Tourist Attacked by Mob of Locals After Illegally Climbing Sacred Mayan Temple in Mexico

A German tourist was beaten by enraged locals after illegally climbing a sacred Mayan temple in Mexico during a celebration of the spring equinox.

The incident was captured on video by a visitor who filmed the man as he raced up the steps of the Temple of Kukulcán at Chichén Itzá. Onlookers shouted insults and demanded he come down as he scaled the ancient 82-foot pyramid.

Despite clear signage and a ban in place since 2008 to protect the historic site, the tourist ignored the rules, prompting security guards to pursue him. He was escorted down from the top of the temple by officials from the National Institute of Anthropology and History and the National Guard.

As he was being led out of the area, a crowd surrounded him, heckling and even physically attacking him.

The unauthorized climb occurred during a highly significant moment—the “Descent of the Feathered Serpent,” an annual equinox event where the sun creates the illusion of a serpent slithering down the temple’s steps.

The temple has a history of being disrespected by visitors, and in turn, protected by local residents. In 2023, a Polish tourist was similarly attacked and struck with a wooden stick after illegally scaling the pyramid.

Whether the tourist will face legal repercussions or not is unclear at this time.