Isla Mujeres, Q.R. — An archaeological zone in the municipality of Isla Mujeres is set to reopen in the summer of 2024. The site, which is still undergoing a makeover, will be open to the public sometime this summer.
El Meco, an archaeological zone on Continental Isla Mujeres, is expected to reopen after a year-long remodel and update. The site is located less than 300 meters from the Costa Mujeres hotel zone.
The archaeological remains of El Meco (trade channel), will also be better connected by road for visitors. The National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), who are currently working on the site’s remodel, reported a general progress of 59 percent in conservation work which started in 2023.
The historic property reopened its doors in March 2022 after the pandemic and, until August 2023, recorded 4,621 visitors, a figure much lower than the 15,000 visitors recorded in 2019.
According to the General Director of INAH , Diego Prieto Hernández, the complex will consist of 597 meters of interpretive trails and 52 information stops.
The archaeological complex will be reconnected to the sea again, and the road that separates it will be sealed, replicating the condition it was in until the 1960s. The connection from Puerto Juárez will be linked to the road from Bonampak Avenue to Punta Sam.
The remodel of El Meco is part of the Program for the Improvement of Archaeological Zones (Promeza) developed by the Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico, through the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH).
El Meco, as its ancient Mayan name indicates, means trade channel,ans was once a nodal center for the maritime traffic developed by the ancient inhabitants of the bay of Isla Mujeres, which maintained links with Tulum, Muyil and Cobá.
The remodel project for this ancient Mayan port includes the installation of better services including toilets, reception, rest areas, interpretation room and infrastructure for research and conservation of the site.
