“Tourism Exodus Drains Quintana Roo Village”

San Luis, a small community in the southern region of Lázaro Cárdenas, Quintana Roo, is experiencing a drastic population decline. The lack of job opportunities has driven residents to relocate to popular tourist destinations like Cancún and Playa del Carmen, leaving San Luis almost deserted.

The village's infrastructure, including houses, parks, and roads, has fallen into disrepair due to years of neglect. The primary access road, a mere 5 kilometers long, is overrun with undergrowth and in such poor condition that it is virtually impassable.

Anastacio Poot Balam, a former communal land representative, shared that the community has been largely abandoned for over a decade. Residents have migrated to the Ignacio Zaragoza municipality or to tourist hotspots such as Cancún, Playa del Carmen, and Puerto Morelos.

San Luis is situated near El Tintal, along the free federal Cancún-Mérida highway. The village is littered with abandoned houses, overgrown parks with rusty playground equipment, and even a deteriorating church that is only sporadically maintained.

Historically, the villagers were involved in agriculture and charcoal production. However, the poor condition of the roads made it challenging to sell their products. Additionally, the lack of educational facilities for children has been a significant factor in families deciding to leave the village.