THIS is the shocking moment two tourists were caught brazenly scaling an ancient pyramid in a shocking breach of strict rules at one of Mexico’s sacred sites.
The foreign men now face a hefty fine after climbing the iconic Kukulkán Pyramid at the world-famous Chichén Itzá archaeological complex.
Two tourists were caught brazenly scaling an ancient pyramid in a shocking breach of strict rules Credit: JamPress
Footage shows the pair clambering up the steep stone steps of the 1,000-year-old Mayan monument Credit: JamPress
Footage shows the pair clambering up the steep stone steps of the 1,000-year-old Mayan monument before reaching the upper temple and looking ground.
The men then hurriedly made their way down before being met by furious tourists who were filming the ordeal.
Security personnel intercepted the tourists at the base, where they were detained by the National Guard.
Climbing the Kukulkán Pyramid has been strictly prohibited since 2008 by Mexico’s National Institute of Anthropology and (INAH).
Security personnel intercepted the tourists at the base, where they were detained by the National Guard Credit: JamPress
Climbing the Kukulkán Pyramid has been strictly prohibited since 2008 Credit: JamPress
Following the death of a US tourist in 2006, authorities banned all climbing on the pyramid two years later in a bid to stop further tragedy.
As well as safety concerns, the ban is also intended to prevent erosion caused by millions pf visitors each year.
On 5 January 2006, American tourist Adeline Black, 80, slipped halfway down the steep steps while descending and failed to grab the guide rope, falling down the remaining steps.
She suffered severe head and neck injuries and died hours later in hospital, as reported by creatorzine.com.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site – one of the New Seven Wonders of the World – draws massive crowds, especially during equinox events when the famous serpent shadow appears to “descend” the staircase.
INAH has warned that anyone caught climbing the structure faces significant fines and sanctions under the Federal on Monuments and Archaeological, Artistic, and Historical Zones.
Mexican law also provides for sentences of three to 10 years if damage is caused to archaeological monuments, along with monetary penalties of between £2,150 and £4,300 (MXN 50,000 and 100,000) for lesser breaches.
The latest incident comes as entrance fees to Yucatán archaeological zones, including Chichén Itzá, have recently increased as part of federal efforts to fund conservation.
In a similar incident, temple in in 2022.
Footage recorded by onlookers showed the woman dancing and showboating at the top of Chichén Itzá, near Cancun, before she was later escorted down by a security guard into an angry and indignant crowd.
What followed was a chaotic scene, with hair-pulling, punches to the back of the head, pushing, and the woman being drenched with bottles thrown by bystanders, as the crowd yelled “carcel” – meaning “prison” in Spanish.
A Mexican woman, Angela Lopeze, posted the footage on with the caption: “This is why you don’t disrespect historic Mayan Pyramids.”
Another person who filmed the incident said the act showed “a lack of respect.”
El Castillo, also known as the Kukulcán Pyramid, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has been banned for climbing since 2008.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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