Many communities across the globe are threatened by food shortages and variability because of physical constraints and natural opportunities such as presence of fertile soil, good weather, and access to the sea and mountain ranges. Although populations are struggling, there are many cases where communities do have access to these resources, but have lost a sense of connection to the space they inhabit. The following thesis analyzes the agroecology and local food system of a specific area in Southern Mexico. I research the role of cultural colonialism in the evolution of Pre-Columbian food ways and how communities can return to and promote new, more sustainable agricultural methods through culinary tourism.