A Polish tourist who was trying to climb a Mayan temple in Mexico was hit on the head with a stick by a passer-by and scolded another before eventually being detained.
It is forbidden to climb the stairs of the pyramid of Kukulkan, also known as El Castillo, located on the site of an ancient city called Chichen Itza, which is administered by the municipality of Tinum in the state of Yucatan.
A video that went viral on Twitter showed two officials escorting a tourist away from a Mexican landmark and caning an observer at the base of the pyramid on Saturday.
Another observer is heard shouting, “Are you stupid?” at the tourist.
The workers began to control the man. According to reports, the tourist was also detained for up to 12 hours.
The Pyramid of Kukulkan is protected by local law and the Mexican National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH).
Although fines for violators who attempt to climb the UNESCO heritage site can reportedly range from $1,800 to $9,000, a tourist was fined $412 for the violation, an INAH spokesman said. Mexico Daily Mail.
“Tourists must comply with INAH safety measures in the archaeological zone in order to preserve the cultural heritage of Mexico, care for other visitors and enjoy this Mayan heritage,” the spokesman said.
Chichen Itza is home to a number of architectural and natural wonders including El Castillo, the Great Ball Court, the Temple of the Warriors, the Sacred Cenote and more. According to UNESCO, since July 7, 2007, it is also among the new seven wonders of the world.
Since 2008, fines have been applied to those who attempt to climb the pyramid as it is a prehistoric structure that needs to be preserved.
One social media user identified as Meredith by local media posted the video on Twitter. She said that he ignored all the signs that clearly stated that climbing steps was not allowed, and that the hiker also ignored the rope barriers.
According to the Chichen Itza website, the pyramid stands on a rectangular platform 182 feet wide and 78 feet high.
“Precision and intention are part of the essence of the building, each side of the pyramid has a large staircase, 91 steps on each side and another leading to the upper temple, giving 365 steps, one a day a year.”
Last November, a woman reportedly from Tijuana was mobbed for climbing to the top of the pyramid. She was led through a mocking mob, who pulled her hair and threw objects at her.
In 2021, a woman was dubbed “Lady Kukulkan” and fined for scattering her husband’s ashes on the Great Pyramid.
