The holidaymaker and another attendee could pay fines of up to $7,446.20 after running up the Temple of Kukulcán in Mexico
A German holidaymaker and another man have been arrested in Mexico for climbing a Mesoamerican pyramid during a four-day spring equinox celebration.
The Temple of Kukulcán, also known as El Castillo, is one of the most iconic landmarks in Chichen Itza, located in Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula.
A proud member of the New Seven Wonders of the World, this ancient structure is believed to have been constructed not only for its astrological significance but also to honor the feathered serpent god, Kukulcán. Last week, an estimated 8,000 to 9,000 visitors gathered at the base of this magnificent temple to witness the awe-inspiring light and shadow spectacle that unfolds during the spring equinox, a breathtaking phenomenon celebrated annually, as reported by Mexico News Daily.
During the four-day-long spring equinox celebration at Chichen Itza, a 38-year-old German tourist—whose identity has not been officially released—attempted to take his visit to the next level by scaling the iconic Temple of Kukulcán, as reported by Fox News.
Captured in shocking footage obtained by Sky News, the man was seen scrambling up the pyramid’s steps, aiming to enter one of its inner chambers. However, before he could reach his destination, he was apprehended by authorities and escorted off the premises by Mexican National Guard officers and personnel from the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH).
The man’s attempt to trespass didn’t go unnoticed by the crowd, and he was met with an angry response from onlookers. One person could be heard shouting, “You are not allowed to go up the temple!” while others angrily called him ‘stupid’ and an ‘idiot.’ As he was led away, some spectators even reached out to physically confront the man, with one person suggesting he should have been ‘sacrificed,’ a nod to ancient Maya traditions.
Climbing the pyramid has been illegal since 2008 to protect the historic structure from further damage caused by previous visitors. The UNESCO World Heritage Site’s website explains that the ban not only safeguards the pyramid for future generations but also protects visitors from the risk of injury due to the steep steps.
Both the German tourist and another individual who climbed the pyramid face legal repercussions. They are under arrest and could face fines under Article 55 of the Federal Law on Archaeological, Artistic, and Historical Monuments and Zones of Mexico. The fine for such an infraction is 150,000 pesos, approximately $7,446.20 USD, as stated by Mexico News Daily.
