We have visited two Mayan villages. Both are very typical for this Mexican state. With their own police forces (photography is forbidden), their own tolls an admmission fees for tourists, and a similar reluctance to strangers.

This reluctance has its roots in the history of the land which the Mayas used to be indivisale hosts of.  Since the Spanish Conquest they have unsuccessfully been fighting  for their rights.

Since 1st of January 1994 an uprising has been on (now asleep) of the Mayan inhabitants of Chiapas, which has led to a compromise with the federal Mexican government. Consequtive presidents of the country cinically promised changes in treating those people, just to promptly going back to doing what their predecessors used to do.

As a result of the situation incredible militarization of the country has taken  place on the expense of the society.

They are not a happy people and their life is miserable.