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Mexico : Oaxaca

8.9 km (5.5 miles) E of San Pedro y San Pablo Ayutla, Oaxaca, Mexico
Approx. altitude: 1777 m (5829 ft)
([?] maps: Google MapQuest OpenStreetMap ConfluenceNavigator)
Antipode: 17°S 84°E

Accuracy: 3 m (9 ft)
Quality: good

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  17°N 96°W (incomplete) 

#1: Oaxaca concert brochure

(visited by Rainer Mautz and Elionora)

30-Dec-2009 -- This is the second out of a series of five confluence visits that we attempted during a three-week vacation in Mexico and Guatemala. Unfortunately, our trip has been overshadowed by some events that occurred on our way to 15°N 92°W. These events will have an impact on our future confluence hunting.

After we had visited 19°N 98°W, we stayed two days in Oaxaca. On confluence day, we started at 8 a.m. from this historic town which is 60 km beeline from the confluence point. The first half we covered quickly in half an hour on highway 190. The second part, starting from Mitla, took more time on a mountain road with potholes. For the very last 10 km, it took us 2 hours, because we discovered some dead ends and the road was a muddy single-lane track in high mountain terrain.

We parked the car 4 km from the confluence and started hiking. We knew that we could almost drive to the point, but we felt like hiking a bit to have a closer look into the landscape, people, and vegetation in this area. At a distance of 1 km, we reached the village Santa María Tepantlali Mixe, which is a indigena mountain village in a hillside location that doesn't see many foreigners. We reached the confluence point 700 m after leaving the village to the East. A track (suitable for cars) took us 70 m to the point and a steep path upwards helped us to get as close as 17 m. Only these 17 m were true jungle walk. We managed to get a zero-reading even though the confluence is situated on a steep slope and under dense vegetation.

On our way back, we heard – to our surprise – an orchestra playing the Radetzky March (composed by Johann Strauss in honour of the Austrian Marshal Joseph Radetzky). And indeed, when we reached the central square, the “Banda de Música de Santa María Tepantlali Mixe” was holding a concert. We were invited to listen. We enjoyed the whole concert including free tea, sandwiches, and a warm welcome!

We stayed the night in the next village San Juan Juquila Mixes (1.5 hours drive but only 4 kilometres beeline away). It took us 10 hours driving on the following day under extremely difficult conditions in order to get out from the mountain area. We just made it in time to the city of Juchitán to celebrate the New Decade.

Why are there no pictures uploaded? Find the answer on the following report.

CP Visit Details:

  • Distance to an asphalt road: 7 km
  • Distance to a track: 72 m
  • Distance to a path: 17 m
  • Distance of car parking: 4 km
  • Distance to houses: 150 m
  • Time at the CP: 1:30 pm
  • Hiking time (distance): 1:20 hours (5 km)
  • Measured height: 1770 m
  • Minimal distance according to GPS: 0 m
  • Position accuracy at the CP: 3 m
  • Topography: at a steep slop slope.
  • Weather: clear above 2000 m, below overcast, 15° C (felt temperature)
  • Description of the CP: In state of Oaxaca in the Sierra Madre del Sur. In a remote area with dense forested vegetation.
  • Given Name: The Música Mixe Confluence

Story continues at 15°N 92°W.


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