Government and Ejido Reach Deal for Ichkabal Archaeological Zone

Ejidatarios, or communal landowners, have agreed to a payment of 74.5 million pesos from the Mexican Federal Government for their lands. This agreement clears the way for the archaeological zone of Ichkabal to operate without further hindrances.

Previously, the opening of the Ichkabal archaeological site had been delayed due to issues such as access to the area. In response, the Mexican Government expropriated 100 hectares of land from the Bacalar ejidatarios, leading to the recent agreement.

Local authorities confirmed that the ejido accepted the final offer from the Institute of Administration and Appraisal of National Assets (Indaabin), amounting to 74.5 million pesos. This payment removed the final barrier to the public opening of the significant Mayan ruins, and the lands are now part of the federation.

Government officials noted that the initial cost was 53 million pesos. However, due to the land's location and its significance to the Maya Culture, the price was gradually increased until the landowners accepted the improved offer.

The federation emphasized that the opening of Ichkabal will kickstart an archaeological circuit in the southern zone of Quintana Roo. This circuit will connect sites such as Dzibanché, Kinichná, and Kohunlich via a 10-kilometer ecological path. The project aims to boost cultural tourism in the area and establish Quintana Roo as a premier destination for archaeological tourism.