Articles By

Michele Samal Kinnon

Melipona Honey and the Sacred Maya Bees of the Yucatán

Tucked within the jungles of the Yucatán Peninsula lives a quiet miracle—Xunán Kab, the “royal lady bee” of the Maya. Scientifically known as Melipona beecheii, this stingless bee has been nurtured for centuries by indigenous communities who still tend to their hives with reverence.
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Celebrating World Tequila Day

Every July 24, glasses are raised across Mexico and beyond to celebrate World Tequila Day, honoring not just a beloved drink, but a symbol of national identity, craftsmanship, and cultural pride. Tequila, made from Blue Agave, is a spirit rooted in centuries of Mexican tradition and recognized globally for its unique character and artisanal process.
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Snakes in the Yucatan: Fear, Folklore, and Ecological Importance

Every year on July 16, conservationists and wildlife lovers around the world recognize World Snake Day—an opportunity to reexamine and reconsider our inate and often unreasonable fear of snakes. Here on the Yucatan peninsula, that fear runs deep, often rooted in cultural beliefs and limited understanding. Yet the reality is that most encountered in the Yucatan region are non-venomous and integral to local ecosystems.
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Chocolate in Mexico

Chocolate in Mexico has a storied history that continues today. To celebrate World Chocolate Day (July 7), here are five things you might not know about chocolate’s deep roots in Mexico—and where to taste authentic Mexican chocolate and experience chocolate making locally.
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The Legend of the Motmot: The Tale of the Tail

If you've ever wandered through the jungle near a cenote or a quiet ruin and spotted a bird with glowing turquoise feathers and a tail that swings like a clock, you may have met the mysterious toh—better known as the motmot. Learn more about the legend of the Motmot.
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Isla Mujeres Whale Shark Season

Swimming with whale sharks is one of the most unforgettable experiences you can have in Mexico and maybe the whole world. The best place to experience this life-changing encounter (in our admittedly biased opinion) is in the Mexican Caribbean Sea during the Isla Mujeres whale shark season.
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Customs Rules in Cancun: What Not to Pack in 2025

Are you planning a trip to Mexico? Are you flying into Cancun? If you have been doing any online research you have undoubtedly heard horror stories from fellow travelers about customs rules in Cancun when passing though the airport. Over the past few years, travelers have reported troubling incidents at Cancun customs—especially involving questionable "fines" or being taken aside for payment under threat of confiscation.
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Travesía Sagrada Maya: The Sacred Mayan Journey

The Travesía Sagrada Maya, an evocative revival of one of the most significant rituals of the ancient Maya, takes place every year on the third weekend in May. Presented in the vibrant surroundings of Xcaret Park on the shores of Mexico’s Riviera Maya, this event transcends time, linking the present to the mystical past through a daring canoe journey from the mainland to the sacred island of Cozumel.
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Celebrating Labor Day in Mexico: Honoring the Nation’s Workers

While it is often overshadowed abroad by Cinco de Mayo, May 1 is the day Mexico formally recognizes the individuals who keep the country functioning—teachers, tradespeople, sanitation workers, and countless others who labor, often with little recognition. Celebrating Labor Day in Mexico is one small way to show them that we see them and we care.
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13 Great Books to Inspire Your Riviera Maya Travels

The Riviera Maya has a way of pulling you in—with its turquoise coastline, Maya ruins tucked into jungle, and slow, ...
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