Dark Sky Tourism, a trend that seeks to attract tourists to Central America

by EFE

The nocturnal magic of the archaeological areas, parks, forests, and beaches of the countries that make up the Mayan world will be closer to the visitors, as astronomical tourism, known as Stargazing or Dark Sky Tourism, is promoted.

Yadira Gomez, president of Mundo Maya, which celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2022, said.

Presenting the virtual discussion called Astrotourism in the Mayan World, led by Guatemalan astrophotographer Sergio Emilio Montevar Codonere, he explained that the goal was to raise awareness and promote projects of this kind that occupy an important place in the Canary Islands due to the clear skies of Spain and the northern lights of Canada.

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In his speech, Motúfar Codoñer commented that astrotourism is an opportunity to promote some points of Central America among visitors, especially where the inhabitants of Mayan culture settled.

“There are companies that are starting to compete in astronomical tourism, which is a sustainable segment in which a good future can be seen, because it presents science, culture and beautiful astrological archaeological phenomena, such as eclipses,” said the professional whose career is to capture the beauty of the celestial bodies in Latin America.

Although the promotion of astronomy tourism in Mexico began, the specialist stated that the country does not have any distinction from the International Dark-Sky Association, a non-profit organization founded in 1988 to stop light pollution.

Chile is the only country in Latin America that is distinguished by its distinction.

With this part, the visitor will be able to enjoy the magic of the night sky, observe the stars through telescopes and observatories located in archaeological areas, camp, visit astronomy museums and participate in recreational activities on this topic.

To enhance the skies of a destination in the Mayan world, it is essential to have a distinct geographical location, such as the archaeological sites of Chichen Itza, Uxmal and Dezipelchalton, where night visits are promoted by skies that offer an indescribable spectacle.

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The Lunar Serpent’s descent from the castle offers a unique light show, surrounded by thousands of stars.

For astronomical tourism, there should be no light pollution, and have a tourist structure, basic services and specialized guides with scientific, cultural and archaeological knowledge.

Currently, the Atacama Desert in Chile, the Canary Islands and other regions of Spain and Canada, Space City, Futurescope in France and Dark Sky Park in England are places where astrotourism is successfully promoted.

Astroturism in Southeast Mexico

In Campeche and Yucatan, two important points in Mexico’s Mundo Maya region, astrotourism is a part that is emerging from distant beaches and in picturesque harbors far from urban sprawl.

The head of the Yucatan Tourism Secretariat, Michelle Friedman, is promoting astrotourism in Rio Lagartos, as part of the 365 Days of Yucatan Program.

This experience, which he considers “unforgettable,” is recommended for children so that they can learn about Mayan heritage and master in architecture, astronomy and mathematics.

When the sun bids farewell to the port of Río Lagartos in northeastern Yucatan, the visitor lives the experience under the supervision of a certified astronomer who presents constellations, stars, or daily events, such as meteor showers, eclipses, and planets.

In the neighboring state of Campeche, the Minister of Tourism, Mauricio Arcio Peña, also launched a project for astrotourism, taking advantage of the beauty of light in Puerto Arturo, in the Palizada, whose darkness contrasts with the light of the stars.

This experience takes travelers back to the pre-Hispanic skies when they worshiped the sun, moon and planets.