Tensions Ease at Chichen Itza as Access Dispute Enters Partial Truce

Merida, Yucatan — A conflict over the new access and tourism operation model at Chichen Itza entered a partial truce Wednesday, following hours of tension, protests, and standoffs between local artisans, merchants, and federal and state authorities over the closure of the old tourist stop and the operation of the new Visitor Center (CATVI).

Representatives of the Indigenous Government Council of Piste accused authorities of taking away their livelihoods, saying restrictions on traditional access to the archaeological site directly affect hundreds of Maya families who depend on tourism in the area.

During the day, residents and artisans removed some structures placed at the old entrance, while groups of protesters allowed tourists to enter for free as a form of protest against what they see as an imposition of the new tourism scheme promoted by authorities linked to the Tren Maya project.

According to residents, the conflict escalated after authorities installed fences and controls to force visitors to use only the new CATVI, infrastructure created as part of the tourism reorganization of Chichen Itza and the visitor flow associated with the Tren Maya.

Initially, the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) announced the temporary closure of the archaeological zone, the CATVI, and the old tourist stop, citing maintenance work and preventive measures. However, residents of Piste maintained that the real goal was to contain protests stemming from the dispute over commercial spaces and access control.

Tensions rose after merchants and artisans accused the Yucatan government, the Cultur trust, and INAH of failing to honor previous agreements and advancing the reorganization of tourist access without community consensus.

In the midst of the confrontation, tourists reported confusion, intermittent closures, and pressure to change entry routes to the archaeological site, while state police and National Guard officers maintained surveillance in the area.

Although a partial truce began in the afternoon and access partially resumed, negotiations between authorities and community representatives continued as of Wednesday evening, amid uncertainty over the final operation of the new tourism scheme at one of Mexico’s premier archaeological destinations.