Chichén Itzá access dispute heads to court; Indigenous council files injunction

Indigenous leaders in Pisté, Yucatán, have taken legal action to challenge the sole access point to the Chichén Itzá archaeological site. The Indigenous Government Council filed a legal injunction, known as an amparo, against the mandatory use of the Visitor Attention Center (Catvi) as the only entrance.

The council argues that the decision by the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) and the state government was imposed without the full consent of the local community. This conflict, ongoing for 10 days, stems from the INAH's plan to make Catvi the exclusive entry point, a move resisted by artisans and merchants.

While the INAH offered to relocate artisans to prime spots to maintain sales, the ejidatarios of Pisté, who control the parking at the old entrance, and local tour guides remain in limbo. The Indigenous Council's proposal is to keep both entrances open, allowing artisans to decide where they wish to work. However, the INAH maintains that the archaeological site will remain closed until all dissenting parties sign the agreements.