Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley: originary habitat of Mesoamerica
Location: Oaxaca and Puebla Mexico
Year of Inscription: 2018
Criteria: (iv)to be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human history;
(x)to contain the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity, including those containing threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science or conservation.
Overview: The Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley is a region located in the southeastern part of the Mexican state of Puebla and the northeastern part of the Mexican state of Oaxaca. It is a place of great importance to the Mesoamerican civilization as it is considered the originary habitat of Mesoamerica. This region is one of the world's most biodiverse areas, with a variety of landscapes, including canyons, valleys, forests, and mountains. It is also home to an ancient agricultural tradition that has been preserved for thousands of years.
Prominent Features: Some of the most notable features of the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley include:
History: The Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. It is believed that the region was first settled by humans around 8,000 BCE. The ancient inhabitants of the region developed an agricultural system that allowed them to cultivate crops in the desert-like environment. They also developed a complex society with a system of writing and a calendar. Over time, the region was inhabited by different civilizations, including the Zapotecs and the Mixtecs.
Family-Friendly Activities: The Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley offers a range of family-friendly activities, including:
Fun Fact: The Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley is home to the largest cactus in the world, the giant Cardón cactus, which can grow up to 20 meters (65 feet) tall.
Entry Fees: For Mexican nationals, the basic entrance fee to the reserve is 25 pesos (approximately $1.25 USD) per person.
For foreign visitors, the fee is 148 pesos (approximately $7.40 USD) per person.
The fee for a guided tour of the Cueva del Diablo (Devil's Cave) is 1,200 pesos (approximately $60 USD) for a group of up to 15 people.
How to reach it: The Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley is located in the southeastern part of the Mexican state of Puebla and the northeastern part of the Mexican state of Oaxaca.
There are several options for transportation to the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley from both Mexico City and Oaxaca:
From Mexico City:
Where to stay: There are several accommodation options in the area ranging from basic hostels to more luxurious hotels. Some popular choices include Hotel Casa Diamante, Hotel Hacienda Santa Maria Regla, and Hostal La Casona de Don Porfirio.
It is also possible to camp in the valley with prior permission from the authorities. Camping fees range from 20 to 100 pesos (approximately $1 to $5 USD) per person per night, depending on the campground and facilities provided.
Next Stop: Historic Monuments Zone of Tlacotalpan
Year of Inscription: 2018
Criteria: (iv)to be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human history;
(x)to contain the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity, including those containing threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science or conservation.
Overview: The Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley is a region located in the southeastern part of the Mexican state of Puebla and the northeastern part of the Mexican state of Oaxaca. It is a place of great importance to the Mesoamerican civilization as it is considered the originary habitat of Mesoamerica. This region is one of the world's most biodiverse areas, with a variety of landscapes, including canyons, valleys, forests, and mountains. It is also home to an ancient agricultural tradition that has been preserved for thousands of years.
Prominent Features: Some of the most notable features of the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley include:
- The biological diversity: The region has one of the world's most diverse plant and animal communities, including many species of cacti, birds, and mammals that are not found anywhere else in the world.
- Ancient agricultural practices: The valley is home to ancient agricultural practices that have been passed down from generation to generation for thousands of years. These practices have allowed the indigenous communities to cultivate crops in the desert-like environment.
- Archaeological sites: The valley is home to many ancient archaeological sites, including the city of Monte Albán, which was the ancient capital of the Zapotec civilization, and the site of Yagul, which is home to an ancient palace and temple.
- Traditional culture: The valley is also home to many indigenous communities that have preserved their traditional cultures and ways of life, including their language, music, and dance.
History: The Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. It is believed that the region was first settled by humans around 8,000 BCE. The ancient inhabitants of the region developed an agricultural system that allowed them to cultivate crops in the desert-like environment. They also developed a complex society with a system of writing and a calendar. Over time, the region was inhabited by different civilizations, including the Zapotecs and the Mixtecs.
Family-Friendly Activities: The Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley offers a range of family-friendly activities, including:
- Hiking: The valley has many hiking trails that offer stunning views of the landscapes and wildlife. The trails range in difficulty, so there is something for everyone.
- Visiting archaeological sites: The valley is home to many ancient archaeological sites that are open to the public, including the city of Monte Albán and the site of Yagul.
- Visiting local communities: The valley is home to many indigenous communities that have preserved their traditional cultures and ways of life. Visitors can learn about their customs and traditions and even participate in traditional activities such as making handicrafts and cooking traditional foods.
- Visiting museums: The region has several museums that showcase the history and culture of the area, including the Museum of Zapotec Culture in Oaxaca City.
Fun Fact: The Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley is home to the largest cactus in the world, the giant Cardón cactus, which can grow up to 20 meters (65 feet) tall.
Entry Fees: For Mexican nationals, the basic entrance fee to the reserve is 25 pesos (approximately $1.25 USD) per person.
For foreign visitors, the fee is 148 pesos (approximately $7.40 USD) per person.
The fee for a guided tour of the Cueva del Diablo (Devil's Cave) is 1,200 pesos (approximately $60 USD) for a group of up to 15 people.
How to reach it: The Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley is located in the southeastern part of the Mexican state of Puebla and the northeastern part of the Mexican state of Oaxaca.
There are several options for transportation to the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley from both Mexico City and Oaxaca:
From Mexico City:
- Bus: Several bus companies operate direct routes from Mexico City to Tehuacán. The journey takes around 5-6 hours and costs approximately 300-400 MXN (15-20 USD). The buses depart from TAPO bus station in Mexico City.
- Car rental: It is also possible to rent a car in Mexico City and drive to the valley, which takes around 4-5 hours.
- Bus: Buses depart regularly from Oaxaca to Tehuacán, with a journey time of around 3-4 hours. The cost is approximately 150-250 MXN (7-12 USD). The buses depart from the second-class bus station in Oaxaca.
- Car rental: It is also possible to rent a car in Oaxaca and drive to the valley, which takes around 2-3 hours.
Where to stay: There are several accommodation options in the area ranging from basic hostels to more luxurious hotels. Some popular choices include Hotel Casa Diamante, Hotel Hacienda Santa Maria Regla, and Hostal La Casona de Don Porfirio.
It is also possible to camp in the valley with prior permission from the authorities. Camping fees range from 20 to 100 pesos (approximately $1 to $5 USD) per person per night, depending on the campground and facilities provided.
Next Stop: Historic Monuments Zone of Tlacotalpan