Chichén Itzá and Kabah to get new on-site museums
Major investments are on the way for archaeological sites in Yucatán, according to INAH.
Among the improvements are new on-site museums for Chichén Itza and Kabah and the opening of new sections of Uxmal to the public.
Part of the resources for these projects will come from a fund associated with the development of the Mayan Train project.
Similar projects have also been announced for archaeological sites in Chiapas, Campeche, and Quintana Roo —all of which are traversed by the Maya Train.
In February, federal authorities also announced that a section of Chichén Itzá, known as Chichén Viejo, will open for tourism in 2022.
Earlier: Cobá, from tiny outpost to the Maya crossroads of commerce
Chichén Viejo, or old Chichén, features several ancient structures including an archway and a temple full of phallic figures.
The INAH is responsible for 193 archaeological sites across Mexico, but the vast majority have remained closed since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020.
However, several of the sites which have reopened have experienced temporary closures due to both confirmed and suspected COVID-19 infections.
Given that so many archaeological sites have been closed to the public for well over a year, there is a great deal of uncertainty regarding their maintenance and likely state of disrepair.
The economics of the situation are problematic, as maintenance and repairs are largely financed through admission fees
Senior Editor Carlos Rosado van der Gracht is a Mexican expedition/Canadian photographer and adventure leader. Born in Mérida, Carlos holds multimedia, philosophy, and translation degrees from universities in Mexico, Canada and Norway.
