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 San Miguel Amatlan, Oaxaca |
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Nestled high in the mountains of the Sierra Juarez, about two hours from the city of Oaxaca, is the village of San Miguel Amatlan; tranquil and remote, a place of hospitable, gracious people, and gorgeous landscapes. At some 8000 feet, with glorious views of river valleys, distant villages, and yet higher mountains covered by vast pine and oak forests, these lands are part of Mexico’s historical, cultural, and spiritual heartland, forming one of North America’s most diverse and healthiest ecosystems.
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The indigenous people who live here are Zapoteco, which means “the people who come from the clouds.” They are the direct descendants of those who developed complex and vital societies thousands of years ago, and who built the pyramids of Monte Alban and the temples of Mitla. |
Although modernity is creeping in, cultural traditions here are strong; Zapoteco is still spoken by the elders of the village, the people plant native corn, beans, and squash using oxen and wooden plows as they have done for centuries, corn tortillas are cooked over wood fires, and burros are used to bring fuel wood in from the forest, and the harvest from the fields. Much of the work is done communally, the bells of the church are rung by hand, and life is celebrated by frequent festivals.
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San Miguel has some 200 human residents, and many more sheep, goats, burros, chickens, and cows. Everyone knows everyone else, the children run about in complete safety, and the inhabitants are pleased to share their town and forest with the few tourists who find their way here.
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The people of San Miguel Amatlan have graciously welcomed Joseph, Elisa, and their two children into the communal life of the town, and have given them their support and blessings for the retreats. In return, the retreats will benefit the community in very concrete ways. From the tuition received from the retreats, a percentage will go directly to the primary school, which receives little support from the government. This money will be used to buy basic supplies, repair and maintain the school building, and generally improve learning conditions for the children. Also, retreat participants lodge in the town’s ecotourism cabins, which provide an economic benefit to the community.
San Miguel Amatlan is easy and inexpensive to reach from the city of Oaxaca, either by bus or group taxi. Please contact us for details.
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