Broadcast Outage: We're investigating a broadcast transmission failure affecting the San Luis Valley from Antonito in the south to Salida in the north. We're working to resolve this issue. You can stream our live broadcast HERE or via the RMPBS+ App.

Stream live and on-demand content now on our new app:
RMPBS+

Help tell more stories in 2026 - make a year-end gift!

Give Now
The Desert Speaks show's poster
Science and Nature
TV-G
The Desert Speaks

Cactus Capital of the World

Host David Yetman takes viewers on unforgettable, bold explorations of desert landscapes. Through intriguing storytelling and stunning photography, viewers find out about the people, plants, animals and archaeology of arid regions throughout the New World. "The Desert Speaks" was produced for 19 seasons, and continues to air today.

RMPBS Passport

Please log in to your PBS Passport account to watch this video

Become a Member

Cactus Capital of the World

Season 13 Episode 6 | 26m 12s | CC

Villages in the Valle de Tehuacán and nearby Oaxaca have endured for centuries in a desert environment. One of the staples of this environment was and still is the cactus, which formed the basis for their material culture. Today eighteen species of columnar cacti grow in the valley (as opposed to three in Arizona, eight in Sonora), all of them used one way or another by native peoples.

The Desert Speaks

Watch more episodes

See more
See more
This AZPM Original Production streams here because of viewer donations. Make a gift now and support its creation and let us know what you love about it! Even more episodes are available to stream with AZPM Passport.

Subscribe to Our Newsletters

Get trusted Colorado stories, programs, and events from Rocky Mountain PBS straight to your inbox.

Set Your Preferences >