Sierra Mazateca, Mountain range and biosphere reserve in Oaxaca, Mexico.
The Sierra Mazateca is a mountain range and biosphere reserve in northern Oaxaca, stretching across landscapes covered in dense forests at varying elevations. Different zones support distinct plant and animal communities, creating a mosaic of environments from cloud forest to tropical forest.
The region has long been home to the Mazatec people, but major change came in 1954 when the Miguel Alemán Dam was completed. This construction flooded parts of the eastern mountains and created a large reservoir that reshaped the geography.
The Mazatec communities have shaped these mountains for generations, and visitors can see how traditional ways of living blend with the landscape. Small villages and agricultural patches reveal how people here maintain deep connections to their territory.
The main access towns are Huautla de Jiménez, Eloxochitlán de Flores Magón, and Jalapa de Díaz, each offering starting points for exploring the mountains. Plan your visit during the dry season when trails are more passable and weather conditions are more stable.
This region functions as a crucial passage for migrating animals that move between different habitats with the seasons, from birds to larger species. Observing these movements during migration periods reveals the mountain's role as a vital connector in the broader ecosystem.
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