Bacalar, Q.R. — Around 70 archeology specialists are carrying out research and conservation work for the opening of the Ichkabal Archaeological Zone. Diego Prieto Hernández, the General Director of the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) says Sedena personnel are assisting the INAH with the construction of roads and service buildings.
He says the new road will connect the archaeological site with the Bacalar Maya Train Station, and the new buildings will include a ticket booth and public areas.
Prieto Hernández says in addition to eight museum sites that will join the Great Mayan Museum of Chichén Itzá, whose doors opened to the public on March 1, there will be the opening of new archaeological zones, among which will be Ichkabal.
The INAH Director says Ichkabal is being rehabilitated and is expected to be open to the public in August of 2024. He dated the site from the Middle Preclassic period (400 BC) to the Late Postclassic period (1500 AD), adding that its rehabilitation is part of the Program for the Improvement of Archaeological Zones (Promeza).
Together with personnel from the Secretariat of National Defense (Sedena), he said a team of 70 archeology specialists work on seven fronts.
“Until eight months ago, a maximum of four pre-Hispanic buildings were known, but now we will soon be able to appreciate dozens of structures that, without a doubt, will make Ichkabal one of the greatest cultural destinations in Quintana Roo and the Mayan world,” he said.
Regarding the new archaeological access road and services, Gustavo Ricardo Vallejo Suárez of Sedena reported 30 percent progress in the provision of sanitary services, ticket offices and visitor rest areas as well as the construction of a library, public spaces and an access road that will link the heritage site with the Bacalar station of the Maya Train.