Have you ever seen a FIVA event that combines a stage rally, a golf competition, and a paella contest? Well, you can find all that and more at the Rally Maya Mexico. This event offers a unique experience: explore the Yucatan Peninsula with your classic car, immerse yourself in Maya culture, walk through forests, try traditional Maya food, chat with people in hidden villages, relax in a beautiful Mexican hacienda, visit the city of Merida, and be greeted by a lively performance of Mariachis upon arrival.
And last, but certainly not least, participants take part in a significant charity action, donating wheelchairs to those in need, bikes to young students so they can attend school, and tablets to brilliant young minds who lack access to technology.
The Rally Maya is a one-of-a-kind event. This year, it started in Merida with stopovers in Campeche, the Uxmal Forest, Valladolid, and Cancun. It takes place over a week in the Yucatan Peninsula, not along the touristy circuit but in the heart of true Maya land, covering more than 1,000 kilometers. The convoy of veteran and classic cars acts as a rolling museum, giving the people of the Maya aldeas the opportunity to witness pieces of modern history that they’ve never seen before and may never see again.
Competitors are treated to experiences most travelers won’t find, thanks to an excellent organizing team that attends to every detail. They sample Maya cuisine, whether in a forest hut, a five-star restaurant, or a luxury tent by the sea while watching a breathtaking sunset. Participants also have plenty of time to enjoy a golf competition and showcase their culinary skills in the traditional paella contest. And of course, they experience the thrill of driving their cars in the rally’s regularity sections, with the adrenaline fueling their appetite for the rest of the day.
In my opinion, the Rally Maya is one of those events that makes FIVA truly special. It’s a reference point throughout the Americas, attracting crews from Colombia, Argentina, Guatemala, the United States, and more. This is something FIVA should treasure and work to maintain as an official FIVA event.
Mr. Benjamin de la Peña, CEO of Rally Maya, is the heart and soul of the event, supported by a team of competent marshals who operate like a well-oiled machine. I am extremely grateful for the warm welcome extended to me, especially by Mr. De la Peña, who made me feel not just like a steward, but a lifelong friend. Thank you, once again!
I cannot finish this report without encouraging everyone involved in FIVA events to try to attend the Rally Maya. Believe me, it’s well worth it! You won’t be disappointed!
Antonio Arderiu Freixa
FIVA Steward
