New closure for Uxmal archaeological site

Uxmal becomes the most recent archaeological site in Mexico to temporarily close its doors over COVID-19 concerns. Photo: carlos Rosado van der Gracht

The archaeological site of Uxmal has temporarily closed its doors due to two confirmed COVID-19 infections. 

According to the press statement by the INAH, the COVID-19 virus was detected in two tour guides on June 5, 2021.

Authorities have not said how long the popular attraction will remain closed but indicated that they would investigate the confirmed cases and sanitize the entire facilities before reopening. 

The news is yet another blow to the tourism industry in Yucatán which has been struggling to turn a profit since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020. 

Earlier: Ancient monuments in Teotihuacan endangered by illegal construction

The closure of Uxmal comes on the heels of similar closures at other archaeological sites such as Tulum and Chichén Itzá.

“After such a long time without any work, they just go ahead and close down the site. We have had to reimburse several clients for cancellations, it’s a very hard blow,” said Addy Sánchez Rivera, President of Yucatán’s tour agency association.

View of Uxmal from atop the Nunnery. Photo: Carlos Rosado van der Gracht

Although many of the most popular archaeological sites in Mexico reopened to tourism in September 2020, several others remain closed. 

Archaeological sites in Mexico are managed by the country’s National Institute of History and Anthropology, INAH.

Carlos Rosado van der Gracht
Carlos Rosado van der Gracht
Born in Mérida, Carlos Rosado van der Gracht is a Mexican/Canadian blogger, photographer and adventure expedition leader. He holds degrees in multimedia, philosophy, and translation from universities in Mexico, Canada and Norway.
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