Tour guide in Tulum Joel C.

Hello! I'm Joel, a proud descendant of the Maya. I was born in a Maya community where we don't speak Spanish; we speak our own language, Yucatec Maya. Many of my memories are of my grandparents making offerings in the cenotes before the harvest. When I was six, my parents migrated to Tulum, where I received my education and where I have lived for over 28 years now. When I started working in the tourism industry, I realized that our history as an Indigenous population had gone unnoticed by most of the world. That's why, in these 10 years as a Federal Guide in Mexico, I found my calling: to share everything I've learned from my ancestors and my family with travellers that visit these lands. From our legacy and secrets hidden at plain sight, to what history hasn't taught us, I want to let everyone know that we are proud of our indigenous heritage and strive to be the link between our communities and foreign visitors. ***UPDATE February 2026: Outbreak of violence in Mexico*** Yucatán Peninsula (Cancún, Tulum, Playa del Carmen): Operations are 100% normal. There are no cartel roadblocks, airports are fully operational, and tourists are on the beaches as usual. Baja California Sur (Los Cabos): Geographically isolated from the mainland at the tip of the Baja Peninsula, Cabo remains completely unaffected by the current events on the mainland. Mexico City (CDMX): The capital has increased military and police presence to ensure stability. Tourist areas remain highly secure and open for business.