Puerto Morelos, Quintana Roo — The 12th edition of Rally Maya México concluded Friday at Ventana al Mar in Puerto Morelos, bringing to a close a week-long classic car rally that combined motorsport heritage, regional tourism promotion, and large-scale charitable giving across the Yucatán Peninsula.
Founded in 2014 by automotive enthusiast and businessman Benjamín de la Peña Mora, Rally Maya México has grown into one of Latin America’s most recognized classic car rallies. Sanctioned by the Federation Internationale des Véhicules Anciens (FIVA), the event follows a precision rally format rather than a speed race, emphasizing navigation accuracy, timing, and preservation of historic vehicles. Only cars manufactured before 1985 are eligible to participate.
Over its 12 editions, the rally has traveled more than 14,000 kilometers across Quintana Roo, Yucatán, Campeche, and Chiapas, positioning itself as both a cultural caravan and a philanthropic platform. Each year, the route highlights smaller communities and Pueblo Mágico destinations while delivering social support through partner foundations.
Mayor Blanca Merari Tziu Muñoz thanked organizers for including Puerto Morelos in this year’s route, describing the event as humanitarian in nature. “We appreciate everyone involved in this great race, who alongside their passion for cars also have a great human side, making this a cause-driven event that today delivers eight wheelchairs and ten bicycles to benefit our population, improving their quality of life,” she said.
Rally Maya 2026 General Director Rodrigo Villanueva celebrated the successful conclusion of this edition and credited founder Benjamín de la Peña for consolidating what has become a regional tradition. He explained that beyond showcasing automotive history, the rally visits towns with significant needs, strengthening ties between tourism and community support.
The Telmex-Telcel Foundation participated through its long-running social programs. Iván Bello Benavides noted that the organization has supported Mexican communities for 30 years and, through its “Running to Change Stories” and “Help Me Get There” initiatives, delivers bicycles to students whose schools are located more than three kilometers from their homes.
The program promotes mobility, physical activity, and reduced dropout rates. To date, the foundation has delivered 700 wheelchairs, 2,021 academic scholarships with computer equipment, and 2,257 bicycles.
The Alejo Peralta Foundation, another longstanding partner of Rally Maya, delivered 100 wheelchairs during the 2026 edition. Federico Krafft, representing the foundation, explained that he joined the rally five years ago both as a classic car collector and to contribute to the event’s charitable mission.
Puerto Morelos DIF Director Vanessa López Páez described the rally as an opportunity to combine goodwill and institutional collaboration to support vulnerable residents and strengthen community inclusion.
Following the official presentations, Mayor Merari gave the starting signal to the participating vehicles from Parque Fundadores. Spectators gathered to admire the vintage cars, many of which represent rare and meticulously restored examples of automotive history from the United States and Europe.
In addition to its social impact, Rally Maya generates measurable tourism benefits. Participating teams, support crews, media representatives, and sponsors contribute to hotel occupancy, restaurant activity, and local commerce in each host destination. For coastal communities like Puerto Morelos, the event reinforces the region’s appeal beyond beach tourism, showcasing cultural heritage and regional connectivity.
The ceremony was attended by DIF honorary president Juanita Chacón Canché, Alejo Peralta Foundation operational coordinator Ernesto Carrillo, Sustainable Tourism Secretary Raúl Guadarrama García, and other officials and members of the public.
With its blend of classic motorsport, regional promotion, and philanthropy, Rally Maya México continues to position itself as one of the Yucatán Peninsula’s most distinctive annual events.
Discover more from Riviera Maya News & Events
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.