Tulum Jaguar Park Fees & Beach Access Talks

Cancún — In response to citizen complaints regarding fees for entering the Jaguar Park, Quintana Roo Governor Mara Lezama Espinosa has announced she is actively working on the issue of beach access in Tulum and will travel to the nation's capital next week to address the matter with federal authorities.

This development coincides with an announcement by Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum that the federal Secretary of Tourism will review the issue with the Secretary of National Defense, the agency responsible for administering the Jaguar Park.

During the "La Voz del Pueblo" program on Thursday, the state governor noted that she has held multiple meetings with the Secretary of National Defense. She highlighted that the topic was addressed in President Claudia Sheinbaum's daily press conference.

"I have had the opportunity to speak directly with the people. We knew from the beginning that problems could arise, especially in the area where our artisans and restaurants are located. This situation has grown, and it is time to address it with responsibility," she stated.

In this regard, she announced that on Monday, October 13, she will present a comprehensive project for the operation and free access to beaches in the Jaguar Park in Mexico City. The project is based on local knowledge and dialogue with the affected community, seeking to strengthen the development of the local economy and national and international tourism.

"We are going to present a project that contemplates respect for the environment, the orderly development of the southern access, and, above all, the inclusion of the community in decision-making. Because we are from here, because we know Tulum and we know the rights that Mexican men and women have," she emphasized.

She recalled that during her recent visit to Tulum, she met with the local community, who expressed that since the start of the federal project, they had anticipated possible impacts on economic activity in areas where local businesses and artisan vendors are located.

Mara Lezama underscored that the Jaguar Park is a protected natural area, governed under guidelines from the National Commission of Natural Protected Areas, with strict rules such as the prohibition of plastics and microplastics, as well as regulated access and adequate signage, with the goal of guaranteeing ecosystem conservation and the visitor experience.

"We want this park to shine, for the natural environment to be respected, but also for local businesses to continue being part of tourist development. The artisans are the living history of our Quintana Roo, and their voice is heard and attended to," she said.

The governor thanked the support of the President of the Republic, Claudia Sheinbaum, as well as the Secretary of Tourism, Josefina Rodríguez, with whom she has maintained constant communication to advance solutions.

Finally, she reiterated her commitment to the protection of the environment and sustainable tourism: "We are going to continue working so that every tourist destination in our state provides unique experiences, always under a model of environmental respect and conservation," she assured.