Travel Wild – The Yucatan Tourism Reviving the Mayan Culture

The Yucatan is a place where dense jungles hide the ruins of a once powerful Mayan civilization. The disappearance of the Mayan civilization is still largely unanswered but to understand a little more Lin goes in search of the Mayans ancestors. She encounters the “Sobadores”; traditional bone healers, who are using skills passed down through the generations and found an unexpected modern-day niche in Mexico’s flourishing luxury Spa industry.Our exploration of how the Mayan people are reclaiming their heritage – and that of others – leads us to a restored Hacienda owned by a community collective. It is one of a number of such lavish properties that were once owned by the Spanish Conquistadors that are now recognized by UNESCO for its heritage values. Everything about the hotel reflects the region’s rich tapestry of history, making staying there more akin to a living history lesson in luxury, than an eco-friendly place to rest the head.Beyond the decadent comforts of the Hacienda, the chatter of spider monkeys can be heard from the densely tangled jungle and Lin joins a local Mayan guide who takes points out native plant species that are being harvested once again for use in traditional medicines and spa treatments.We also visit the peninsula’s incredible biospheres, and the sanctuaries dedicated to protect the flora and fauna of Mexico. It offers visitors an unforgettable hands-on experience and a greater appreciation of the ecological wonders often overlooked by those visiting one of Mexico’s most popular tourist havens.