The story runs in the 1940s Mexico City. A schoolboy (Carlos) falls in love with his best friend's mother (Mariana). Carlos is impressed because this family is not like the ordinary mexican families of the time, because they have many expensive American things, although they are not rich. The drama begins when Carlos gets out of school to go to declare his love to Mariana, and is discovered by his teachers.
Based on Rosario Castellanos' novel, Balún Canán is about the turmoil created by the Cardenas’ land reforms. Events occur in Chiapas on the border with Guatemala, mainly in a town called Comitán. Zoraida struggles and fights to keep her properties, inheritance for her only son. For her actions, the sorcerers of Chacjatal cast a death spell over her son.
