Tulum Shuts Down Archaeological Zone in Protest

TULUM, Mexico — Discontent over the non-compliance with agreements regarding free access to the Jaguar Park and its beaches has reached a new level: residents and merchants will block the entrances to the Tulum Archaeological Zone this Sunday, August 31.

The Conflict Over Access to Jaguar Park in Tulum

The dissatisfaction of residents and tourism service providers in Tulum over restricted free access to the Jaguar Park and its beaches has resulted in a definitive announcement: a total closure of the Tulum Archaeological Zone will be carried out next Sunday, August 31 at 10:00 hours, blocking its four main access points.

These actions are motivated by the stance of the municipal president, Diego Castañón Trejo, who expressed his annoyance at what he described as a lack of respect for agreements reached in previous working meetings with the Grupo Mundo Maya (GAFSACOMM).

"People Are Fed Up": Diego Castañón

The mayor emphasized that this is not about opposing the conservation of the protected natural area, but about defending the right of Tulum residents to free access to their beaches.

"People are fed up, and that's normal," Castañón stated. "If you live in one of the best tourist places in the world and they don't let you into the beach, it's logical to demonstrate. I have to look out for the citizens; it's a responsibility. Of course I will seek dialogue with the company, but if they don't listen, we have to unite."

Castañón recalled that there were months of negotiation with the support of Governor Mara Lezama, who promoted the rapprochement between institutions. However, he accused the company of ignoring the agreement and, at the same time, demanding that the municipality take care of cleaning the beach.

Grupo Mundo Maya Responds to the Accusations

Amid the growing discontent, Grupo Mundo Maya issued a statement in which it assured that it maintains its commitment to the local community and foreign residents.

"Those who present their identification have free access to the Jaguar Park," the group stated.

Nevertheless, merchants and service providers affirm that this is not fulfilled in practice, which triggered the decision to organize the closure of the Archaeological Zone.

Eric Arcila Backs the Citizens

The conflict has reached various voices in Quintana Roo. Deputy Eric Arcila Arjona, president of the Commission for Municipal Affairs, backed the stance of Mayor Diego Castañón and recognized the need to guarantee free access to public spaces.

"I support the municipal president in this initiative that seeks to ensure this park and the beaches of Tulum are of free access for its citizens and for all of Quintana Roo," Arcila said. "It is a federal issue because it concerns the Federal Maritime Terrestrial Zone, so it will have to go through the Congress of the Union."

The legislator added that from his commission he will promote dialogue with the competent authorities, while urging to avoid direct confrontation with the concession company.

"I believe it is more about seeking solutions to a real, legitimate problem, which is access to these types of places that are of the people, for the people, and that were paid for by the people through public funds," stated Deputy Eric Arcila Arjona.

Next Steps: A Conflict That Puts Tourism in Check

The protest announced for Sunday, August 31 worries authorities and business owners, as the Tulum Archaeological Zone is one of the country's main tourist attractions, with a daily influx of thousands of visitors.

The temporary closure of the accesses would not only affect the destination's image but would also bring to the table the debate about the balance between environmental protection and the rights of local citizens.

Context: Recent Frictions with Federal Authorities

The discontent of Mayor Diego Castañón was known yesterday (August 25), when he publicly criticized the role of the military in the Jaguar Park for not allowing access to the beach.

With this new announcement of a closure, the tension between the Tulum City Council, the federal government, and Grupo Mundo Maya intensifies, leaving the question in the air: will Tulum residents be able to regain free access to their beaches?