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EXPLORING OAXACA

Santa Catarina Lachatao Guide
by Ron Mader

OAXACA WIKISPACE
MEXICO FORUM

MEXICO -- The town of Santa Catarina Lachatao (elevation 2,100 meters) has fine hiking and excellent food.

PHOTO GALLERY: Lachatao

Located in Oaxaca's Sierra Juárez, the town has access to a labyrinth of trails and is a member of the Pueblos Mancomunados.

HISTORY

History buffs should check out the ex-Hacienda Cinco Señores which processed gold mined in the area.

FIESTAS

The Fiesta Patronal in honor of Saint Catherine is held on November 25th. There is another town party on August 15th celebrating the Assumption of Mary.

WATER

The town bottles fresh water at the India Pura factory at the Las Vigas springs, a 90 minute walk from the center of town.

VISITING?

LOCATION -- Lachatao is located 64 kilometers northwest of Oaxaca City. For details, consult this map.

TRANSPORTATION -- From Oaxaca City there is a direct bus every day from Niño Perdido #306 (one block south of the Pemex gas station on Niños Heroes).

Drivers should head north on Highway #175 toward Tuxtepec. From the Juárez Monument in Oaxaca City, it's 50 kilometers before the turn off. A dirt road continues 14 kilometers to the town.

LODGING -- A community lodge is being renovated and should be finished by summer 2006.

NEARBY -- Guelatao is 20 kilometers away and is the birthplace of Mexican President Benito Juárez. Other nearby towns include San Miguel Amatlan, Ixtlán de Juárez, Yavesia and Latuvi.

TIP -- Prepare for the cold! As the elevation climbs in the Sierra, the temperatures plunge.

AUTHOR

Ron Mader is the Latin America correspondent for Transitions Abroad and host of the award-winning Planeta.com website.

REFERENCE

Santa Catarina Lachatao - SECTUR

OAXACA

PLANETA

SIERRA JUAREZ

Benito Juárez - Guelatao - Cuajimoloyas - Ixtlán de Juárez - Ixtepeji - Yavesia - Lachatao (Sierra Juárez)