New Mayan Archaeological Park Opens in Chetumal This August

Chetumal, Quintana Roo — Governor Mara Lezama Espinosa unveiled plans for a new archaeological park in Chetumal during a tour of the site, which will house 47 Mayan monuments recovered and relocated as part of the Tren Maya project. The park, located in Parque Quintana Roo, aims to preserve and showcase the region’s ancient heritage.

A Landmark Preservation Effort

Governor Lezama emphasized the historical significance of the artifacts, stating, “We are making history while also rescuing and preserving it. These vestiges are over 1,500 years old and originate from sections 6 and 7 of the Tren Maya route, including areas such as Juan Sarabia, Jesús González Ortega, and Francisco Villa. Now, these treasures of the past will be visible to everyone in three designated zones within the park.”

Accompanied by Margarito Molina, Director of INAH Quintana Roo; Manuel Pérez Rivas, the lead archaeologist overseeing the salvage operation; and Colonel Mario Acevedo Hernández, a military engineer, Governor Lezama inspected the future site of the park. She described the initiative as “the largest archaeological relocation, restoration, and rehabilitation project in Latin America,” made possible through the collaboration of 29 archaeologists, military personnel, and civilian workers.

Opening Timeline and Educational Value

The governor projected that the park will open to the public in August, allowing visitors to “walk among structures from the Mayan classical period, learn, and reconnect with our Mayan roots.” She added, “This is how we protect our legacy and transform our present with social justice.”

José Alberto Alonso Ovando, Secretary of Territorial, Urban, and Sustainable Development (SEDETUS), also attended the tour. The park is expected to serve as both an educational resource and a cultural landmark, reinforcing Quintana Roo’s commitment to preserving its indigenous heritage.

Related Developments

The announcement follows other infrastructure and cultural initiatives in the state, including improvements to Chetumal’s public transportation system, which Governor Lezama has framed as part of a broader effort to address community needs while honoring local history.

The park’s establishment aligns with ongoing efforts to integrate archaeological preservation into regional development projects, particularly those linked to the Tren Maya, a flagship infrastructure initiative of the federal government.