Cerro Nube Flane, Mountain summit in Oaxaca, Mexico
Cerro Nube Flane rises to 12,418 feet (3,784 meters) above sea level, making it the highest peak in Oaxaca and the Sierra Madre del Sur range, as well as Mexico's tallest non-volcanic mountain.
For decades, Cerro Cempoaltépetl was believed to be Oaxaca's highest peak until recent technological measurements confirmed that Cerro Nube Flane surpasses that elevation by a considerable margin, redefining the region's topography.
The Zapotec name 'Quie Yelaag' references the constant cloud cover at the summit, while local pilgrims ascend during Christmas and New Year to make offerings at the enchanted lake to 'El Rayo,' the spiritual guardian of water and fertility.
Visitors should prepare for steep terrain and variable weather conditions, including high winds and sudden temperature drops, and require local guides familiar with the area for safe navigation through the complex environment.
At the summit lies a lake surrounded by small stone structures built by pilgrims who believe that the spirit 'El Rayo' resides in the waters and controls the rain, plants, and animals of the surrounding region.
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