Revitalizing Tulum’s Archaeological Zone: Preparing for millions of Maya Train passengers

The archaeological site of Tulum is set to undergo significant improvements this year, according to Diego Castañón, the local leader. Castañón revealed that changes are being made to the infrastructure and services in order to accommodate more visitors, particularly after the anticipated opening of the Maya Train.

After decades of neglect, resources are finally being allocated to Tulum’s archaeological zone for the restoration and maintenance of the 73 landmarks it houses. Castañón specified that the funding will come from the Promeza Program, which was established by President Andrés Manuel López Obrador to preserve the country’s pre-Hispanic sites. This initiative is being spearheaded by Mara Lezama Espinosa, the local representative, who is leading the rescue efforts in Quintana Roo.

The Promeza Program for the Restoration of Archaeological Zones has over 4.9 billion pesos allocated to the Ministry of Culture, through the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), to safeguard and preserve the pre-Hispanic heritage of the region.

In a recent working meeting, Castañón, together with Margarito Molina Rendón, the director of INAH Quintana Roo Center, emphasized the need to strengthen cooperation in order to enhance the experience of the large number of archaeological visitors to the area.

Molina Rendón stressed the importance of improving the flow of tourists through new trail proposals and the opening of previously unexplored spaces within the archaeological walls.

Castañón believes that the number of visitors to the site will more than double, possibly reaching 3.5 million, once the Maya Train begins operating in sections 5 and 6. He added that Tulum’s archaeological heritage and the beauty of its beaches will establish it as the capital of the Mayan Caribbean.

The improvements to Tulum’s archaeological zone are expected to not only enhance the visitor experience but also contribute to the preservation of Mexico’s rich pre-Hispanic heritage. With the necessary resources and support, Tulum has the potential to become a world-class destination that showcases the unique cultural and historical significance of the Mayan civilization.