions of years. Inside, there are man-made platforms which are great for taking pictures. We put on life vests, provided at the check-in shack, and we had our own snorkeling gear and flashlights from My Quest. We got into the water and our My Quest guide gave us a full tour of the cenote, including a pitch-black section where our flashlights and my phone light were our only sources of light. We also swam through a tiny hole to get there. It was wild: https://www.instagram.com/p/C4_KKkAOYzd/?hl=en The water was cold. Bring water shoes to protect your feet. Snorkeling with flashlights is definitely the way to go as you'll be able to see the amazing caves, flowstones, stalagmites, etc. underwater. There's also beautiful coral and stalactites. Bring a waterproof camera. I used a waterproof phone pouch to take my pictures and videos. The water was so clean, clear, and blue. In addition, we saw bats. My wife absolutely loved the experience. She was incredibly happy and thought the cenote was so cool from a nature and science perspective. For her, this cenote was one of the highlights from our trip to the Yucatan Peninsula. I agree. She described the cenote as "other-worldly" and "like being on another planet." Cenote Taak Bi Ha has an official Instagram page @cenote_taak_bi_ha: https://www.instagram.com/cenote_taak_bi_ha/?hl=en They've even done weddings here! https://www.instagram.com/cenotetaakbiha/?hl=en Funny enough, inside the cave as soon as we entered, there was a sign posted with a QR code to connect to the cenote's Wi-Fi network. Restrooms and changing rooms are available outside.

    Taak Bi Ha is a underground/cave ceynote that is privately owned by a Mayan family. It's deep in…read morethe Dos Oros ceynotes area - you'll turn off the main highway and go for several kilometers, past several other (larger, more commercial) ceynotes. When we arrived, we were the only ones there. Like other places, you need to shower off any sunscreen etc before entering. No bug spray either so move quickly because the short walk through the jungle will have you swarmed! The entrance is through a small cave opening with a very steep flight of steps - wear water shoes and watch your head! Once inside, you'll be in a wonderland! Crystal clear blue water, swooping bats (lots of them!!) and beautiful stalagtites and stalagmites everywhere. I understand why these spaces were considered sacred to the Maya - it is truly another world. We didn't swim but you certainly can. This is an especially good place for divers - we were told that the caves here connect to a much larger system (and ultimately the largest underwater cave system in the world). Really happy we had the opportunity to check this place out!!

    Photos
    Taak Bi Ha - Entrance to Cenote Taak Bi Ha. Thank you to My Quest Concierge Private Tours, especially Heriberto Lopez.

    Entrance to Cenote Taak Bi Ha. Thank you to My Quest Concierge Private Tours, especially Heriberto Lopez.

    Taak Bi Ha - Cenote Taak Bi Ha sign at the registration and check-in structure.

    Cenote Taak Bi Ha sign at the registration and check-in structure.

    Taak Bi Ha - Our guide Heriberto Lopez of My Quest Concierge Private Tours, inside Cenote Taak Bi Ha. Highly recommend Heriberto and My Quest.

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    Our guide Heriberto Lopez of My Quest Concierge Private Tours, inside Cenote Taak Bi Ha. Highly recommend Heriberto and My Quest.

    Aktun Chen - Cenote Trail, Aktun Chen Park, Tulum, Mexico

    Aktun Chen

    4.9(21 reviews)
    20.8 km

    It honestly was not as big of a wow factor as I had hoped…read more... Our tour guide for the cave was subpar at best! He did a very bad job at sharing the ecological (and anthropological) history of the area He did a bad job answering questions... We were rushed through the cave ........ It is a beautiful cave though, especially the part where you walk over the water over the bridge ((but definitely should not be a top 10 National Geographic cave walk!!!..?!!! I have seen much cooler caves!...) The animal park is very fun. They take nice care of the animals and they actually have a great variety. My two-year-old had a great time with the animals. The cenote Was ***extremely busy !...... full of loud obnoxious tour groups who completely ruined the whole vibe There are catfish in the water that do not bite The cenote is small. The water is crystal clear! It is very fun to explore! Bring a mouth piece for the snorkel, as they do not provide those (the thing that enables you to breathe while you are under water) The water is FREEZING cold Even colder than they advertise There are no wet suits We went Thursday at 1 pm for the cave, and 3pm for the cenote, so I was not expecting it to be busy..... The cenote is 10 minutes away from the cave ( you have to drive there) Aktun Chen is about 20 minutes down a dirt road- once you exit the highway, there are signs saying you are heading the right way to the cave/cenote, but I kept doubting myself.. as the dirt road feels very remote Glad I went, but honestly would not go back again... PS- they say no sunscreen to protect the cenote, but allow bug repellent lololol -- do you know how much more toxic bug repellent is than sunscreen?? Hire better staff, and I will feel inclined to give a better review It felt like a cattle corral ..... did not feel genuinely cared for ((or that the staff genuinely cares for the environment!..!.!.!)

    We signed up for the combo package which included ziplining, then a cave tour and then the cenote…read more The whole family unanimously agreed Aktun Chen was the highlight of our 1 week trip to Mexico. The ziplining was 10 ziplines, and the tour guides were fun and allow you to go upside down or 2 people at once on some of them. Make sure to bring money to tip the tour guides! The cave tour was the weakest section but I admit I did learn a bunch of interesting geological sorts of stuff. The cave actually gets a bit muggy and so the cenote was a great way to finish the day and cool off. They have you do a very brief "tour" in the cenote and then we were given about 30 min of free, unsupervised play time there. The water is clear, cool, clean and you adjust very quickly to the temperature. The lighting and colors were MAGICAL and the kids loved swimming amongst catfish. Water shoes were perfect for the whole day. You get a locker at each site. Towels and change of clothes are handy at the end of the day- don't forget those! And keep in mind that getting to the front entrance of Aktun Chen is not the same as getting to the actual reception area - it's ~ 3.5 km down a windy dirt road. Something to consider if you get motion sick easily, or something to consider if you rent a tiny car that might have difficulty on dirt roads.

    Photos
    Aktun Chen - At the reception entrance to the cave

    At the reception entrance to the cave

    Aktun Chen - Inside the cave (on the bridge over water, which was one of the coolest parts of the tour)

    Inside the cave (on the bridge over water, which was one of the coolest parts of the tour)

    Aktun Chen - Family friendly-- my son is 2 years old and loved the cave tour-- he hated the cenote!

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    Family friendly-- my son is 2 years old and loved the cave tour-- he hated the cenote!

    Xaman-Ha Ruins

    Xaman-Ha Ruins

    4.7(3 reviews)
    58.1 kmPlayacar

    While staying in Playcar Phase I, we'd often pass these ruins while walking to the popular tourist…read morearea. I was curious to learn what the history was behind them but without any formal placard, I had to do some internet research. Turns out, these ruins are a small part of many building groups between Cozumel and Playa del Carmen that were used for Maya women to honor the Goddess Ixchel, a pilgrimage necessary for a healthy pregnancy and childbirth. Three remain - two in Playacar Phase II and one in Playacar Phase I, which is the one I visited. A short walk through the jungle connects all three. It's the only free Mayan rural site in Mexico, and the only Mayan ruins maintained in a contemporary residential communities; therefore, if you're interested in getting a taste of ancient culture while on your beach trip to Playa del Carmen, it might just be worth checking out!

    The Xaman-Ha Ruins is the only free Mayan ruin site in Mexico - no entrance fees! Maintained by the…read morenearby community, it's still standing tall and proud today. It's very beautiful, super peaceful, we learned some wonderful facts for sure. I also learned from a previous Yelp Commentator of the Goddess Ixchel who was often praised and worshiped by the Mayan women for good health and childbirth. Super interesting to know. Apparently it's so expanded, that you have to pass "phases," which are sections, so in Playacar Phase I and Phase II, you can definitely see it and there are shortcuts through a small jungle to the actual Xaman-Ha Ruins. It's very beautiful!!

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    Xaman-Ha Ruins
    Xaman-Ha Ruins - Agouti nearby

    Agouti nearby

    Xaman-Ha Ruins - Awesome History

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    Awesome History

    Parque Nacional Tulum - parks - Updated May 2026

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