Tourist Detained After Climbing Ancient Mayan Pyramid in Mexico
A visitor in Mexico is facing charges after climbing the steps of the Temple of Kukulcan at Chichén Itzá, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Local residents reportedly reacted angrily, confronting the individual after the ascent.
Incident at Chichén Itzá During Spring Equinox
Video footage captured by onlookers shows the man, whose identity has not been released by authorities, scaling the side of the pyramid last week in Yucatan. The incident occurred as approximately 9,000 tourists gathered at the site, also known as El Castillo, to witness the spring equinox celebrations, according to reports from local news source Mexico News Daily.
The man reportedly evaded security personnel. “He eluded us, even though we’re keeping watch on the western side of the temple,” a National Guard member told Mexico News Daily. “He ran past us. He’s clearly in good physical condition.”
Details of the Pyramid Climb and Confrontation
The footage shows the individual climbing the steps while security guards pursued him. It has been reported that another tourist, a 38-year-old German national, also climbed the pyramid on the same day. This second individual allegedly attempted to hide inside the pyramid chamber but was apprehended by authorities and removed from the historical site.
Mexican National Guard officers and personnel from the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) intervened to protect the first man from the angered crowd. Witnesses reported onlookers shouting that the man should be “sacrificed,” referencing ancient Mayan practices.
Visitors observe the pyramid of Chichen Itza in Yucatan, Mexico, on March 21, 2012.
Climbing Ban and Potential Penalties
The incident occurred during the spring equinox event, in which a serpent-shaped shadow, known as the “Descent of the Feathered Serpent,” is cast on the pyramid steps. While Chichén Itzá hosts a four-day program with various activities for tourists, climbing the ancient structure has been prohibited since 2006 to preserve it.
Both tourists were taken into custody and could face fines under Article 55 of Mexico’s Federal Law on Archaeological, Artistic, and Historical Monuments and Zones, according to Mexico News Daily.
The Temple of Kukulkan at the archaeological site of Chichen Itza in Yucatan, Mexico, on March 21, 2012.
Prior Incident at the Site
A similar event transpired two years prior when a Polish tourist climbed the same pyramid. In that instance, the man was also filmed ascending the sacred temple before a bystander struck him with a stick. Authorities subsequently arrested him. The tourist was jailed for 12 hours and fined 5,000 pesos, according to the Mexico Daily Post.
Request for Comment
Chichén Itzá authorities have not yet responded to a request for comment.