Cookie Policy

Last updated: November 2025

What Are Cookies

Cookies are small text files that are stored on your computer or mobile device when you visit our website. They help us provide you with a better experience by remembering your preferences and improving our services.

How We Use Cookies

Essential Cookies

These cookies are necessary for the website to function properly. They enable core functionality such as:

  • Authentication Cookie (auth-token): A secure HTTP-only cookie that stores your session token (JWT) for user authentication. This cookie:
    • Expires after 7 days of inactivity
    • Is HTTP-only (cannot be accessed by JavaScript)
    • Uses SameSite=Lax for CSRF protection
    • Is secured with HTTPS in production
    • Is automatically deleted when you sign out
  • Saving your route planning preferences
  • Maintaining your favorite museums list
  • Security and fraud prevention

Important: Disabling essential cookies will prevent you from signing in and using account-related features.

Analytics Cookies

We use Google Analytics 4 (GA4) to understand how visitors interact with our website. These cookies collect anonymized data to help us:

  • Analyze website traffic and user behavior patterns
  • Improve our content and user experience
  • Identify popular museums and routes
  • Understand which features are most valuable to users
  • Optimize site performance and loading times

Note: We do not use advertising cookies or tracking for advertising purposes. Google Analytics is used solely for site improvement and user experience optimization.

Functional Cookies

These cookies enhance your experience by remembering your choices:

  • Language preferences
  • Display settings and themes
  • Previously viewed museums
  • Search filters and preferences
Local Storage (Not Cookies)

In addition to cookies, we use browser localStorage to store certain information locally on your device:

  • Location Preferences (museums-near-me-location): When you set your location in the "Museums Near Me" feature, we save it locally on your device for convenience. This:
    • Expires automatically after 7 days
    • Never leaves your device (not sent to our servers)
    • Can be cleared anytime using the "Change Location" button
    • Includes your coordinates and address only when you explicitly provide them

Important: Unlike cookies, localStorage data is never transmitted to our servers. It remains entirely on your device for your convenience and is under your complete control.

Third-Party Cookies

We use the following third-party services that may set their own cookies:

  • Google Maps: For displaying interactive maps and calculating routes between museums
  • Google Analytics 4 (GA4): For website analytics and performance monitoring. GA4 cookies include:
    • _ga - Distinguishes unique users (expires after 2 years)
    • _ga_* - Maintains session state (expires after 2 years)

These third parties have their own privacy policies and cookie practices. For more information:

Managing Your Cookie Preferences

You can control and manage cookies in several ways:

Browser Settings

Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can:

  • Block all cookies
  • Allow only first-party cookies
  • Delete existing cookies
  • Set up notifications when cookies are being sent

Opt-Out Links

Note: Disabling certain cookies may affect the functionality of our website and limit your ability to use some features.

Contact Us

If you have any questions about our Cookie Policy, please contact us at:

  • Email: privacy@museumsmexico.com
  • Address: Mexico City, Mexico