Travelers visiting popular Yucatán archaeological sites this week encountered unexpected free entry as teachers from the National Coordination of Education Workers (CNTE) escalated their protest actions across the region.
On Wednesday, approximately 300 CNTE members occupied the ticket booth at Chichén Itzá, allowing tourists to enter without paying while setting up tents throughout the UNESCO World Heritage site. The protests extended to other significant archaeological destinations including Ek Balam and Uxmal.
The following day, about 100 teachers shifted their demonstration to the Maya Train station in Valladolid. While the protesters gathered outside the facility, train operations continued without disruption, and organizers indicated they would return to their encampment in downtown Valladolid while awaiting talks with state officials.
The actions in Yucatán follow a 23-day sit-in at Mexico City’s Zócalo that recently concluded. The teachers are demanding a 100% salary increase, additional bonuses, and most significantly, the repeal of a 2007 law that restructured federal pensions.
Despite the occupation of these key tourist sites, authorities from the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) and local police did not intervene. The Cultural Trust has called for dialogue, emphasizing the importance of preserving Yucatán’s reputation as a tourist destination.
The CNTE has warned that if negotiations fail to meet their demands, protests could intensify nationwide in September, potentially affecting travel plans for visitors to Mexico during the fall season.
For more information, please visit the full article on Mexico News Daily.
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