Mexico is a very rich country in terms of both natural and cultural resources. But drug trafficking has poisoned much of this wealth, and although a war against drug trafficking has been waged for several decades, we occasionally hear of new cartel movements. An example of this is the avocado control threat a few years ago, but now it looks like we need to talk about tourism canceling trips to Mayan archaeological sites.

While the guides do not want to take their groups on these trips, the Government declares that there is no danger. More or less.

The country’s fifth employer. It may seem exaggerated to read that cartels restrict the freedom of those who want to visit certain historical monuments, but in the current context it does not seem so far-fetched. A few months ago, Science magazine conducted a study that examined data on drug trafficking in the country. They themselves stated that figures for the “black box of drug trafficking” were difficult to estimate, but a strength of 175,000 was estimated, making it the fifth “employer” in the country, ahead of very important business groups.

They even state that it is a difficult problem to solve as they continue to recruit hundreds of people every week due to the increase in deaths among the groups, and that the most common system among these groups is forced recruitment.

Mobile and identity control. Given this context, news broke in January: Drug traffickers hijacked tourism in Chiapas. This is something repeated by many national media outlets, which included statements by two tour guides who wished to remain anonymous and stated that access to some of the monuments was impossible or too dangerous.

These guides claim that it is impossible to visit some Mayan attractions due to cartel violence. The ruins of Yaxchilán, Bonampak or Lagartero are an example, and guides confirm that it is common to see armed people in the surrounding area. They even say that they do not take their groups there due to the activities of drug dealers.

“It’s as if you’re telling me to go to the Gaza Strip. They ask for ID to see if you’re a resident of the area. They take your mobile phone, you have to give the password, and they analyze your conversations. To check that you don’t belong to a rival group,” says one of the guides, adding: “In one of them, the opponent “A group could come in and start a war.”

mixed messages. Although some of these places the guides refused to go to are still open, tourist excursions have been reduced in recent months and some previously scheduled appointments have been cancelled. But the Government’s message is completely different: “It is inaccurate, biased and irresponsible to claim that these archaeological sites are in danger from drug trafficking,” says the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH).

In the statement, they denied that there was any looting in Bonampak or Lagartero, stating that these were public areas and that no material damage was reported. And what they confirmed is that some areas were closed, but not for “necessarily security-related” reasons.

Additionally, the Yaxchilán Archaeological Site is open, but the reason why trips are canceled is “social circumstances that prevent the Fronera Corozal community from providing a boat transfer service to the archaeological site.” “He is no stranger to these problems, but he is not the authorized institution or the person responsible for solving them.” According to the guides’ claim, this route was closed due to constant attacks by armed people.

And a homeowner who turns off the tap. Although problems with drug trafficking were few, the Toniná case added to Mexico’s archaeological experience. It is an imposing area that is one of the most interesting points in terms of tourism, not only because of its structures, but also because of the texts and difficulties of the Mayan civilization found within it. And the situation… crazy: someone blocked the road.

It turned out that a man named Alfonso Cruz was the owner of the land where the passage to the archaeological site was located, and in December last year he decided to stop granting free access to people. Reason? He refused to receive payment from the National Institute for National Assets for his lands. The individual had an agreement with INAH under which he would be paid a fee for the use of his land, but in recent months payment has been paralyzed and his lands have been reclassified as livestock farming rather than cultural property. It’s worth a lot less overnight, wow.

INAH’s statement referred to this case, stating that “a dispute with an individual” is in the process of being reviewed to ensure the correct compensation is given, and that they hope to reach an agreement soon.

domestic tragedy. And in the middle of all this are the Choles, or Lacandons, who continue to live in the region and are descendants of the Mayans who were wiped out due to forced recruitment by the cartels. As if this wasn’t a tragedy, there are centers in these indigenous communities where handicrafts are sold, boat tours are offered, and accommodation is offered. And this lack of tourism affects the economy of these communities.

We will see what happens in the future, but the important thing is that these are forest areas that are strategic points for drug traffickers, even opening secret landing strips as a key point of the drug trade, so it does not seem realistic to think like this. He stated that the situation will improve in the short term.

Image | PashiX

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