Archaeological sites in Hidalgo are being rehabilitated with federal funds

The rehabilitation of archaeological sites in Hidalgo will be carried out exclusively with federal funds, while the state government will only participate in a supporting role, reported the Secretary of Tourism, Elizabeth Quintanar Gómez.

The official clarified that there is no state budget allocated for these projects, as they are part of a national strategy promoted by Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, who selected 34 archaeological sites across the country, including four in Hidalgo.

The sites included in the state are the Tula Archaeological Zone, Huapalcalco, El Pahñú in the municipality of Tecozautla, and Xihuingo in Tepeapulco.

According to the Secretary, the funds will allow for improvements to signage, lighting, and archaeological conservation work, primarily on slopes, walls, and other significant structures.

“It is entirely federal funding. We are supporting the federal government in these projects and maintaining ongoing coordination,” she stated.

The actions are defined by the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), the agency responsible for safeguarding archaeological heritage.

Quintana Gómez emphasized that archaeological sites cannot be promoted as mass tourism destinations due to their fragility and existing restrictions.

She explained that these sites have a limited carrying capacity, in addition to strict regulations regarding access, hours, and image use, which necessitates controlled promotion.

“Mass tourism cannot and should not be allowed. These are spaces that require special care and very clear guidelines,” she stated.

Regarding the decrease in the number of visitors to these sites, the secretary pointed out that tourism is cyclical and depends on seasons, events, and visitor preferences.

She indicated that at certain times of the year, the number of visitors to resorts or gastronomic destinations increases, while at other times, interest in archaeological sites grows.

“Tourism is a dynamic phenomenon that evolves. There are seasons when people prefer resorts, others when they seek tradition, gastronomy, or cultural events,” she explained.

In that regard, she highlighted that sites like the Tula Archaeological Zone experience significant increases in visitors during events such as the equinoxes, while El Pahñú sees a surge in visitors during traditional Otomi ceremonies.

The official added that during the recent holiday weekend, the most visited destinations in the state were Ixmiquilpan, Huasca de Ocampo, Cuautepec de Hinojosa, Villa de Tezontepec, Tecozautla, Mineral del Chico, Mineral del Monte, Tula de Allende, Acaxochitlán, Tulancingo de Bravo, and Atotonilco el Grande.

This, she said, reflects that tourist activity is influenced by factors such as carnivals, food festivals, and local celebrations.

Finally, he highlighted that Hidalgo continues to position itself internationally, as with its recent appearance in the Volaris airline magazine, where the state appears on the cover and with an eight-page report on the Mezquital Valley, its gastronomy, pulque and traditional cooks

Source: lajornadahidalgo