San Juan Raya

San Juan Raya is a village within the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Biosphere Reserve at 1718 meters elevation. The landscape displays semi-arid conditions with diverse plant species and distinctive rock formations.

The area holds numerous fossil deposits millions of years old that document the evolution of marine life. These remains reveal that the region was once covered by ancient seas.

Local people here maintain deep knowledge about native plants and how to use them sustainably. They share this understanding through guided walks that show how the community lives with the surrounding nature.

Visitors can join guided walks on marked trails to observe fossils, native plants, and rock formations. Local experts explain the geological features and help identify the species that thrive in this dry region.

The village museum holds an extensive collection of marine fossils discovered by residents over many years. These finds offer a rare window into the prehistoric animals that once lived in this region.

Location: Zapotitlán Municipality

Elevation above the sea: 1,718 m

Part of: Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Biosphere Reserve

GPS coordinates: 18.31611,-97.61500

Latest update: December 8, 2025 21:06