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EXPLORING OAXACA

Santa María Yavesía Guide
by Ron Mader

OAXACA WIKISPACE
MEXICO FORUM

MEXICO -- The Zapotec community of Santa María Yavesía (elevation: 2,000 meters) lies at the end of the road in Oaxaca's Sierra Juárez.

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The name comes from the Zapotec word Yabethia meaning 'hill of the eagle.'

It is also known as Shoo Raa, a Zapotec word meaning 'river that is born in the mountain.'

HOTSPOT

This community is located in an area considered a global hotspot for biodiversity. Several environmental groups are working with community leaders to protect the natural resources.

Yavesía is also one of the Sierra Juárez' more beautiful pueblos. It is one of the cleanest communities in the whole country, for which it has received international honors.

Leaders have preserved much of its traditional architecture. You can tour the former hacienda mining property. Paths lead from town and wind through orchards and walnut groves. Nearby is the archaeological site of Giu Yubago AND the bottling plant for 'Shoo Ra' mineral water.

PIEDRA VENTANA

This one-day hike leads to Piedra Ventana (3,300 meters) with a view of more than 5,000 square kilometers of mountainous landscape. The path leads through the Abies hikelli forest, a species endemic to the region. The path leads across a gentle slope to Dos Piedras (Two Rocks) named Piedra Hembra and Piedra Larga (Female Rock and Large Rock).

GIU YUBAGO

Giu Yubagot is a sacred archaeological site. It takes a day to make the visit.

LAKE

This multi-day hike begins along the vestiges of the ancient Royal Road (Camino Real). For birders, this is a rewarding journey. It's a challenging hike through pine-oak forests (some of the oaks are more than 60 meters in height). Once at the lake, you can make an hour-long hike to the Xia Caba hill.


VISITING?

LOCATION -- Santa María Yavesía is located 80 kilometers northeast of Oaxaca City.

 

Travel!

TRANSPORTATION -- Direct transport from Oaxaca City is infrequent and complicated. The easiest means of access is by way of Ixtlán de Juárez. If you are driving, head north on Highway 175 until you get to Ixtlán, then turn toward Capulálpam de Méndez. You will pass the towns of Natividad and Santiago Xiacuí, before making a final turn and heading another eight kilometers to Yavesía.

SERVICES -- Guided half-day treks range in cost from 85 pesos for one person to 145 pesos for a group of five. Lunches can be arranged in advance.

LODGING -- Accommodations are available with families in town. There are also rustic camping facilities.

DINING -- Meals can be arranged with families.

INFORMATION -- You can obtain more information or make reservations at Viajes Ecoturísticos Shoo Ra, (951) 553-6042


TIP -- Please note that much of rural Mexico, including the Sierra Juárez, does not observe daylight savings time, so double check your watch.


AUTHOR

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


REFERENCES

g Democracy and the Trees - Ross Mitchell
b Yavesia Weather


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

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