Discover the Healing Powers of Huay Max: Natural Medicine Tourism Boom

Tourists from America and Europe are flocking to the Ak’alché Botanical Garden in Huay Max, a town in José María Morelos. They are drawn by the allure of healing plants, including one that is believed to alleviate psoriasis. Bartolomé Poot, an advocate for the ecotourism center and the Ak’alché Botanical Garden, has announced the growing interest from both national and international visitors.

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Poot has noted a recent influx of visitors from countries like Germany, the United States, France, and Spain. These individuals are visiting the botanical garden in search of medicinal plants that can treat skin diseases and other health conditions. The garden is home to approximately 80 species of healing plants, both wild and domestic. One standout is the mulato stick, locally known as chaká. Its resin is traditionally used to treat snake bites, and its leaves are known to heal skin infections. The main goal of this project is to gather these medicinal plants in one location, making them easily accessible without requiring a trek into the wilderness.

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Poot is collaborating with several organizations for the development of this project. These include the Intercultural Mayan University, the State Government's Directorate of Tourism, Maya Kaan, the Indigenous Tourism Network of Mexico (RITA), and the Friends of Sian Ka’an organization. Locally, the project is part of the Ik Kuum Network, which encompasses communities such as Tihosuco, X-Cabil, Huay Max, Sabán, Kantemó, and Sacalaca.

For local visitors, a tour of the botanical garden is priced at 300 pesos per person. This includes a guided tour of the community museum and the village church. Throughout their visit, emphasis is placed on the cultural and historical richness of the region.

Poot has plans to collaborate with the young members of the Much Talil cooperative. Together, they aim to integrate tourist packages that include both the botanical garden and the archaeological zone of Yokoop. This collaboration is expected to strengthen the ecotourism offerings of the region.