The Mysteries of Latin America Podcast

The last entry in the Captain’s log said, “We are not alone”... In 1925, the SS Cotopaxi set sail from Charleston, South Carolina, bound for Havana, Cuba.  The steamship encountered a massive and fierce storm, and after sending out a cryptic distress call, it disappeared without a trace. Despite intense search efforts, neither the ship nor its crew was ever found, adding to the mystique of the area where it was lost-- Bermuda Triangle. Decades later, in the 1980s, Cuban fishermen reported sightings of what they called a 'barco fantasma'—a ghost ship drifting in and out of the mist. The legend grew until Cuban authorities claimed to have discovered the Cotopaxi. On board, they allegedly found a chilling note from the captain that read 'we are not alone.' But the mystery deepened further when others claimed to have found the real Cotopaxi wreck. Off the coast of Florida.  It’s time we unravel the truth behind this mystery.

In 1970, The US shot a missile at Mexico…and it was carrying a radioactive payload. The Athena missile, originally headed for the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, had a grave malfunction and crashed in the desert of Chihuahua, Old Mexico... while transporting Cobalt 57 in the nosecone. This was part of an Air Force testing plan for what we would later know as ICBM’s-Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles, that can deliver nuclear warheads across continents. Remember the Cold War? The US sent a team to find the wreckage, deal with Mexican authorities and avoid an international incident. Since then, myths and stories about the area emerged, including "strange magnetic anomalies," mutations in plants and animals, and, of course, aliens… and it’s now called la Zona del Silencio---the Zone of Silence--Mexico's Bermuda Triangle, and people have sort of forgotten about the missile crash. Meet me on the Mysteries of Latin America podcast for the full story.   -Andrew

After World War II, the Allies listed 150,000 Nazis or sympathizers as war criminals. 50,000 of them were found and judged, leaving about 100,000 who escaped or died. Experts estimate that about 10,000 of those fled to South America. Countries like Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Bolivia were open to receiving many of these people, as they were either dictatorships themselves, had governments that sympathized with the Nazis or used Nazi-owned companies to launder money. One country, though, would have its own German “colony” formed by a former Nazi officer. That country was Chile and the place he founded was a colony that some say was a cult, Colonia Dignidad—the colony of Dignity. Friends, Welcome to the Mysteries of Latin America," where we dive into the myths, legends, mysteries and hidden stories that have shaped the region from Mexico to the Southern tip of Argentina and to the islands of the Caribbean and back. My name is Andrew Colón, and I’d like to welcome first-time visitors, longtime subscribers, fans and I invite you to subscribe and follow the podcast through whatever medium you’re listening to us. I tell these stories for two reasons: so that those of us who have roots in the region can know our stories and so the whole world can know what makes Latin America what it is today. There’s a lot to unpack. Today, we're diving into a story that I’d heard bits and pieces about, but I never expected the full story to be this dark, and once I knew it, I knew it had to be told. This is the story of Colonia Dignidad.           #ColoniaDignidad #TrueCrime #HistoricalMysteries #Documentary

In April 2024, Six indigenous women who call themselves the Ra Ra Ra team from the mountains of Chihuahua, Mexico, made history by finishing the mysterious "Speed Project" relay ultramarathon , covering roughly 340 miles from Los Angeles to Las Vegas. Their community is called the Tarahumara by much of the outside world, but they call themselves Rarámuri and so will we, traditionally running long-distances in their canyon homelands and they put their skills and traditions to the test in this grueling competition.   DONATIONS LINKS: Donate to the Ra Ra Ras…Money Pool https://www.moneypool.mx/p/zp56kkg   Donate to the Raramuri Causes https://donadora.org/busca?like=tarahumara&page=1 In this episode we’ll tell you about these amazing athletes, this mysterious and secretive race, the Raramuri people, the challenges they face, some new hope for their communities, and how you can help them reach their dreams. Let’s talk about the Ra Ra Ras and the intriguing Raramuri people on this episode of the Mysteries of Latin America podcast…

The hit Netflix series La Casa de Papel, which many of you know as Money Heist, was a fictitious story about one of the world’s most daring robberies. But something like that couldn’t happen in real life, could it? On January 12, 2006, 6 men walked into the Banco Rio de Acassuso in Buenos Aires, Argentina, armed with toy guns and a bold plan. Led by a charismatic man who thought himself an artist, they walked in (some in costume) and walked out without firing a shot or hurting any of the hostages inside. And they did this while an over 200-member tactical response team was waiting to breach the entrance.   Well the cops did finally get in, but when they did, they got a big surprise. And the story only gets stranger from there. This is our newest story on the Mysteries of Latin America podcast, where we’lltell you the about the details of the operation, how they planned it, the police investigation, the arrests, if authorities got any money back and the mysteries that still surround this epic heist that people in Argentina still call the Robbery of the Century.   Narrated by Andrew Colón, and what we do here is tell stories about the myths, legends, mysteries and history of Latin America, so we know our own stories and so people all over the world can know about some of what makes the cultures of North, Central, South America and the Caribbean what they are today. If it’s your first time with us, welcome, and if you’re a returning listener, I really appreciate you coming back and I invite all of you to share, subscribe and follow the podcast however you’re catching it, and to let your likeminded friends and families know about it…little by little (or poco a poco as we might say down here) we’re building a community and I’m honored to be a part of it. Now let’s get to today’s story… of The Real Money Heist…

For many people in the US and now other countries of the world, it’s the Mexican equivalent of the fourth of July…time to put on a sombrero, eat some tacos, and drink tequila. Now while tacos and a tequila or two are generally a good idea any day of the year, on May Fifth, it’s Cinco de Mayo. But what are you really celebrating? Is it Mexican Independence day? Or is it just a chance to sell some Corona? Friends, welcome to the Mysteries of Latin America, where we tell stories about the myths, legends, mysteries and history of Latin America. And Today, it’s about history…the origin story of cinco de mayo.

In the 19th century a cholera epidemic swept through the city of Guanajuato, Mexico, taking the lives of many of the city’s residents with it. In the grips of this pandemic, bodies were hastily buried to prevent further spreading. One of them, however, was not dead. In this podcast we’ll tell you the strange thing that happened to many of the buried bodies and the horrific story of one woman, who was buried alive… This is the Mysteries of Latin America Podcast.. Friends welcome to the podcast. My name is Andrew Colon and if it’s your first time visiting, what we do here is tell stories of the many myths, legends, histories and mysteries of North, Central and South America and the Caribbean, so the whole world knows our stories. If you’re a returning listener, I really appreciate you coming back and also I send out a big gracias to all of you for listening, sharing and following us on Spotify, Apple, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. Now let’s get to the mummies…

From the breathtaking cliffs of Barrancas del Cobre in Mexico to the astounding Perito Moreni Glacier in Argentina, Latin America boasts some of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders in the world. But along with this splendor, there’s a darker side—it’s also a place where the earth trembles with fury, the skies unleash torrents of water and the winds howl with ferocity…reminding us of nature’s awesome power. And Cancun, my home, has not been immune...but I'm getting ahead of myself. On our latest episode of the Mysteries of Latin America podcast, we’ve put together a collection for you of the top five different natural disasters of North, Central and South America and the Caribbean…we’ll tell the stories of what we consider to be the worst earthquakes, tsunamis, hurricanes, floods and volcanic eruptions in modern history. If this is your first-time with us, what I do here is tell stories about the myths, legends, history and mysteries of North, Central, South America and the Caribbean for the whole world to know…  

On Christmas Eve, 1971, Juliane Koepcke fell from the sky. 53 years ago, she plummeted from 3000 meters, 10000 feet, above the Amazon Rainforest.  She was the lone survivor of a plane crash in the heart of the jungle, and she not only defied all the odds and survived to tell the tale, but she began a mission to protect the very rainforest that she believes saved her life. Join us for the story of Juliane Koepcke, the girl who fell from the sky…   Friends welcome once again to the Mysteries of Latin America podcast. I’m Andrew Colón and in the episode I’ll be your guide as we tell the incredible story of someone who not only survived a plane crash, but also survived 10 days in the Amazon rainforest against incredible odds. If this is your first time listening, thanks for being here with us, and consider subscribing to the podcast so you never miss an episode and to be able to dive into the vault of over 40 podcasts where I tell stories of the myths, legends, history and mysteries of North, central, South America and the Caribbean for the whole world to know. Now let’s get to it friends…  

There are over 1,000 known archaeological sites in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. But about 3 hours west of us here in Cancun, there is one place that isn’t just another set of rocks left from the culture of the Maya. It is the well-preserved and continuously researched best-known ancient Maya site of them all…Chichen Itza. Welcome to the Mysteries of Latin America podcast friends, where we tell stories about the myths, legends, history and mysteries of North, Central, South America and the Caribbean for the whole world to know. My name is Andrew Colón and I’ll be your guide as we dive into the mysteries of Chichen Itza, like what its name means (and how to say it correctly), some amazing precision some people can’t help but saying was done by aliens, controversies about whether they really did practice human sacrifices, and some astounding new discoveries…it’s gonna be worth staying to the end, friends. Let’s get right to it…

In the heart of the Inca Empire, the enigmatic figure of revered shaman was meditating by the sacred Lake, where a vision led him to a mysterious portal hidden in the rocky cliffs.   Guided by a disc of cosmic power, he ventured beyond the threshold, vanishing into realms unknown, leaving behind a legacy steeped in mystique and wonder.   Today, that Portal draws seekers to its ancient location, inviting all who dare to unlock the secrets of enlightenment.   Friends welcome to the Mysteries of Latin America podcast, where we reveal the myths, legends and mysteries of North, Central, South America and the Caribbean, so the whole world can know our stories.   My name is Andrew Colón and today I’ll be your guide as we travel to Peru and we’ll tell you about the legend of the Portal of Amaru Muru, also known as  La Puerta de Hayu Marka and the very real rock formation that many people say is the “stargate of the gods”.   If this is your first time with us, I invite you to subscribe and follow us on whatever portal you’re using to listen to us, whether it’s Spotify, Youtube, Apple & iTunes, Amazon, Podbean…and to share the podcast with other likeminded adventurers.  

Only 11 years after Columbus “discovered” America, an indigenous leader and his followers rose up against the invading Spaniards, making him the 1st Rebel of the Americas.   Today we tell the story of Hatuey, a chieftain of the Tainos, who defied the tides of history, and became a symbol of indigenous resistance in the Caribbean.   While his name is well-known throughout the Caribbean, his story is not so well-known everywhere else.   Let’s change that. Today, we bring you a story of resistance, courage, and the indomitable spirit of the powerful leader named Hatuey. Welcome to the Mysteries of Latin America, where we bring you the myths, legends and mysteries of North, central, South America and the Caribbean to bring you compelling stories, many of which have been lost to time or confined to certain regions of Latin America…well, here we find them and share them with the world. If it’s your first time with us, consider subscribing to the podcast on whatever platform you’re enjoying us on and share it with other likeminded adventurers. My name is Andrew Colón and I’ll be your guide as we take a trip to the Caribbean and to the 16th century, where the clash of civilizations, reshaped the destiny and of indigenous people forever, and one man stood out prominently in those clashes. His name was Hatuey. And here is a link to the Youtube video mentioned in the podcast…the inspiration behind this episode. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sb-rbLQAZ4M

In 1910, in the depths of the Naica mine in Northern Mexico, miners tunneling for precious metals got a lot more than they bargained for. After they breached a rock wall, their lanterns lit up a cavern straight out of science fiction, covered with transparent crystals growing up to a meter, or about 3 feet 3 inches. It was given the name La Cueva de las Espadas, or the Cave of Swords, alluding the the long blade-like shape of the crystals…Ah, But there was more to come… Fast forward 90 years to April 2000, where two brothers, while digging a new shaft deep in an unexplored part of that mine, broke into a cave of staggering proportions. Imagine trees made of crystals, adorning the ground and ceiling like giant ice sculptures left by nature. This is the birthplace of one of Earth's most extraordinary underground landscapes—a real-life Fortress of Solitude—the Cave of the Crystals of Naica. Friends, welcome once again to The Mysteries of Latin America podcast.   Today, our journey takes us deep into the heart of Mexico, where hidden beneath the Desert of Chihuahua, lies a geological marvel that has fascinated scientists and spiritual seekers alike—the mystical Cave of the Crystals of Naica.

What if I told you that there was a legendary Aztec god who was an ancient astronaut from another universe, was an inspiration for the story of Jesus Christ, that he possessed the ability to time travel and reincarnate, and played an important part in the conquest of Mexico by Spain. Today we’re going to fly into the story of Quetzalcoatl, the mighty feathered serpent god of the Aztecs…and some of the more bizarre stories and theories associated with this figure. Friends welcome to the Mysteries of Latin America podcast, where we dive into  the myths, legends and mysteries of North, Central, South America and the Caribbean. My name is Andrew Colón and after 30 years of living in Latin America, it’s my pleasure to bring some of our more unusual stories to listeners all over the world. And speaking of listening, make sure to follow, subscribe or download the podcast depending on whether you hear us on Spotify, Youtube, iHeart Radio, Apple and iTunes, Amazon Music or wherever you get your podcast so you never miss an episode and share it with those you think might like to know more about this fascinating part of the world. Let’s get to it, friends…

Eva Perón was the iconic First Lady of Argentina in the late 1940’s and early 1050’s and her charisma and influence shaped a nation. Loved by many, she faced a tragic end when cancer claimed her life in 1952. But the story didn't end there. In the chaos that followed her husband's political downfall, Eva's embalmed body disappeared. She became a political pawn in a turbulent time, and her remains crisscrossed secret locations, and it was “lost” for 16 years. The body of the wife of a president, vanished. Fast forward to 1971,  when her body was discovered in a crypt in Italy under a false name.   Why was it hidden? Who was behind the vanishing act? The mystery echoes through history. Let’s unravel the enigma of Eva Perón's missing body.

People called him the Argentinean Nostradamus and one of the most important clairvoyants who ever lived. His name was Benjamin Solari Paravicini, an artist born in 1898, whose life reads like a surreal masterpiece. From childhood tales of playing with angels and fairies to becoming a celebrated painter and sculptor, his works mixed art and prophecy…and his over 1000 drawings gave us eerily accurate glimpses into the future--including the falling of the Twin Towers. Friends welcome to the Mysteries of Latin America podcast where we’re in the second season of telling you the tales of the myths, legends, extraterrestrial encounters, and unsolved mysteries of North, Central, South America and the Caribbean for the whole world. Narrated by Andrew Colón, your host, and in this episode we’ll you about the man many people compare with Nostradamus and whose art has continued to accurately tell us about our future. Make sure to subscribe to the podcast however you’re listening to us, like Spotify, Youtube, iHeart Radio, Apple/Itunes, Amazon and more. When in doubt, just Google the Mysteries of Latin America and we should come up in there somewhere. Now let’s get to it…

A 21 year old World War II soldier from the Ukraine achieved one of the most pivotal discoveries in the history…of Mexico. He broke the code of hieroglyphs of the Ancient Maya. Uncover the mystique that lured a soldier into the world of legends and unveil the ancient whispers that have been waiting for someone to break their silence. This is the story of Yuri Knozorov. +++++++++++++++++++++++++ Friends, welcome to the Mysteries of Latin America podcast. I’m Andrew Colón your host and in this episode we dive into the unusual story of how the writing system of the Mayan civilization was finally deciphered. We thank you for joining us in our second season of the podcast and we invite you to subscribe on Spotify, iTunes, iHeart Radio, YouTube and anywhere you’re hearing this right now so you never miss an episode, and you can open the doors to the vault of Season 1 of our stories of the myths, mysteries and legends of the Latin culture of North, Central, South America and the Caribbean. Let’s get started…  

In the 16th century, amidst the tumultuous clash of civilizations in the New World, emerges the captivating saga of Gonzalo Guerrero — a Spanish conquistador turned unlikely hero—for the Maya civilization. Shipwrecked, enslaved, and ultimately transformed, Guerrero's tale is a riveting odyssey of cultural metamorphosis, defying the rigid lines of conquest. His journey challenges the very essence of identity, weaving a narrative that transcends time, leaving an indelible mark on the pages of history. Prepare to be enthralled by the extraordinary life of Gonzalo Guerrero, where loyalty, love, and the clash of two worlds (and two gene pools) collide in a story that echoes through the ages."  

They say he was a pirate from Spain who made a pact with the devil and died from a broken heart. He was a man who lived a life that reads like an adventure novel, blending mystery, wealth, ambition, and the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. About 15 minutes from me here off the coasts of Cancun, Mexico, there’s an island called Isla Mujeres…the island of women, with breathtaking beaches and turquoise blue waters that rival any in the world. But in the middle of this vacation paradise, there’s a dark past, a story that involves slavery, pirates of the Caribbean, and unrequited love. This is the story of the Fermin Mundaca…. Welcome to the Mysteries of Latina America podcast, where we tell stories about the myths, legends, and mysteries of North, Central, South America, and the Caribbean for the education and entertainment of the whole world. My name is Andrew Colón and today, let’s tell the story of a man who was either one of the REAL Pirates of the Caribbean, or just a rich man with a broken heart.  

The survivors cut the flesh off the dead “amid much torment and soul-searching,” and laying the thin strips of frozen flesh aside on a piece of sheet metal, each of them finally consumed their piece when they could bear to. This is what one of the survivors of one of the most unbelievable survival tales told, many years after it happened. Today he’s a doctor, but back then he was just a med student and rugby player on his way to a tournament. While flying over the Andes in bitter cold weather, the plane he and 44 other passengers were flying in crashed into the mountains. And this is where our story begins. Welcome to the Mysteries of Latin America podcast, where we tell the whole world about the myths, legends and mysteries that happen in North, Central, South America and the Caribbean. If you haven’t already, considering subscribing to the podcast wherever you’re streaming it today. My name is Andrew Colón and in this episode, I tell a story that has stayed with me ever since I was a little kid and first heard it.