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00:00When people talk about Mexico, it's almost automatic to think of Cancun in the state of
00:08Quintana Roo or Acapulco in the state of Guerrero. But what few people know is that there is a place
00:16that goes far beyond perfect landscapes and vacation destinations. Today, Belo Mundo takes
00:24you into the heart of this unknown territory, where secrets are not only hidden, but literally
00:31buried, in extravagant cemeteries worthy of mansions, and in clandestine tunnels full of
00:37legends. Want to know more? Then come with us to unravel the mysteries and stories that lie beneath
00:44the underground and underworld of Sinaloa, one of Mexico's most enigmatic states.
00:54Number 1. Location and Geographical Data
00:57Sinaloa occupies a strategic place on the map of Mexico. In the northwest of the country,
01:06it is bathed by the waters of the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez, which already guarantees
01:12a connection to important trade routes and an extensive stretch of coastline. But there's more.
01:19bordering Sonora to the north, Durango and Chihuahua to the east, and Nayarit to the south. The state is
01:28also cut by the imposing Sierra Madre Occidental, which not only beautifies the landscape, but also
01:35creates fertile valleys, perfect for agriculture. This is why Sinaloa is known as the breadbasket of
01:42Mexico. Covering some 58,000 square kilometers, the state is divided into 18 municipalities.
01:51Culiacan is the capital, but it's Mazatlan that steals the show in terms of tourism, with its
01:58paradisiacal beaches and the famous Trezislas, which are true biodiversity sanctuaries. And speaking of
02:06which, Sinaloa doesn't mess around when it comes to nature. Mangroves, unspoiled beaches, and a fauna
02:14that stands out for its diversity. It's the kind of place that seems made for those who love exploring
02:20the wild side of the world. But behind all this beauty and the title of Mexico's breadbasket, there is
02:28a side that few people like to talk about, but that everyone has heard of. We're talking about one of the
02:34best-known territories in the world for its stories of cartels, clandestine roots, and figures as
02:42powerful as they are feared. And we're going to show and tell you these dark stories in a moment.
02:49Because before diving into this part, it's worth knowing a little more about the curiosities and
02:55beauties of this place. Number 2. El Calon, The Pyramid
03:02If we're going to start with incredible places and curious monuments, let's talk about the Pyramid of
03:11El Calon. Usually, when you hear pyramid, you think of the giant ones in Egypt, or the Mayan
03:19constructions. But in Sinaloa, there is a totally different gem, located right in the middle of Mexico's
03:27largest estuary, the Ensenada del Pabellón. An estuary, for those who don't know, is nothing more
03:35than a region where the river meets the sea, creating a rich and unique environment with a mixture of
03:41fresh and salt water. These areas are true nurseries for marine life, home to incredible biodiversity and
03:49fundamental to ecological balance. And it was in this setting that ancient peoples built this
03:54incredible monument. And what a monument! 30 meters high and with a base measuring 100 by 80 meters,
04:03the pyramid was built between 750 and 1200 after Christ, during the period known as the Aztlan Horizon.
04:12And why is this pyramid so different? Instead of giant stones or advanced tools, around 275 million
04:21shells were used in the construction. Yes, millions of seashells stacked in layers, alternating with
04:29barren earth. Why shells? For many pre-Hispanic cultures, they symbolized the link with the sea,
04:37fertility, fertility, and rituals of abundance. No wonder scholars believe that El Calon functioned as a
04:44ceremonial center where religious festivities or community gatherings took place. So, as well as a
04:52veritable pile of shells, the pyramid carries all the symbolic weight of a people who knew how to
04:58celebrate, and a lot, their connection with the sea.
05:02Number 3. Remains of pre-Hispanic cultures in Mazatlan
05:10Moving on, our next destination is Mazatlan, a coastal city that enchants visitors with its long
05:18promenade, wonderful beaches, and vibrant climate. Known as the Pearl of the Pacific, Mazatlan offers
05:26attractions for all tastes, from the historic center, full of colonial mansions, to the famous
05:32Malakon, where the sunset is a daily spectacle. But if you think that this place is all about the sea,
05:40seafood, and nightlife, get ready. In 2022, excavations in paving works revealed traces of a culture linked to the
05:50Astlan people, dating from 900 to 1200 after Christ. The discovery was so surprising that archaeologists were thrilled.
06:01Among the finds were high-quality ceramics and the remains of human burials, but the biggest highlight was a ritual kite, a
06:10ceremonial pipe used in religious or symbolic practices. What's more, the burial also attracted attention because it was under a shell floor,
06:20something quite different from the usual pattern in the region, where burials are most often found in orlus, which are large clay pots.
06:29Why the shells again? It seems that the sea really was a vital part of these people's identity, not just for fishing and food, but also for spirituality.
06:404. Mammoth Capital
06:45Do you remember Manny, the grumpiest mammoth from the Ice Age films? Well, it seems that a large part of his family lived on Mexican soil.
06:56In Sinaloa, specifically in the municipality of Mochorito, experts have found evidence that several herds of mammoths roamed the area.
07:06No wonder Mochorito is called the capital of the mammoth.
07:11According to paleontologists, bones and even almost complete skeletons of mammoths have been found in at least eight different sites.
07:20These huge, hairy animals would have lived in swamps and wetlands, feeding on the local vegetation.
07:27When they died, they were preserved thanks to the mud and sediment that covered their bodies.
07:34In general, you only find a tooth or a tusk here and there, but finding entire skeletons is a rarity worldwide.
07:42Some of these pieces are in regional museums, others are awaiting detailed studies.
07:48The question remains, if Sinaloa's subsoil has already revealed mammoths, could there still be fossils of other giant animals there?
08:005. Gold, Silver and Much More
08:03Sinaloa doesn't live by archaeological secrets alone.
08:09Under the ground, there are also precious metals that make the eyes of many companies shine.
08:15Gold, Silver, Lead, Copper and Zinc.
08:20The state is home to several mining districts, such as Kosala, Rosario, Shua and Concordia,
08:27where large companies, including Canadian, American and Chinese ones, are located.
08:34To give you an idea, in 2017, 112 kilos of gold and more than 34 tons of silver were extracted,
08:43not to mention tons of other metals.
08:46That's no small feat.
08:48But there's that old story.
08:51Mining generates jobs and income, but it can also affect the environment and local communities.
08:57In many mountainous regions, the wealth that comes out of the ground
09:01is not necessarily reflected in better living conditions for the locals.
09:07Oh, and if you're interested in history or how everything works in the mines,
09:12there are tours and tourist routes through some of these locations
09:16where you can see a bit of the state's mining legacy.
09:20So, as well as archaeological treasures, Sinaloa also literally has a fortune under its feet.
09:27Number 6. Tunnel Under the Fort and Urban Legends
09:34Next stop.
09:37El Fuerte, a historic town that carries colonial charm and an air of mystery in its very name.
09:45It was once one of the most important centers in the region,
09:49even giving its name to the state of Sinaloa at certain times in the past.
09:53Today, the place attracts tourists with its picturesque style and quiet streets.
10:00But for many, the real attraction lies beneath these centuries-old buildings.
10:06There is much talk of underground tunnels, linking mansions, churches, and perhaps even a secret fortress.
10:13According to stories circulating among the locals,
10:17the Spanish would have dug these passages to evade rebels
10:20or to transport gold and silver without running the risk of being attacked.
10:26It is even said that large merchant families and former rulers
10:29used these corridors as an escape route in the event of a revolt
10:34or simply to keep their treasures away from prying eyes.
10:37One of the most famous legends tells how, in the dead of night,
10:43heavily armed caravans would descend underground,
10:46carrying chests full of coins and jewels, all lit only by torches.
10:52Some people claim that the echo of footsteps and the clinking of chains
10:56can be heard in the basements of old buildings,
11:00as if the ghosts of the guards were still watching over them.
11:03Truth or folklore?
11:05Nobody knows for sure.
11:08Official archaeology, however, has never proven the existence of an extensive tunnel system.
11:14There are isolated reports of short passages or trap doors connecting two points,
11:19which could indicate a real but restricted use.
11:23While the evidence doesn't come to light,
11:25the subject continues to fuel the imagination of tourists and locals alike.
11:30After all, who wouldn't want to explore secret passages
11:35where gold, honors, and perhaps secrets of the former colonial elite were once hidden?
11:42And now that you've seen the beauties, legends, and riches
11:45that lie beneath the soil of Sinaloa,
11:49are you ready to dive into the shadows?
11:52The next stop will take you out of the underground and into the underworld.
11:57Number 7. Cradle of Modern Drug Trafficking
12:03When people talk about drug trafficking in Mexico,
12:08one name always comes up, Sinaloa.
12:12And no wonder.
12:12The state, located between the Pacific Ocean and the imposing Sierra Madre,
12:18is the epicenter of drug trafficking in the country.
12:22If Cali and Medellin define drug trafficking in Colombia,
12:27Sinaloa plays the same role in Mexico,
12:30but with its own brand of power and influence.
12:33Its proximity to the U.S. border,
12:36just two days away by car,
12:38has given Sinaloa a strategic advantage.
12:41But it's not just location that has made the state so important in this scenario.
12:47Sinaloa is home to figures who have become almost legends,
12:51such as Joaquin El Chapo Guzman,
12:55Rafael Caro Quintero,
12:57and Miguel Ángel Félix Gallardo.
13:00These names are not just synonymous with power and violence.
13:04They have shaped the way drug trafficking operates globally.
13:07For them, Culiacán, the state capital, is more than a city.
13:13It's a stronghold of luxury, control, and for some, even idolatry.
13:19Number 8
13:22How Sinaloa Became the Center of Drug Trafficking
13:26Sinaloa wasn't always synonymous with drug trafficking.
13:31For much of the 20th century,
13:33the state was known as the breadbasket of Mexico,
13:36with fertile fields producing corn, soybeans, and sesame seeds.
13:41But those same fields were also home to a secret,
13:45poppy and marijuana plantations,
13:48which quickly became valuable products on the American market.
13:52During the Second World War,
13:54the United States needed morphine for its troops,
13:57and Sinaloa became one of the main suppliers.
14:01This temporary alliance opened the door for local traffickers to dominate the market.
14:06In the 1980s, they went further.
14:09By forming partnerships with the Colombian cartels,
14:13the Sinaloans began distributing cocaine around the world,
14:17and when the Colombians lost strength,
14:19Sinaloa took the lead,
14:21creating an empire that functioned like a multinational.
14:25This success, however, came at a high price.
14:28Entire communities were transformed,
14:31with bosses' mansions springing up in the middle of humble neighborhoods.
14:36Number 9. Narco-Cultura
14:40In the capital of Sinaloa,
14:44drug trafficking isn't just a business.
14:47It's part of the city's soul.
14:49With over 600,000 inhabitants,
14:52Kuliakon is a place of extremes.
14:55On the one hand, luxurious mansions and eye-catching cars.
15:00On the other, a much more raw reality,
15:02but equally impacted by this culture that goes beyond drug trafficking.
15:08And believe me, even at the moment of death,
15:12the difference between the ordinary citizen and the drug lord is stark.
15:17Kuliakon's cemetery is more like an upscale neighborhood.
15:21The tombs, miniature mansions,
15:24there's everything.
15:25Marble, air conditioning,
15:27bulletproof doors,
15:29and even crosses that glow in the dark.
15:32Some of these true works of art cost more than $290,000,
15:36and can have up to three floors.
15:40At night, the place lights up like a ghost town,
15:43with automatic lights and security systems worthy of a fortress.
15:47The walls of these mausoleums are decorated with photos and paintings of the dead,
15:52usually young people in their twenties and thirties.
15:55But curiously, many do not reveal their names.
15:59It's as if the ostentation speaks for itself.
16:03And it doesn't stop there.
16:05This so-called narco-culture has also invaded music,
16:09with the famous narco-coridos,
16:11which extol the lives of drug lords.
16:14It's no surprise that some regions have already banned these songs,
16:18and are even trying to ban TV series on the subject,
16:22fearing the impact on children.
16:23Now, for the most surreal part,
16:27the connection with religion.
16:30Many devotees worship Saint Death,
16:33a skull venerated as the protector of the most vulnerable,
16:37including drug dealers.
16:39There's also Jesus Malverde,
16:41considered to be a kind of holy Robin Hood.
16:44According to legend,
16:45he stole from the rich to help the poor,
16:47until he was hanged in 1909,
16:50right there in Culiacan.
16:51Today, a chapel dedicated to Malverde attracts worshippers from all over.
16:57People kneel in front of his bust,
16:59leaving notes of pesos, dollars, euros,
17:02and even thank-you notes.
17:05Narco-culture isn't just a reflection of drug trafficking.
17:08It's a separate universe,
17:09where luxury, spirituality, and violence mix in a unique,
17:14and, at the same time, disturbing way.
17:17Number 10.
17:21The Cartel's Global Impact
17:23The Sinaloa Cartel has managed to turn drug trafficking
17:28into a global and extremely sophisticated operation.
17:32They haven't limited themselves to old trafficking practices.
17:37They've invented underground tunnels to cross borders,
17:40created homemade submarines,
17:42and opened air routes to take their products to places far beyond Mexico.
17:47It's not just the logistics that are impressive.
17:50The cartel controls everything,
17:53from the plantations hidden in the mountains of Sinaloa,
17:55to the arrival of the merchandise in the largest cities in America and Europe.
18:01It's like a criminal multinational,
18:04but with a devastating impact on society.
18:07And it is in Sinaloa that this power leaves its deepest marks.
18:11The state has endured decades of violence caused by territorial disputes,
18:17faction fights,
18:19and the constant presence of military forces,
18:22trying, unsuccessfully, to contain drug trafficking.
18:26In the 70s, Operation Condor,
18:30supported by the United States,
18:32tried to put an end to drug crops in the region.
18:35And for a while, it worked.
18:38But the problem only changed address.
18:41The illicit activities spread to other places,
18:44further increasing the influence of the drug trade.
18:48Today, Culiacan is the epicenter of this culture.
18:52Shootings, murders, and confrontations are part of everyday life.
18:56Meanwhile, armored SUVs, snakeskin boots, and flashy jewelry
19:01show off the power of young people linked to the cartel.
19:05It's a reality where violence isn't just a side effect.
19:09It blends into the identity of the region,
19:12shaping lives and imposing a presence that seems impossible to ignore.
19:17Now tell us,
19:18did you know about the Mexican state of Sinaloa?
19:22What struck you most about this culture full of contrasts?
19:25Let us know what you think in the comments.
19:28And don't forget to like the video,
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19:40Thank you very much for watching,
19:42and we'll see you in the next video.
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