Zapotitlán Salinas

Zapotitlán Salinas is a town in the Zapotitlán Municipality of Puebla, situated in a dry valley within the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Biosphere Reserve. It is surrounded by diverse cactus species and centers around natural salt deposits that form the basis of the local economy.

The town was founded between 1000 and 1560 CE by Mixtec and Popoloca communities who settled here to exploit natural salt deposits. Salt production has since become a cornerstone of local life and remains an important economic activity today.

The name combines two Nahuatl words: Zapotitlán means "place of sapotes" and Salinas refers to salt, reflecting what has defined life here for centuries. You can observe how this heritage shapes daily routines, with salt ponds integrated into the landscape as a normal part of the community.

The best way to explore the town is on foot; small paths connect the main areas and it is easy to navigate. Keep in mind it is very dry here, so bring water and sun protection, and visit during the cooler months if possible.

The salt extracted here, known as sal de arroba, contains specific minerals like sodium sulfate and potassium that make it valuable for livestock feeding. This particular composition results from the valley's geological conditions and sets local salt production apart from other regions.