Ecology
Mexico is one of the major mega-diverse countries in the world and the state of Oaxaca has a variety of ecosystems with a huge variety of plants and animals. Although some regions of the State, as the Mixteca Alta, shows advanced deterioration in some of its resources, well-preserved areas that invite you to roam around and meet its flora and fauna also exist. In the Geopark, one of the most attractive routes has been designed within the Mixteca Alta Project and is located in the municipal agency of Santa Maria Tiltepec in San Pedro Topiltepec. Along the route, about 4 km long, dense forests of oak and pine and a variety of orchids are the main attraction
Nature is part of our territories and has great importance for the community, especially for the ecosystem services they provide. You can see a variety of orchids, birds and amphibians, you can also visit two viewpoints with stunning views of the Geopark.
History
There is evidence that the territory of the Mixteca Alta was inhabited for at least 5000 years and probably the first settlers arrived in the region 10,000 years ago. The intense relationship between population and natural resources are responsible for the current landscape. The region was densely populated since pre-Hispanic times and activities printed a deep mark on the landscape over time. History, Geography and Geology merge indissolubly and allow us to understand one of the most impressive landscapes of Mexico.
Archaeology
The Mixteca Alta in one of the most important cultural regions of Mesoamerica. The Mixteca culture has been studied by Mexicans and foreigners and although much is known about it, there is still much to learn. In the Geopark archaeological remains are abundant; impressive ruins can be visited highlighting the archaeological site located in the Cerro Jazmín, one of the Mixtec most important urban centers.
Gastronomy
Oaxacan cuisine is famous worldwide. His richness is largely based on the Indigenous traditions incorporating elements derived from the extraordinary biodiversity of the region. Insects, worms and other natural products are consumed daily and are an intangible cultural heritage worthy of being known.
Cultural
The cultural heritage of the Mixteca Alta includes tangible and intangible aspects. Impressive prehispanic constructions are brought together with the extraordinary Dominican convents and churches built since the sixteenth century during the Viceroyalty. The altarpieces of their temples and paintings that decorate the interior of these monuments are an attraction worth knowing. In addition to this, the numerous festivals that are held throughout the year in all communities invite the appreciation of this intangible heritage.
Geology
The main attraction as Geopark is its geological and geomorphological diversity. The impressive erosive forms of the Mixteca Alta and its relationship to geology are examples of high educational value whose origin and development allow transmit the knowledge of Earth Sciences and its close relationship with the historical development of the population.