Mexico has announced the creation of a natural reserve covering an area of 6,500 acres near the archaeological site of Uxmal.
Aside from conservation, the project hopes to bring a larger number of tourists to the area, especially when the Mayan Train begins operation, which is scheduled for next year.
The reserve, known as Nuevo Uxmal or New Uxmal, is also to have its own luxury hotel reportedly to be built and maintained by Mexico’s armed forces.
The involvement of Mexico’s armed forces in projects such as the Mayan Train and New Uxmal is causing concerns for analysts who warn against the militarization of Mexican society.
Aside from the hotel, the reserve is also planned to have areas for camping and more basic lodging.
Though it has not been officially confirmed, it is likely that this reserve will also house structures of considerable archaeological importance, thus necessitating the involvement of the INAH.
Mexico has also said that it will connect the reserve to Route 3 of the Mayan Train via shuttle buses.
Earlier: Work begins on the Mayan Train’s Tulum-to-Bacalar route
Though no official date has been given for the completion of the project, federal officials have stated that the early stages of construction have already begun.
The official approval rate for the Mayan Train project and related projects currently hovers at around 80%. But these numbers come from the government, or pollsters paid directly by the government.
In reality, opinion is much more divided, with many — including many of the president’s supporters — arguing that the project is an unrealistic pipe dream.
Adding to the skepticism last month was an announcement that the rail network would be expanded to run through Umán and the port city of Progreso.
“Like any government project in Mexico, the Mayan Train is riddled with bureaucracy and nepotism. We have people calling the shots who have no idea what is really going on, but other than that, yes, it’s also simply an impossible amount of work,” a source working on the project said in June.
