The ancient Maya city of El Naranjo, or Wak Kab’nal as it is known in Mayan, holds a special place in the imagination of those passionate about Mesoamerican history, art, and architecture and the legacy of its most famous ruler, Lady Six Sky. Another reason for its allure is that, despite its status as one…
Plans to expand Cozumel’s cruise terminal have been approved, and the surrounding marine life is at risk.
Belize City is far from a sanitized tourist paradise. It’s raw, real, and full of character. Here you will find Belize’s largest urban center, a lively, unpolished hub where Caribbean rhythms, an ancient Maya past, colonial history, and modern Belizean life collide. The city has seen major improvements in recent years, with better roads and…
Until recently, the ancient city of Ichkabal remained hidden under thick vegetation in the lush jungles of southern Quintana Roo, Mexico. Now an archaeological site open to the public, Ichkabal has received plenty of attention in the national media, with countless headlines hailing it the “new Chichén Itzá.” Part of the fascination with Ichkabal is…
Few people in history can be said to have had a legacy as consequential as Gonzalo Guerrero, the Spanish Conquistador who turned Maya chief and father to a new people. Significant gaps exist in what we know about Gonzalo Guerrero’s life, but what we know is remarkable, considering the man lived 500 years ago. From…
The grandeur of Teotihuacán is hard to overstate, and it’s easy to see why the famed Aztecs thought the great city lay at center of the universe
The ancient Mayan city of Oxkintok is usually overshadowed by Uxmal when it comes to visitors’ attention to the Puuc region. There is no denying the splendor of Uxmal, but Okintok is no slouch, and its size and influence over its region beginning in the 4th century C.E. are imposing. The first thing to consider…
Mexico is a country where food is not just sustenance; it’s also a culture. Nowhere is this more evident than in the humble yet infinitely versatile taco, a dish so beloved that it has become a global phenomenon. Having had the opportunity to live in several countries, when I mention I am from Mexico, people…
Progreso’s maritime pier, the longest in the world, turned 80 last weekend.
In a groundbreaking archaeological discovery, researchers in Guatemala have unearthed a Teotihuacan altar in the ancient Maya city of Tikal, shedding new light on the deep cultural and political ties between these two great Mesoamerican civilizations. The altar, dating back to between 400 and 450 CE, was found alongside the remains of three children, suggesting…
Hunucmá is one of those places just about everyone in Yucatán has been, even if they don’t know it. So next time you drive to Sisal, stop for a bit
At Palenque’s on-site museum, a remarkable exhibit features artifacts from the life and death of perhaps the most famous Maya noblewoman, the Red Queen. For decades, scholars have speculated about the identity of the Red Queen. Was she Lady Yohl Ik’nal, Palenque’s only known female ruler? Lady Sak K’uk’, Pakal’s mother, who ruled as regent…
Campeche is a state with much to offer beach lovers, though it draws far fewer visitors than its neighbors Yucatán and Quintana Roo, home to Sisal and Cancún. But being less visited by international tourists is not without advantages, as much of its 404 kilometers (251 miles) of coastline is typically uncrowded. Because Campeche’s coastline…
Few figures stand out as boldly on stage in Mexico as Odin Dupeyron. A playwright, actor, director, author, and guru of sorts —though he adamantly denies this last title — Dupeyron has carved a unique niche for himself with his deeply personal, often humorous, and always thought-provoking works. His ability to blend raw emotion with…
To the west of Halacho in Yucatán is the timeless Mayan community of Sihó. Far from the bustling tourist trails, this small pueblo offers an authentic glimpse into the region’s rich Maya heritage, colonial history, and rural way of life. Maya Sihó’s cobblestone streets, centuries-old church, and even more ancient Mayan temples give off the…
Two new varieties of habanero peppers — Mayan K’iin and Mayan Chac— are intended to help farmers improve their crop yields. Developed through years of selective breeding at the Scientific Research Center of Yucatán (CICY), both exhibit superior resistance to pests and diseases while maintaining the flavor and heat that make habanero peppers a staple…
Every year, the Feria Internacional de la Lectura Yucatán (FILEY) transforms Mérida´s Siglo XXI convention center into a playground for bibliophiles, writers, and lovers of the arts and culture. This year, FILEY will run from March 23 to March 30, with the theme “Tiempo de Leer” or “Time to Read.” Though not necessarily as huge…
Mexico’s electric vehicle (EV) market is experiencing steady growth, with electric and plug-in hybrid vehicle sales surging by 83.8% in 2024 compared to the previous year, reaching 69,713 units. This boom is driven by decreasing costs, increasing environmental awareness, government incentives, and global automotive trends. While still in its early stages compared to markets like…
The Camino Real, the historic road connecting Mérida and Campeche, was more than just a route—it was a lifeline that shaped the economic, political, and cultural fabric of the Yucatán Peninsula. Work on the Camino Real, or Royal Road, began in the 16th century and served as a vital artery for trade, communication, and cultural…
In a landmark decision that has sparked both praise and controversy, Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum has announced a sweeping ban on transgenic corn (also known as GMOs), marking a significant shift in the country’s agricultural and environmental policies. Mexico is often referred to as the cradle of corn, with its ancient civilizations domesticating the crop…
When imagining the discovery of new species, the mind wanders to locations like the Amazon or Papua New Guinea — certainly not the likes of Mexico City. But according to ornithologists, this is exactly what has happened, as five species of hummingbirds have been discovered in Mexico City’s Chapultepec Park. The discovery of these new…
Campeche’s Museo de Arquitectura Maya is a fascinating museum housed within the Baluarte de la Soledad, one of the eight stone bastions that formed part of the defensive walls surrounding the city during the colonial period. As its name implies, the museum focuses on Maya architecture, showcasing artifacts, stelae, and architectural elements from various Maya…
The spring equinox in Yucatán takes place around March 20 and 21, marking the moment when day and night are of equal length; a balance that held profound significance for the ancient civilizations of Mesoamerica. Today, the equinox draws thousands of visitors to Mexico’s archaeological sites, where they gather to witness the sun’s alignment with…
The number of monarch butterflies in Mexico has reportedly increased by 99% during the past year. The largest concentrations of these iconic butterflies have been documented in newly designated protected areas in the states of Mexico and Michoacan. Scientists believe this recent boom in monarch butterfly populations in central Mexico is related to several factors,…
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