Cradle of the profound
Zapotec mystecism, the isthmus region has a unique identity that is
inmediately noticeable when admiring the colonial heritage of Santo
Domingo tehuantepec or the strong tímeles significance of Salina
Cruz, which has shades of a past still alive in Juchitán de
Zaragoza and Cd. Ixtepec.
Known for its hospitality and joy of the people, the isthmus is also
a colorful paradise full of roots of traditional and ancestral culture,
that boasts a wide offering of ecotourism.
The Isthmus of Tehuantepec is a narrow stretch of land separating
the Mexican gulf from the Pacific Ocean. It is approximately 60 miles
in width. Ever since the days of the Conquest it has attracted the
attention of businessmen, politicians and scientists fascinated by
the possibility of digging a canal connecting the two oceans.
According to the famous german geographer Alexander Von Humboldt the
Isthmus was a potential “world trade bridge”
The Isthmus, which takes up around 90 miles of the Oaxaca coastline
and 18% of the state´s territory, is the second most important
region of Oaxaca state.
It offers a wide range of cultural attractions, historical points
of interest, archeological sites, colonial architecture, and fascinating
craftsmanship.
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Needles to say, the Isthmus also boats a number of beautiful beaches.
The istmeños, as the inhabitants of its 35 townships are
generally referred to, are faithful to their traditions, in which
the indigenous heritage harmoniously combines with five centuries
of Spanish influence.
Traditional celebrations, either weddings, baptisms or the typical
velas, are always up-beat and alive with color.
The regional cuisine does wonders with corn, red meat and fish.
The majority of the inhabitants predominantly Zapotecs, Zoques,
Mixes and Mixtecs still speak their indigenous languages.
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