Tourists Face Fines for Climbing Chichen Itza Pyramid in Mexico
Tourists spark outrage after scaling banned Chichen Itza pyramid in Mexico
Image: Dailystar Co Uk
Two tourists have ignited controversy after climbing the Kukulkan Pyramid at Chichen Itza, Mexico, which has been banned since 2008 due to safety and preservation concerns. They were arrested by the National Guard and may face significant fines.
- 01The Kukulkan Pyramid at Chichen Itza has been off-limits to climbers since 2008 due to safety issues and preservation efforts.
- 02The incident follows the tragic death of an 80-year-old American tourist in 2006, who fell while descending the pyramid.
- 03Mexican law imposes prison sentences of three to ten years for damaging archaeological sites, alongside fines of up to £4,300 (MXN 100,000).
- 04Chichen Itza is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, attracting millions of visitors annually.
- 05Recent increases in entrance fees to Yucatan archaeological sites are part of federal efforts to enhance conservation measures.
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The recent actions of two foreign tourists climbing the Kukulkan Pyramid at Chichen Itza have sparked outrage, as the ascent has been prohibited since 2008. This ban was enacted after a tragic incident in 2006 when an 80-year-old American tourist died after falling while descending the pyramid. The pyramid, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, is a popular destination, particularly during equinox events. The tourists were apprehended by the National Guard and may face severe penalties under the Federal Law on Monuments and Archaeological, Artistic, and Historical Zones, which includes fines ranging from £2,150 to £4,300 (MXN 50,000 to 100,000) and potential prison sentences for damaging archaeological sites. This incident coincides with a recent increase in entrance fees to Yucatan archaeological sites as part of efforts to improve conservation.
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The incident highlights ongoing challenges in preserving archaeological sites while managing tourist activities.
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