Taking as a guiding theme of religion in Latin America, the film shows the pre-Columbian myths, the arrival of the white man, later syncretism and liberation theology. The main theme is the "popular religion". In Latin America this forms a kind of religious sacred territory where millions of Indians seeking refuge. This is repeated in Brazil, where African religions are another impenetrable territory, which also functions as a stronghold, a refuge.

An old building in Mexico City’s Historical Center is being restored and is filled with rubble and debris. The person responsible for improving the architectonic and general appearance of the building has forced its residents to be evacuated. The stories told by a group of construction workers help the protagonist understand the significance of his decision.

A conflict arises between the people of the town and the local priest when they have to decide how to represent certain biblical episode.

When King Motecuzoma dies in 1468, a drought sets upon the Mexicas' land. The younger Motecuzoma sends a retinue to collect tributes from the peasants and make an offering to Coatlicue at Aztlán, the home of their ancestors. The peasant Ollin finds a discarded tribute and makes his own journey to Aztlán to appease his rulers.

In this supernatural suspense film, Karen Fisher and Paul Henderson, a young American couple, travel to Chiapas, Mexico on holiday. While there they have an encounter with a witch that changes their lives forever.