Internal Irregularities Shake Tulum’s Jaguar Park Amid Nepotism and Financial Allegations

Tulum, Quintana Roo — Jaguar Park, a flagship conservation and economic development project in Tulum, is facing a critical internal crisis following the departure of administrative staff amid allegations of nepotism, financial irregularities, and questionable practices.

The internal restructuring included the removal of employees implicated in complaints over nepotism, double salaries, and possible financial anomalies. The accusations first circulated among staff and later on social media, where they mentioned favoritism and “family clans” within key areas of the park.

Among those named are Raquel Méndez, Favio Méndez, Daniela López, and Cristian Iván Hernández Vidal, who according to public records from 2025 allegedly held two positions simultaneously, with salaries that added up to significant income, raising questions about the concentration of benefits in the previous administration.

One of the most serious incidents involves an alleged theft of 200,000 pesos from the park’s offices in 2025. Internal sources claim authorities initially tried to blame external personnel, but so far there are no official investigation results or confirmed sanctions.

Other complaints include irregular charges to foreign visitors, acceptance of dollars at an exchange rate lower than the real one, registration of tourists under local rates, as well as changes in functions and schedules without notice, salary reductions, and special permits for certain employees. Cases of nepotism and irregular hiring have also been reported, allegedly favoring relatives of officials with labor and economic benefits.

The situation has generated tensions with local authorities and merchants, who trusted the project as a development engine. In response, the current director of Jaguar Park initiated an internal review of records, public information, and official backgrounds as part of an institutional reorganization process, aiming to reinforce transparency and regain community trust.

So far, no official resolution has been issued confirming administrative or criminal responsibilities, although workers and civil organizations are demanding formal audits and accountability. Jaguar Park’s challenge will be to demonstrate it can operate under clear principles of legality, accountability, and transparent resource management.