Dialogue Resumes at Chichén Itzá as Archaeological Site Remains Closed

The renowned archaeological site of Chichén Itzá has remained closed to visitors for a third consecutive day as negotiations continue between local authorities and stakeholders. The state government and the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) announced that a dialogue table will reconvene on Saturday at the request of artisans, craftspeople, and merchants.

This renewed session aims to advance discussions and solidify agreements concerning the organization of activities and the eventual reopening of the iconic Mayan ruins. The reprogramming allows for a continuation of the work initiated earlier in the week, focusing on reviewing proposals presented by the involved groups. The core objective of these dialogue tables is to foster collaborative agreements that will define the conditions for reorganizing and managing the activities of artisans, craftspeople, and merchants within the archaeological zone, while simultaneously safeguarding cultural heritage and the livelihoods of families dependent on tourism.

Both the state government and INAH have reiterated their commitment to ongoing dialogue and understanding. They recognize the critical importance of maintaining open communication channels to achieve consensus-based solutions that benefit the tourism, cultural, and economic landscape of Chichén Itzá. This commitment comes after the second round of talks concluded on Thursday without any agreement being reached between artisans, tourist guides, and state and federal officials. The protestors are demanding the reopening of the tourist stop within the archaeological site, which was closed on May 18 to allow the operationalization of the Visitor Attention Center (CATVI).