Museum of light in Mérida Yucatan Mexico

New exhibit ‘Dialogue in the Dark’ arrives at Museo de la Luz, Mérida’s light-themed museum

“Dialogue in the Dark” at Mérida’s Museo de la Luz is more than an exhibit; it is a movement to promote inclusion and empathy for the visually impaired.  The experience has traveled to more than 130 cities in 35 countries and has been experienced by millions. The one-hour experience is designed to be an invisible…

Seeding mangroves in Yucatán
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Las Chelemeras and their mission to protect Yucatán’s mangroves

In the vibrant coastal town of Chelem, Mexico, a remarkable group of Maya women, Las Chelemeras, continues their nearly 15-year mission to restore and protect the vital mangrove forests along the Yucatán coastline.  These women, ranging in age from 30 to 80, have become the unsung heroes of their community. The Chelemeras, led by Keila…

Ruins of Dzoyila Granjas in Mérida, Yucatán.
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Video: Exploring the urban ruins of Dzoyilá in Mérida

INAH Yucatán Archaeologist Eunice Uc González knows about the scientific and social importance of the archaeological site known as Dzoyilá Granjas. Despite being on private property, the site is of historical and cultural importance, and efforts to protect it have involved both researchers and the local community. Eunice recounts that the first stage of work…

Archaeological site of Kabah in Yucatán
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Guided tours of Mexico for this fall and winter

We are pleased to announce three upcoming tours guided by Carlos Rosado van der Gracht for the fall/winter season. The experiences range from excursions to uncover Mérida’s ancient past to day trips to the most underrated sites in Yucatán; as well as an adventure to Mexico City where we will dive into some of the…

Mexico’s new president promises major expansion of the Tren Maya
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Mexico’s new president promises major expansion of the Tren Maya

It has only been days since Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo was sworn in as Mexico’s new president, but she has certainly hit the ground running. Among the initiatives proposed by President Sheinbaum is the expansion of the Tren Maya rail network, especially when it comes to key logistical hubs. One of these hubs is the port…

Join us in December for a Mexico City archaeology extravaganza
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Join us in December for a Mexico City archaeology extravaganza

The metropolitan area of Mexico City is a treasure trove of archaeological wonders, but the vast majority of visitors only ever explore the Templo Mayor and the National Museum of Anthropology. In addition to these two unmissable spots, this tour will also be visiting impressive archaeological sites including Tlatelolco, Cuicuilco, Tenayuca, Santa Cecilia Acatitlán, Mixcoac,…

From the soil to the table: A journey through Mestiza de Indias
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From the soil to the table: A journey through Mestiza de Indias

Gonzalo Samaranch has always had a deep passion for food.  His passion for culinary experiences led him to create Mestiza de Indias, a groundbreaking agricultural project in the Yucatán Peninsula. Inspired by the region’s rich biodiversity and the challenges local Maya communities face, the native of Catalonia sought to develop a sustainable food system that…

Royal Caribbean cruiseship
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A new cruise terminal in Chetumal could change the fate of Mexico’s most neglected capital city

Royal Caribbean has announced the construction of a Chetumal cruise terminal. Chetumal’s cruise terminal would be the third in Quintana Roo after Mahahual and Cozumel — Mexico’s most prominent cruise destination. Buy why? The reasoning behind the construction of this new terminal has many locals scratching their heads. Despite facing the Caribbean Sea, Chetumal is…

Sailor Moon the popular anime on a retro TV
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How Japan took over Mexico’s imagination and media market

Despite the powerful cultural influence of American media in Mexico, another nation has held sway over Mexicans’ imaginations for generations—Japan. Japanese TV shows, mostly animated series known as anime, entered the Mexican market in the 1980s due primarily to the low costs of their broadcasting rights. The media landscape in the 1980s and early 1990s…

Dzibilchaltún during the fall equinox
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The many styles and influences of Maya architecture

The Maya are renowned for many achievements, but arguably their most enduring legacy is the remains of their architectural feats. Most folks associate Maya architecture with temples and pyramids, but ballcourts, astronomical observatories and elite residential palaces are often just as impressive.  When we throw around the term Maya architecture, we should be talking about…

Sunday service in Dzununcán, Yucatán

El Buen Pastor: Spirituality, community, and a shoulder to cry on at Dzununcán

Well beyond Mérida’s Periférico, Dzununcán is one of the poorest communities in Mérida, where residents, including single mothers and children, live in extreme poverty. A family’s next meal, even if limited to stale tortillas, can never be given for granted. Dzununcán is home to an unknown number of migrants who unofficially settled in the area…

Pyramid and maya observatory in Mayapan, Yucatan,

The 10 most amazing pyramids in the Yucatán Peninsula

The Yucatán Peninsula is home to hundreds of ancient pyramids, a testament to the ingenuity of the illustrious Mayan civilization. While these pyramids are impressive today, in their time, they would have appeared even more spectacular—covered in stucco and paint, often filled with interior chambers and topped with elaborate crest work. Maya pyramids are usually…

Church with cablle cars in the sky in Zacatecas
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Despite travel warnings in Zacatecas, the sun shines, along with its silver

Government travel warnings tell us that Zacatecas is not a “safe state” like Nayarit or Yucatán, but to discount it completely would be a mistake. After all, Zacatecas can be seen as a microcosm of sorts regarding the ills that afflict Mexico in general.  Zacatecas is known for its baroque architecture, steep alleyways, historical sites,…

Video: Enjoy preparing your own Chiles en Nogada with your friends
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Video: Enjoy preparing your own Chiles en Nogada with your friends

Chiles en Nogada are not difficult to make, but they are time-consuming. Only poblano peppers have the right flavor. The first step is to char them over an open flame, turning them constantly so they don’t burn through. Place them between layers of newspaper for half an hour so they will sweat. This loosens the skin, seeds, and…

New trails and better views of Xlapak’s amazing architecture

New trails and better views of Xlapak’s amazing architecture

Xlapak has long been considered the “lesser” of all the Maya Puuc sites open to the public. Much of this has to do with the fact that for a long time, only a single restored structure was accessible to visitors.  But thanks to recent improvements to the site’s infrastructure, new trails have been carved through…

President López Obrador inaugurates Jaguar Park in Tulum and museum of Mayan heritage
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President López Obrador inaugurates Jaguar Park in Tulum and museum of Mayan heritage

Mexico’s President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, while inaugurating Jaguar Park and the Museum of the Eastern Coast in Tulum urged the public and authorities to protect the region’s biodiversity and cultural heritage. He emphasized the importance of preserving nature, citing experiences of watching turtles, including loggerheads, nesting on the beaches. He also stressed the need…

Adventure Awaits: Top Honeymoon Destinations for Couples Who Love Thrills

Ready to make your honeymoon an epic adventure? If lounging on a beach isn’t your ideal honeymoon getaway, then you’re in for a treat. We round up some of the most thrilling honeymoon spots that perfectly blend romance with heart-pounding excitement-from underwater explorations to sky-high thrills-something for every adventurous couple.  Deep dive into some destinations…

Mérida’s Plaza Grande facelift: Old shade trees out, modern benches in
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Mérida’s Plaza Grande facelift: Old shade trees out, modern benches in

Since its start last April, the remodeling of Mérida’s iconic Plaza Grande has raised eyebrows. One of the most surprising aspects of this project was how little it was publicized beforehand. From the air, the changes to the Plaza Grande seem relatively negligible. The main difference is the loss of several mature trees. Former Gov….

San Simón — Beyond Uxmal and Into the Wild
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San Simón — Beyond Uxmal and Into the Wild

Ten miles south of Uxmal’s majestic ancient Puuc capital is San Simón, a tiny community where people live off the land, much like their Maya ancestors. In San Simón, cell phone service and amenities are limited to a small shop selling the basics. The nearest options for anything more than that are Muna or Santa…

Monte Alban, lofty stronghold of the mighty  Zapotec

Monte Alban, lofty stronghold of the mighty Zapotec

Monte Alban was easily among the largest and most influential city-states during early Mesoamerican history.  Established by the Zapotec civilization in the 5th century BCE, Monte Alban flourished for 1,500 years. Its eventual collapse coincides roughly with the fall of the great classic Maya city-states of the Petén, such as Tikal, over 800 miles away….

New housing and tourism development in Uayma worries locals
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New housing and tourism development in Uayma worries locals

Uayma is an unassuming town of under 3,000 people best known for its ornate 17th-century church — but big changes are in the works.  AR Desarolladora Peninsular has announced its plans to invest tens of millions of dollars in the tiny town of Uayma. The real estate developer has applied for a permit to cut…

Why Durango may just be Mexico’s most underrated city
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Why Durango may just be Mexico’s most underrated city

Even for most Mexicans and the most intrepid explorers, swaths of the country fly under the radar, and this is a shame. Durango de Victoia, the capital of Durango state, is one of these places. Before last spring, if you had asked me what came to mind when I thought of Durango, my answer would…

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