Several of Yucatán’s Archaeological Sites Lack Toilets, Electricity For Now
Tourists at several of Yucatán’s archaeological sites, including Labná and Sayil, are in for a rude reality.
That’s because dozens of archaeological sites, big and small, are undergoing major infrastructure overhauls. In the meantime, bathrooms and electricity are lacking.
Visitors who don’t “hold it in” are reduced to finding a private spot in the bushes.
When completed, the new facilities will include brand-new bathrooms and other amenities, including shops featuring handcrafts and kiosks with cold beverages and light snacks.
Not even portable toilets have been set up.
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This is not the case at all sites, especially the large ones like Chichén Itzá and Uxmal, which have kept the bulk of their facilities in working order while construction of new infrastructure is underway.
The problem is not unique to Yucatán as visitors to sites like Palenque are experiencing similar issues.
Though at least at Palenque, infrastructure like bathrooms, while not finished, are at least further along — though basics like water, electricity, and toilet paper are still missing.
The effort to improve tourism infrastructure is part of the PROMESA program funded by the Tren Maya project.
Senior Editor Carlos Rosado van der Gracht is a journalist, photographer and adventure leader. Born in Mérida, Carlos holds degrees from universities in Mexico, Canada, and Norway.
