Chichén Itzá reopens after 13-day closure over vendor dispute

Chichén Itzá, Mexico's top archaeological site, reopened on June 1 after a 13-day closure prompted by local objections to the new tourist facility, Catvi. The controversy centers on relocating over 600 vendors and artisans to the 16-hectare Catvi, which is linked to the debated Maya Train project. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, also one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, draws about 2.2 million visitors annually. Joel Omar Vázquez Herrera, the head of INAH, noted that Catvi, costing $46 million, will be Latin America's largest visitor service hub with 962 commercial spaces. The Indigenous Governing Council of Pisté Chichén Itzá has legally challenged the move, citing insufficient community input and poor placement of the new spaces. Although Chichén Itzá reopened with access through Catvi, the council continues to advocate for the displaced families. The shutdown hurt tourism, benefiting nearby Ek Balam, while similar issues have surfaced at other Maya sites like Toniná and Mayapán.