Ixil Grandmother Saves Up, Goes Abroad, and Trip Goes ViralLesson learned: You're never too old to slay on social media
Dreams have no expiration date, and here’s proof. A grandmother from the small Yucatán town of Ixil has captured hearts across social media after taking her first international trip at age 79.
María Virginia Córdova Coba spent an entire year cooking to save money “peso by peso” for her dream trip to Colombia. The youngest of eight siblings had harbored this dream for years before deciding to make it reality.
“She succeeded. She paid cash,” according to social media posts that have gone viral across Mexico. Córdova Coba then boarded the Maya Train headed to Cancún airport, beginning what she called “the journey of her life.”
The inspiring story has resonated with people across Mexico and beyond, highlighting both the determination of older adults and the accessibility of new transportation options.
Colombian Adventure
Once in Colombia, Córdova Coba embraced every opportunity. She visited Bogotá, Zipaquirá, Medellín, and Guatapé, flew in a helicopter over the Piedra del Peñol, sailed on a yacht, and danced on every corner where music called to her.
Social media posts show her wearing a colorful terno—the traditional dress of the Yucatán region—as she explored Colombian cities and attractions. The images of her helicopter flight and yacht excursion particularly captured attention online.
“Because yes: Doña María Virginia dances with her soul, and makes others do the same,” reads one viral post describing her adventure.
Growing Trend of Senior Travel
Córdova Coba’s story reflects a broader trend of older adults pursuing long-held travel dreams. Travel experts note that seniors often have fewer time constraints after retirement, allowing for longer trips and more in-depth experiences.
Benefits of traveling as a senior citizen include cognitive stimulation, physical activity, emotional fulfillment, and challenging age-related stereotypes. For many, like Córdova Coba, international travel represents a significant personal achievement.
The story has drawn comparisons to other viral senior travel stories, including that of 79-year-old Luisa Yu, who recently completed visits to all 193 countries recognized by the United Nations.
Maya Train Connection
The Maya Train, which began operations in December 2023, connects five southeastern Mexican states through 966 miles (1,554 kilometers) of railway tracks. The service links tourist destinations along the Caribbean coast with interior archaeological sites and cities.
For Córdova Coba, the train provided crucial connectivity from her small hometown to Cancún’s international airport. The journey from Mérida area stations to Cancún airport takes approximately 3.5 hours, with ticket prices for international tourists at about $77 USD for tourist class.
The train’s role in connecting smaller communities like Ixil to international travel opportunities represents one of the project’s intended benefits—redistributing tourism and providing better access to transportation infrastructure.
Social Media Impact
The story gained momentum after being shared by Mexican news outlets and social media users who were moved by Córdova Coba’s determination and joy. Videos and photos of her Colombian adventure have been shared thousands of times, with many commenting that her story inspired their own travel plans.
“Her story becomes an inspiration,” reads one viral post. “Because when a 79-year-old woman dares to fly for the first time and returns with a full heart, she reminds us that dreams don’t expire. They just wait for the moment when someone dares to pursue them.”
The story has also sparked discussions about the importance of pursuing personal goals regardless of age, with many social media users sharing their own delayed dreams and travel aspirations.
Small Town, Big Dreams
Ixil, where Córdova Coba lives, sits in northern Yucatán near larger municipalities like Conkal and Chicxulub Pueblo. The town has a population of about 4,186 residents, with 35.7% of the population identifying as indigenous and 15.4% speaking Maya as their primary language.
The community represents many small towns across Mexico where residents may have limited opportunities for international travel, making Córdova Coba’s achievement particularly meaningful for her neighbors and others in similar circumstances.
Her story continues to spread across social platforms, with many praising not just her determination but also her approach—saving independently and paying cash for her dream trip rather than depending on others.
“It’s never too late to dream,” has become an unofficial motto associated with her story, inspiring others to pursue their own long-held aspirations.
Lee Steele is the founding director of Mérida-based Roof Cat Media S de RL de CV and has published Yucatán Magazine and other titles since 2012. He was Hearst Connecticut’s Sunday Magazine creative director and worked in New York City for various magazine publishers, including Condé Nast and Primedia, for over 20 years.
