Ixtlán

Overview

Description

Ixtlán de Juárez is a forest community in the northern Sierra of Oaxaca. It has a territory of 47,715 acres (19,310 hectares) of communal property to benefit its 384 users and their families.

The northern Sierra of Oaxaca is one of the 17 most important areas for biodiversity in the world, one of the best conserved natural areas in Mexico, one of the three richest zones in animal diversity in the country, with more than 400 birds species, 350 butterfly species, and an extremely rich flora with 6,000 species of plants. It also has seven of the nine kinds of terrestrial vegetation that can be found in Mexico, with forests at elevations ranging from 656 to 9,842 feet (200 to 3,000 meters) above sea level, which fosters this great biodiversity.

In Llano Grande, it is possible to find butterflies, fish, owls, and different kinds of birds and reptiles.

The characteristic flora of the area consists of large trees such as the Guanacaste, the cecropia, curly paela, palms, flowering bamboo, and hibiscus and there is also a wide variety of medicinal plants.

Culturally speaking, this region has the largest concentration of indigenous Zapoteca people. The inhabitants of Llano Grande make clay handicrafts including pots, griddles, red bricks, adobe, and clay roof tiles. The typical dishes of the area are mole stew, bean mole, chili soup, dishes with iguana and deer meat, and charal minnows cooked in broth or with garlic.

Ixtlán has a butterfly breeding facility where you can see the entire development of the butterfly, from the chrysalis to its emergence as an adult. On your visit, you can also hike on the natural interpretive trails, go kayaking on the river, and enjoy the waterfalls.

Rooms

13 cabins for 2, 4, or 6 people, with a maximum total capacity of 60 people. The cabins are fully equipped with beds, bathrooms with hot water, fireplace and a load of firewood, game room and closet.

Making a Difference

Number of employees: 7

Percentage of local employees: 100%

We help conserve our area through sustainable use of our natural resources and sharing ideas about conservation with the people.

We generate direct and indirect employment and we invest our profits in the development of our community.

Getting There

Nearest international airport: Oaxaca (OAX)

Travel time to nearest airport: 2 hours

Ixtlán de Juárez is 38 miles (61 km) north of the city of Oaxaca on Highway 175 to Tuxtepec. It is the last village before reaching Ixtlán de San Pablo Guelatao.

There are no limitations to access, except for 3-axle buses.

Additional Information

Additional Web sites

• www.rita.com.mx (available in Spanish). Indigenous Tourism Network of Mexico, A.C. – Since 2008, we have been a member of this organization that unites 32 indigenous ecotourism businesses.

Files

• Costos y Servicios - List of rates and services provided (available in Spanish).

Date This Information Was Provided

January 2013.

Photos courtesy of Ixtlán, Mexico, for SustainableTrip.org.