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For centuries, women had a prominent role in Latin American societies, but the 20th and 21st centuries in particular saw them rise to power to the highest office in Chile, Argentina, Bolivia, Panama, Peru, and other countries in the region. This coming Sunday, April 13th, Ecuador is having a presidential election and Luisa González is a strong candidate to become the next president of Ecuador, adding to the more than a dozen women who have led their countries in the region.

Click play to learn about the women in power that have made history and continue breaking new ground.

Located deep in the Guatemalan rainforest, Tikal was a political, religious and economic hub for the Maya civilization. Dating back to approximately 750 BC, this metropolis -known by the Maya as Yax Mutul- soon started to take shape thanks to its impressive temples full of ornamental and architectural features that continue to dazzle many centuries later. Nowadays, Tikal constitutes one of the largest Maya archeological sites in the whole region and has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Click play to uncover the secrets of this splendorous ancient city and its importance in the world of Maya culture.

In 1987, after a mountain in Ecuador was partially detonated, a shocking discovery was made. There, carved on the stone, was a massive face with horns, a prominent nose and fangs. This colossal sculpture sent shockwaves through the country and the speculations about its origins and significance ran wild. The real story behind this figure, however, was a true testament to the power of art and the drive of creativity. It was named 'El Poder brutal'.

Click play to dive into the mystery of 'El Poder brutal', the striking face secretly carved into an Ecuadorian mountain.

The Fallas is a traditional celebration held in commemoration of Saint Joseph in the city of Valencia, Spain, throughout the month of March. The term Fallas refers to both the festivity -marked by fireworks, music, dancing, parades, and religious offerings- and the colorful and whimsical monuments that are burnt down during its climax. People in Valencia work year-round to prepare the 'ninots', elaborated sculptures that carry social, cultural and political symbolism, and people from around the world gather in Valencia to see them go up in flames.

Click play to learn more about this loud and fiery celebration to leave the dreary winter behind and welcome in the Spring!

The Cumbia music genre was born in Colombia from the fusion of Indigenous, African and Spanish cultures. From there, la cumbia crossed frontiers and adopted new musical styles from different countries. In Mexico, people swiftly embraced this music genre and started infusing it with their own traditional instruments and signature musical influences. The adapted cumbia mexicana is a joyful and catchy genre very popular in Mexico, the United States and even in Japan.

Click play to hear more about the origins and evolution of the irresistible cumbia mexicana!

Francis Drake was an English explorer, slave trader, and privateer, hailed as a local hero by the British, but despised by Dominicans. Drake had a key role in the Anglo-Spanish War, and made a name for himself invading and raiding La Española in 1586. He led a ruthless assault on Santo Domingo, the modern-day capital of the Dominican Republic, expecting to find gold and wealth which left the city in ruins and its people demoralized.

Click play to learn more about the life and deeds of this British pirate that terrorized the Caribbean.

Zapotec indigenous people from Oaxaca, Mexico, have proven to be more advanced than other societies in matters of gender diversity and acceptance. Since pre-Hispanic times, Zapotec culture recognizes men, women, and muxes, people who were born male but choose to live adopting female-coded costumes and roles. Although los muxes are accepted and even regarded as a blessing to their families, outside of their culture they continue to face discrimination.

Click play to hear more about the important role of los muxes in Zapotec culture and the challenges they still face from Mexican society at large.

The history of the world is full of fatal love stories, from Romeo and Juliet to the Lovers of Teruel in Spain. In Ecuador there is a love story that is over 6000 years old: los Amantes de Sumpa. This is the popular name given to the skeleton remains of a young couple who died, apparently, making love. The couple lived over 6000 years ago, and their position suggests that they died in a loving embrace. However, most of their history is still shrouded in mystery.

Click play to listen to the romantic tale of los amantes de Sumpa, the perfect example of a love constant beyond death.

Monika Erlt came from a prominent German family with close ties to the Nazi regime, who fled to Bolivia after WWII. There, Monika witnessed extreme poverty and inequality, leading her to question her family's Nazi ideology. After the execution of Che Guevara, Monika joined the guerrilla movement, changed her name and quickly climbed to the highest ranks, raising funds for their cause and successfully carrying out an ambitious plan to revenge the death of Che.

Click play to hear all about this fearless woman better known as 'Che Guevara's avenger'.

After Brazil, Peru has the second largest Japanese community in Latin America. At the end of the 19th century, the arrival of Japanese immigrant workers was jointly promoted by Japan and Peru. But life in this South American nation wasn't always easy for the new comers. Commonly known as Nikkei, these Japanese immigrants faced exploitation and discrimination. However, this resilient community banded together and successfully integrated themselves and their traditions into everyday Peruvian culture from its gastronomy to the arts.

Click play to learn more about the immigration story of los nikkei and their contributions to Peru's culture and society.