Mérida, Yucatán — Residents of the small, remote village of Abalá talked with federal congressional representative Pablo Gamboa Miner about its future.
Abalá is in the Puuc region south of Mérida, has at least two cenotes and at least five haciendas, and residents are discussing whether it is underrated as a tourist destination.
In the direct dialogue with the congressman, citizens expressed that in addition to farm work, they want to shore up its status in the world of tourism. Beautiful cenotes such as Kankirixché and Yaal Utsil deserve to be maximized, several residents said in a town-hall-style meeting.
Gamboa agreed that it is essential to listen to the voice of the rural community, which finds its population declining as people leave to find employment. One in five Yucatecans live in the countryside.
The mayor, Azael Ayala Sosa, appeared pleased with Gamboa’s visit.
“The representative’s visit is a boost to the work of the neighbors, a show of confidence and response to the needs we share,” he said.
The town has much to recommend it. Aside from the cenotes, there are historic sites, some of them with lodging and dining, such as Hacienda Nuestra Señora de la Soledad Pebá, Hacienda San Pedro Ochil, Hacienda Temozón Sur, Hacienda Uayalceh and Hacienda Cacao are there.
“Abalá is on the road to Uxmal, sort of,” writes William Lawson, a local tour guide. “It is a little off the highway and can be visited in about 15 minutes or so.”
Son of a sitting Mexican senator, Gamboa has expressed ambitions to one day be governor of Yucatán.
With information from Yucatán a la Mano
