Preserving History: Tulum Archaeological Zone Temporarily Closed for Upgrade
Due to improvement works, the Tulum Archaeological Zone will remain closed from the 15th to the 22nd of May.
The aforementioned was communicated in writing by Margarito Molina, director of the INAH (National Institute of Anthropology and History) Quintana Roo Center, who states that the closure is due to “the beginning of improvement works on the infrastructure of services that the Tulum archaeological zone offers to visitors, which is included in the PROMEZA (Program for the Improvement of Archaeological Zones) presidential program.”
This program is being implemented in 26 archaeological zones within the Tren Maya route, 10 of which are located in Quintana Roo.
As a result of this program, the INAH temporarily closed Cobá two years ago, but on that occasion, the ejidatarios (members of an ejido, a type of communal land ownership in Mexico) forcibly reopened it, upset about the loss of income that this inactivity entailed.
Tulum is a world-renowned archaeological site located on the east coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, in Mexico. The site was originally a major center of commerce and culture for the ancient Maya civilization, and today, it attracts millions of tourists from all over the world each year.
However, like many historical sites, Tulum’s infrastructure has suffered over time, leading to a need for improvement works to be carried out. The PROMEZA program, which is being implemented in Tulum and other archaeological sites along the Tren Maya route, aims to improve the facilities and services offered to visitors, thereby enhancing the overall experience and preserving the site for future generations.
The closure of the Tulum Archaeological Zone from May 15th to May 22nd is a necessary measure to ensure that these improvement works can be carried out safely and efficiently. Margarito Molina, the director of the INAH Quintana Roo Center, communicated this closure in writing, emphasizing the importance of the program and its role in preserving the site.
It is worth noting that the closure of the Cobá site two years ago was met with resistance from local ejidatarios, who were understandably concerned about the impact on their livelihoods. While it is important to acknowledge the economic impact of these closures, it is equally important to recognize the long-term benefits that the improvement works will bring to the site and the local community.
Overall, the PROMEZA program represents an important step in the ongoing effort to preserve Mexico’s rich cultural heritage and make it accessible to visitors from around the world. While the closure of the Tulum Archaeological Zone may cause inconvenience for some, it is a necessary measure to ensure that the site can continue to be enjoyed for generations to come.
As a family coming from Ireland to Mexico specifically to show our children these amazing sites in Tulum (and also Mexico City) we are extremely angered as the lack of of fore warning. We respect the decision, as my wife is an archaeologist, but cannot express the level of disappointment and shock that there is no consideration for the tourists that have saved up for a holiday, for 3 years I add, to visit the Archaeology Zone. Shame on the decision makers! James, Denise, Oscar & Ruby from Ireland.