The Cienega de Zimatlan district is located in the northern part of the Oaxaca state, Mexico. It is situated between the two municipalities of Oaxaca Valley, Atzompa and San Antonio Castillo Velasco, in the coastal lowlands. The district is a wide valley that stretches for about 60 kilometers along the middle part of the Papaloapan River and its tributaries, surrounded by the Sierra Madre Oriental and the Sierra de Oaxaca mountain ranges.
The valley is characterized by a warm climate with little rainfall, it has fertile soils ideal for agriculture and livestock rearing. The main activities in the region include the cultivation of corn, beans, agave and chili peppers, as well as fishing, cattle farming and the production of fruit and wood.
The Cienega de Zimatlan wetland is an important natural area in the center of the valley, which forms a buffer between the two municipalities and serves as an important source of water for the population of the area. The wetland is a refuge for a variety of plant and animal species such as the closed cone pine, Mexican beaded lizard and ocelot.
In recent years, there have been various initiatives to protect and restore the wetland and its biodiversity, such as the “Cienega de Zimatlan Natural Reserve” (created in 1990) and the recently established “Cienega de Zimatlan Bird Sanctuary”. These projects have been successful in protecting the hydrological balance and conserving the biodiversity of the area, and have helped to prevent the exploitation of its natural resources.
Cienaga de Zimatlan is a municipality located in the central region of the Mexican state of Oaxaca. It is located in the Zimatlán District in the Sierra Norte region. The municipality has an area of 128.76 square kilometres (49.65 sq mi) and an elevation of 740 metres (2,429 ft) above sea level.
Para llegar a la Cienaga de Zimatlan, el distrito más cercano es Oaxaca. Una forma para llegar a la Cienaga de Zimatlan desde Oaxaca es en autobús. Hay un servicio de autobús que opera diariamente desde el terminal de autobuses de Oaxaca hasta la Cienaga de Zimatlan. El viaje tarda aproximadamente 2 horas y media. También hay servicio de taxis si desea viajar más rápidamente.
1. Templo San Lorenzo: This colonial-style temple was built in the late 18th century, and still stands today as the largest eighteenth-century church in the district. The church is home to many historic religious artifacts, including a silver crucifix, a painting of the Virgen de Soledad, and a large bell from the colonial era.
2. El Maguey: This archaeological site is located within the Cienaga de Zimatlan district, and dates back thousands of years. It is home to hundreds of petroglyphs, which are believed to have been created by the pre-Hispanic cultures of the region. Archaeologists have also found evidence of the sacred danzantes (dancing gods) associated with many of the Aztec rituals.
3. La Humeda Ejido: This town was founded in the 18th century as a community of farmers, who grew primarily corn and beans in the region. The town was granted a title of nobility by the Viceroy in 1790 and is currently home to a large number of culturally-diverse people.
4. The Gudamayo River: This river runs for 75 kilometers through the district, and is an important source of water for the local population. The river is home to a number of species of fish, plants, and birds, as well as a variety of reptiles and amphibians.
5. The Cielics Wildlife Sanctuary: This protected area was established in 1939 and is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including endangered species such as the Mexican wolf, the jaguar, the margay, and the ocelot. The sanctuary provides a habitat for the many species of animals and plants that inhabit the area.
1. Cueva de Cacahuatenco: This stunning cave located near the town of Zimatlan is an amazing exploration site. Inside the cave, you’ll find spectacular stalactites and stalagmites, as well as unusual formations, including a waterfall and a natural archway.
2. La Piedra Del Penasco: This 130-foot-high monolith is the largest natural wonder in the district. It’s surrounded by a semi-circle of limestone cliffs that you can explore.
3. Cerro El Ocote: This natural reserve is a paradise for wildlife lovers, with more than 50 species of birds calling the mountain home. You can hike all the way up to the top, where you’ll get spectacular views of the surrounding area.
4. Valle Toledo: Valle Toledo gorges and canyons showcase the area’s gorgeous terrain. Explore the old-growth forests and take a dip in the beautiful freshwater pool.
5. Las Grutas de Tilapa: This beautiful cave is home to more than 700 archaeological artifacts that tell a unique story of the region’s cultural past. You’ll find paintings, carvings, pottery, and other artifacts inside.
There are many activities for tourists in the Cienaga de Zimatlan district of Oaxaca. Visitors can explore the beautiful, rugged terrain, waterfalls, and natural hot springs. There are also plenty of outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and camping. In addition, there are many cultural activities such as visiting museums, taking a trip to ancient ruins, and learning about traditional Oaxacan arts and crafts. In addition, visitors can enjoy birdwatching, kayaking, and even fishing. There are a variety of restaurants and bars to explore, as well as local markets. Finally, visitors can take day trips to the nearby coastal city of Puerto Escondido or the colonial city of Oaxaca.