Mayans

A trivia fact is making the rounds: centuries before chocolate became a sweet treat, the ancient Mayans of Mexico and South America used cocoa beans as currency, trading them with the Aztecs as a form of money. The tidbit highlights how deeply valued cocoa was in pre-Columbian economies, long before its modern use in confectionery.

Travel writers are highlighting quieter corners of Mexico's Riviera Maya, steering visitors away from the busy resort zones of Cancun and Playa del Carmen toward lesser-known beaches, cenotes, Mayan ruins, and small towns along the Yucatan coast. The coverage encourages travellers to experience the region's culture and nature without the crowds.