Tulum ruins open again, but with more restrictions on visitors

The archaeological site of Tulum reopened after shutting down for two weeks amid COVID-19 infection concerns. 

As of this week, admittance will be capped at 3,000 visitors a day, and groups will be limited to 10 people. 

Visitors to the site must wear a facemask at all times and have their temperature checked before entering. Operating times will remain as normal, from 9 a.m. to 5 p,m., daily. 

The closure of the popular destination came as a blow to tour operators and vendors who depend on a steady stream of visitors for their livelihood. 

Tulum and Chichén Itzá had previously closed their gates over the Easter holidays citing similar concerns.

Earlier: Police authority in Tulum handed over to state security agency

Unlike larger archaeological sites such as Chichén Itzá or Cobá, Tulum is fairly small but still manages to pack in thousands of visitors a day — making social distancing difficult.

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

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

There is growing concern that the COVID-19 pandemic has rendered the INAH financially insolvent. 

Cutbacks to pensions and benefits for INAH employees have led to several protests, strikes, and threats of closing popular archaeological sites.

More on Mexican archaeology: Read our weekly series here