This community of Zapotec roots is located in the North of Oaxaca, at 2,030 meters above sea level. In its 19,310 hectares of land, there is an enormous variety of flora, numerous species of fauna and seven different types of vegetation, with endemic species of orchids, arborescent ferns and camedor palm, that inhabit the humid forests. Due to its biodiversity, this region is considered one of the 17 most interesting areas of the world, where four varieties of climate coexist: cold, temperate cold, semi tropical and tropical cold.

The ecotourism project is located 6 kilometers from the town of Ixtlán, where it offers its visitors various packages of tours, which can be done on foot, mountain bike, horseback or motor vehicle. Of particular note is the visit to the Temple of St. Thomas the Apostle. Other points of interest are the viewpoint of Cerro de Cuachirindoo, as well as the caves "El Arco", "La Cascada" and "Cerro de los Pozuelos". The lodging area has children's play area, zip line, balancing air cable, observation towers, climbing wall, suspension bridge and wooden lookout.

Ecoturixtlán offers adventure experiences in this forest of fog, inhabited by oaks and oaks up to 70 meters high, of prehistoric origin and currently in danger of extinction.

The paths of this mist forest are lined with ferns, orchids, moss, orchids, and even giant fungi. In wet season, almost all the time there is mist that recreates the ideal scenario to feel in a fairy tale.

On horseback, mountain bike or on foot you can tour part of them 19 thousand 310 hectares of this sanctuary. Visitors are encouraged to rappel down the 70 meters high walls of the Arco grotto, to slide down the cable of a zip line of 200 meters and another 110.

The ecotourism center has a zone of challenges: aerial games three meters from the ground, with lianas to pass from one tree to another in the Tarzan style; Swings and logs to walk on them and a suspension bridge where you can do the evil to the other to prank your step.

The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) considers this region of the northern highlands of Oaxaca, one of the 17 most important biodiversity in the world. The mission of the organization is to stop environmental degradation and that humanity is aware of the importance of protecting nature.

Here 350 species of butterflies, 6 thousand types of plants and a variety of 300 thousand animals, besides 400 species of birds are sheltered.

The guides help identify endemic orchids in the region, ferns and palmer palm. On the way you will probably find a tapir, a white-tailed deer in the distance and birds that only inhabit the skies of this part of the mountain range, like the dwarf magpie. It is also territory of jaguars, but these are difficult to see.

Visitors can experience four varieties of climate: cold, temperate cold, semi-tropical and tropical cold. The best season is the winter, to enjoy the cold and avoid the rains.

THE VILLAGE

The main attraction of Ixtlán de Juárez is the temple of Santo Tomás Apóstol, built in the seventeenth century by the Dominican friars.

The celebration dedicated to the saint who gives name to this monument is celebrated on December 21. But since 19 the party begins with a parade of floats, accompanied by band music and people from the four districts of the municipality: San Francisco, San Pedro, La Asunción and La Soledad. Then the best car is awarded. The celebration continues until the 21st with a popular verbena.

CLEANS AND FLAVORS After the activities of the day, there are moments for relaxation inside a temazcal. There are two types: the spiritual and the traditional.

The first is designed for more than five people. The guide seeks to have a coexistence with the participants during a vegetarian breakfast. Then everyone enters the space where the ritual will take place. Each that increases the steam is said: "open the doors" to introduce the hot stones, while listening to songs accompanied by drums.

In the traditional ritual, first one cleans with herbs, a sweep with egg and it is continued with a massage; Then it is introduced to the temazcal to recharge the whole organism, and on leaving it is drunk an herbal tea, which ends up purifying the organism.

In the Los Duendes restaurant, the specialty is the Oaxacan dishes. At breakfast they serve coffee, water chocolate or a champurrado. For the food you can order a quesillo. Do not miss the memelitas, prepared with lard, beans and cheese and the yellow mole, with beef or chicken. During dinner there are tlayudas or toast.

The ecotourism center has 13 rustic cabins, but cozy to spend an afternoon reading or coexisting with friends next to a fireplace. They are surrounded by caves, peñas, mountains, valleys, springs and waterfalls.

It is intended that the visitor receive education to raise awareness. Within the reserve there is an environmental training room.

TRAVEL GUIDE TO ARRIVE From the city of Oaxaca, in the first class terminal (ADO) take a bus to Ixtlán. Cost: from 50 to 60 pesos, depending on the line you choose.

In collective taxis of the site "La-Yetzi", which is taken near the Benito Juárez Monument, at the intersection of federal highway 190 and 175. Cost: 45 pesos per person.

By car. At the Juárez Monument turn left to continue along the 175th road, towards Tuxtepec. Estimated time: one hour.

WHERE TO SLEEP IN THE TOWN?

Posada La Soledad. Telephone: 01 (951) 5536 171.

Hostal Laa Yetzi. Tel. 01 (951) 5536 392. hostallaayetzi@hotmail.com

WHERE TO EAT IN THE TOWN?

Sazón de Mama.

ECOTURIXTLÁN

Puma package: aerial games, climbing wall, zip line and bicycle. Price: 100 pesos. Jaguar Package: Aerial games, climbing wall, zip line, bicycle and abseiling. Price: 150 pesos. Cabins: 550 pesos per night for two people, and one thousand 30 pesos for six people. Food: Breakfast, 50 pesos; Food, 70 pesos, and dinner, 50 pesos. Temazcal: Spiritual, 250 pesos, and traditional, 450 pesos. Phone: 01 (951) 5536 075