II CONFERENCE OF THE PROGRAMME ON ECOSYSTEM CHANGE AND SOCIETY
The route between Yanhuitlán, Tamazulapam and Apoala in the Upper Mixteca areas of Oaxaca, also known as the “Dominican Route”, goes back to the colonial period and is characterized by the presence of four old convents: San Juan Bautista Coixtlahuaca, San Pedro y San Pablo Teposcolula y Santo Domingo Yanhuitlán. In order to undertand and appreciate the historical, cultural and social richness offered by these areas it is necessary to mount the experience on its prehispanic history which combines its rich cultural and gastronomic history with the intricate relation that its inhabitants have with the with the environmental services offered by nature. This relationship makes it possible today to implement many important conservation actions.
The visit includes a tour of the Upper Mixteca Geopark which is a community project focused on local development through educational tourism that promotes natural and cultural heritage. The Geopark has been supported by the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) through its Geography Institute, through historians from the Centre for Research and Higher Study in Social Anthropology (Centro de Investigaciones y Estudios Superiores en Antropología Social - CIESAS) and the town council. The GeoPark boasts numerous interesting and stunning examples of Earth’s plate tectonic movements and folds during the Cenozoico period.
PRICE:
The fieldtrip includes a visit to Santiago Apoala (“Where the waters part” in misteco) which gets its name from the abundance of the vital liquid (water) in its territory. Apoala offers incredible experiences of natural beauty made up of large rocks, canyons, waterfalls, valleys, caves and natural viewpoints. Due to the unique geography of the Mixteca region, mountain biking presents an opportunity for real adventure taking you on roads and trails in the middle of beautiful valleys.
The tour will allow you to experience various attractions such as the canyons, the oak and heno ghost forests, diverse flora and fauna, and a unique set of pre-Hispanic terraces on the slopes of one of the hills of the village. The visitor can appreciate the beautiful spectacle that the river provides with intense emerald tones in its waters, and an opportunity to get to know several natural springs that nourish the channels, all of which pour into the river Papaloapam.
Social-Ecological Problems
Environmental degradation and efforts in sustainable use of resources.
Stakeholders involved
Local producers of art, Community organization and local authorities.
Implemented/current solutions or actions taken
Several income generating activities have been implemented related to existing relations between indigenous groups and their natural resources. Links to different spheres of the government have been made to address public Policy and sustainable activities.
Number of Participants
10-15
Tentative timetable
DIA 1
7.30 -8:30 Transit to Yanhuitlán
8:30-9:30 Breakfast in Yanhuitlán
9:30-11:30 Cultural tour of Yanhuitlán
11:30- 14:00 Visit to the GeoPark and a talk with the Yanhuitlán Commissioner for Communal Property
14:30 - 16:30 Lunch at Tiltepec Community’s Ecotourism Centre
16:30 Walking tour of Tiltepec
18:30 Leave for Piedra de Agua in Tamazulápam
20:30 Dinner and lodging at Piedra de Agua in Tamazulápam
DIA 2
6:30- 8:30 Transit to Apoala Community’s Ecotourism Centre
8:30-9:00 Breakfast at Apoala
9:30-10:30 A talk about the Manuscripts (códices) of the Mixteca Nation
11:00- 14:00 Walking tour of Apoala
14:30-16:30 Lunch in Apoala
17:00-19:30 Transit to Oaxaca City
This fieldtrip is being offered by Natura Consultores:
Diamante 110, col. Bugambilias, Oaxaca, Oax. Méx.
Cel. 044 951 504 00 61
Tel Oficina: (01951) 13 2 17 41
USD 150
