Tourist Fined For Scaling Ancient Mayan Pyramid In Mexico
Chichen Itza, Mexico, is home to the Kukulkán—or El Castillo—and an ancient Mayan pyramid devoted to the Mesoamerican serpent god that presides over rain, wind, storms, and creation.
Over a million visitors come to El Castillo each year to marvel at this ancient wonder. Since the 2000s, after Mexico’s National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) made it illegal to ascend the structure to preserve it from erosion, most have remained content to stand at its base and bask in its glory.
Unfortunately, that wasn’t enough for one adventure-seeking visitor who felt the need to experience Kukulkán up close and personal.
Identified as Abigail Villalobos, the culprit was seen racing up the steps to the top, doing a victory dance, and posing for pictures before the site’s security chased her and escorted her down.
As she came down from the pyramid, the crowd below began to jeer at her, pull her hair and throw water on her—all of which had been well documented in a now-viral video on TikTok.
@angelalopeze this is so disrespectful… don’t mess with my Mexican people 🇲🇽 #chichenitza #disrespectful #mayanpyramid #vacation #crazy #viral
♬ original sound - ang
In a weird twist of events, after Villalobos was taken into custody in the nearby town of Tinum, the police discovered that she was Mexican herself.
Ultimately she was only given a 5,000 peso (US$250) fine instead of the standard 10,000 pesos (US$5,000).
Naturally, this sparked outrage online as people said the fine was just a slap on the wrist and that she should have been charged appropriately for disrespecting the sacred site.
Another also cited concern for the hackling she endured as the crowd ganged up on her.
I think what she did was stupid, careless and inconsiderate. But I'm far more alarmed by the mob mentality of those who want to destroy another human being in any way possible for this transgression.
— Neil Parry (@neilparryphoto) November 23, 2022
Villalobos’ mishap has earned her the nicknames #LadyKukulkan and #LadyChichenItza, a moniker bestowed upon other tourists in the past who have committed the same crimes.
[via Artnet News and New York Post, Photo 13370374 © Calexgon | Dreamstime.com]
