INAH Signs Landmark Agreement for Ichkabal Site – Huge Development!

Governor Mara Lezama Espinosa recently attended the signing of an occupation agreement for 113 hectares of land, home to the archaeological site of Ichkabal, in the Bacalar ejido. The agreement was signed between the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) and the local agrarian authorities.

Governor Lezama highlighted the significance of the day, marking the end of 25 years of negotiations. She expressed her satisfaction with the final agreement between the Ejido and INAH, emphasizing the importance of dialogue. She also noted the world's right to learn about the rich Maya culture. Quintana Roo, the state where the site is located, boasts the highest number of archaeological zones in the country, totaling 11.

The signing of the Previous Occupation Agreement initiates the expropriation process for an area of 113.78 hectares of land currently owned by Bacalar Ejido. This land corresponds to the central area of the vast archaeological site.

The agreement also enables the INAH to further its archaeological research, and to continue protecting, restoring, and promoting the archaeological monuments within the site. At Ichkabal, a team of 70 archaeological specialists are currently working across seven different areas. The opening of the impressive Ichkabal site will benefit the 165 members of the Bacalar ejido, the local municipality, and the state, as it is expected to attract thousands of visitors eager to explore one of the most remarkable sites of the Mayan world.

Diego Prieto, the general director of INAH, announced that Bacalar residents will have free access to Ichkabal every day during specific hours, while all Mexicans will have free access on Sundays. Prieto also confirmed that the archaeological site will be integrated with the Maya Train project. He expressed his gratitude to Governor Mara Lezama and the ejidatarios for their collaborative efforts, which have made the consolidation of Ichkabal a reality. The signing of the agreement also acknowledged the public opening works carried out at the site through the Program for the Improvement of Archaeological Zones (Promeza).