Huitzo is a small district in the municipality of Oaxaca, located in the Central Valleys region of the state. It is bordered by Santiago Niltepec to the north, San Juan Lachao to the east, San Juan Mixtepec to the south, San Andres Comitla to the southwest, and Simojovel de Allende to the northwest. The district is mainly rural, and its population is primarily of Mixtec indigenous descent. The main economic activities in the area are farming and animal husbandry, as well as subsistence fishing and hunting. The local people practice traditional Mixtec customs and beliefs, and the Mixtec language is still spoken by many rural communities. There are several archeological sites in the area, highlighting the long and rich history of the region. Huitzo offers many places of interest, including the nearby San Juan Lachao archaeological site, where thousands of artifacts have been found, and San Andres Comitla, which is the site of an abandoned eighteenth-century silver mine. The local market in Huitzo is a great place to buy local handicrafts and foods. The district is also home to several traditional annual festivals, including the Day of El Señor de Mayo and the Feast of the Virgin of Carmen, as well as several small artisan and traditional celebrations throughout the year.
the Zapotec people can be found is located in the southern Sierra Madre mountain range, in the Sierra Norte de Oaxaca region of Mexico. It is roughly 40 kilometers (25 miles) south of the city of Oaxaca and 130 kilometers (81 miles) east of the Pacific coast. This mountainous region is home to a variety of flora and fauna, as well as numerous pre-Hispanic archaeological sites, several of which are associated with the Zapotec culture. The area is known for its extensive terraced farming practices that date back thousands of years and for its traditional high-fired pottery. In this area, the Zapotec language is still widely spoken.
The easiest way to reach Huitzo district in Oaxaca is to take a bus. You can find buses going to Huitzo from Oaxaca City as well as other cities in the state. You can also take shared taxis and private taxis to Huitzo. There are also buses available from other parts of Mexico to Huitzo, but they may require multiple transfers.
1. Santa María Huitzo Church: Built in the 16th century, this church offers a stunning example of Baroque architecture in Oaxaca. Its interior is decorated with several altars and colorful murals.
2. El Tepehuaje: This hilltop is one of the most important archaeological sites in the region. It is home to several pre-Hispanic structures, including stone tombs and a mortuary temple from the Mixtec culture.
3. Abasolo House: Built in the 18th century, this house is now a historic monument. It houses a museum featuring artifacts from local pre-Hispanic cultures, as well as artwork from Oaxacan artist Carlos Orozco Romero.
4. San Jerónimo Tlacochahuaya: This ancient settlement is home to several religious monuments, including an old church built on an Aztec pyramid. Other features include the ruins of an old convent and a number of monuments to the 1810 War of Independence.
5. Monte Albán: This spectacular archaeological site is one of the most important pre-Hispanic cities in Oaxaca. It was the first major urban center of the Zapotec civilization and is known for its intricate stone carvings and pyramids.
1. Mezcal Factory: Hacienda Santa Cruz: This mezcal factory is renowned for producing a top quality Mezcal known as El Espíritu de Santo Cruz Huitzo. Visitors can take a tour of the factory and learn more about the production process of Mezcal, as well as sample some of the products.
2. Mosque of San Juan Ramos: This impressive religious building in Huitzo features a dome, two towers and a central courtyard. Tourists can explore the interior, admire the intricate details of the architecture and learn more about the history of the mosque.
3. Cacique Festival: Every year, Huitzo celebrates its Cacique Festival with a day of traditional Indian dances, music and colorful costumes. Local families come together to celebrate their rich heritage with a beautiful display of culture and community.
4. El Espinal: El Espinal is a stunning green zone located near Huitzo where visitors can go for a nature hike, view the spectacular landscapes and take in the fresh air. There are also several local restaurants offering traditional dishes for those looking for a bite to eat.
5. El Tiempo de las Plantas: An interactive museum showcasing exhibits related to natural resources and the environment, El Tiempo de las Plantas offers educational programs and insightful interactive activities to visitors.
1. Walking Tour of the Colonial Town: Take a guided tour on foot through Huitzo’s colonial town and its historical center, where you will learn about the town´s pre-Hispanic and colonial architecture and the events that have taken the town through time.
2. Cooking class: Experience the Oaxacan cuisine, learn local recipes and traditional cooking techniques. Learn to make dishes such as mole oaxaqueño, tlayuda and tamal oaxaqueño and more.
3. Traditional Music Concert: Celebrate the culture of Huitzo with a local traditional music concert in the town´s main plaza. Enjoy the rhythms of marimba and the popular jarana, a typical music style from this region.
4. Visit the Santa Cruz Church: Learn about the faith of the locals and visit Huitzo’s beautiful Santa Cruz Church. The church was built in the 19th century and its architecture is a perfect example of the colonial era´s churches.
5. Explore the surrounding nature: Take some time to explore the breathtaking nature of Huitzo and try out different activities such as rafting, rappelling, hiking and even horseback riding.
6. Art Workshop: Sign up for an art workshop and learn the basics of Mixtec art, where you will have the opportunity to paint your own art piece using the typical colors and shapes of Huitzo.