German tourist arrested after climbing sacred pyramid

On March 20, 2025, during the spring equinox celebrations at Chichén Itzá, a 38-year-old German tourist was arrested after illegally climbing the Temple of Kukulcán, also known as El Castillo.

Chichén Itzá, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, was a powerful Maya city that thrived between the 7th and 13th centuries AD. Its most iconic structure, the Temple of Kukulcán (El Castillo), was built around the 10th century and is precisely aligned to astronomical events like the equinox, when shadows create the illusion of a serpent descending its steps. Once a major religious, political, and economic center, Chichén Itzá reflects the advanced knowledge of the Maya in architecture, astronomy, and mathematics. It remains one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a sacred symbol of Maya civilization. Photo: concrete&fells, Flickr CC BY 2.0

This ancient Mayan pyramid, located in Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Climbing the pyramid has been prohibited since 2006 to preserve its structural integrity and cultural significance.

Outrage from onlookers

The incident occurred as thousands of visitors gathered to witness the «Descent of the Feathered Serpent,» a phenomenon during the equinox where sunlight creates a serpent-like shadow on the pyramid's steps. The equinox is a natural astronomical event that happens twice a year.

The tourist evaded security and ascended the pyramid, prompting outrage from onlookers who shouted at him to stop. Security personnel and the Mexican National Guard apprehended him at the top. As he was escorted down, the crowd's anger escalated, with some individuals physically assaulting him, resulting in a forehead injury.

Authorities, including the National Guard and the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), intervened to protect the tourist from the agitated crowd.

Legal consequences

Violating the prohibition against climbing the pyramid can result in fines ranging from approximately $3,200 to $16,000, and in severe cases, imprisonment. The German tourist was handed over to local authorities and may face legal consequences for his actions.

Broader debate  about tourist behavior

This incident is reminiscent of previous violations at Chichén Itzá. In 2022, a woman faced similar backlash for climbing the pyramid, highlighting the ongoing challenges in protecting and respecting cultural heritage sites.

The recent arrest of the German tourist for illegally climbing the Temple of Kukulcán at Chichén Itzá has reignited a broader debate about tourist behavior and respect for cultural heritage at Mexico’s ancient ruins. Many locals, historians, and archaeologists have voiced frustration over what they see as a pattern of disrespect by some visitors, particularly during peak events like the spring equinox.

Experts emphasize that these ancient structures are not just tourist attractions—they are sacred places with deep cultural, historical, and spiritual significance, especially to the descendants of the Maya people. Violating site rules is seen not just as a legal offense, but as a moral and cultural affront.

In response to the latest incident, some Mexican officials and citizens are demanding stricter enforcement, including increased surveillance, higher fines, and better visitor education. There is also growing discussion about the need to balance tourism and preservation, ensuring that global interest in Mexico’s rich history does not come at the cost of irreversible damage or cultural disrespect.