Chichén Itzá access changes spark dispute with local Maya communities

A dispute has emerged regarding the economic impact of new visitor access regulations at the Chichén Itzá archaeological site. Local leaders from the communities of Pisté and Telchaquillo report significant financial losses following the closure of the original tourist stop and the implementation of the new Visitor Attention Center (Catvi).

Representatives of the Maya communities claim that the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) has closed all avenues for dialogue and justice. They argue that the application of the 1972 Federal Law on Historical Monuments undermines the constitutional rights of indigenous peoples to their cultural heritage. Community leaders state that formal requests to resume negotiations regarding the reopening of the tourist stop have gone unanswered for months.

In response, David Escalante Lombard, director of Patronato Cultur, denied that the Catvi is the primary cause of declining local income. He attributed the economic downturn to global tourism fluctuations and reduced visitor numbers in neighboring Quintana Roo due to international travel issues. Escalante Lombard noted that while some residents oppose the new measures, many artisans have already successfully integrated into the new system.