Ciudad Ixtepec

Located in the heart of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, Ciudad Ixtepec is a gem of the state of Oaxaca that blends history, tradition, and hospitality. Surrounded by mountains and crossed by fertile plains, this city stands out for its warm atmosphere, Zapotec music, and deep sense of community. Walking through its streets is to encounter the essence of the Isthmus: women in colorful traditional attire, markets brimming with local flavors, and a contagious joy expressed in every festivity and celebration.

Ciudad Ixtepec’s emblematic cuisine is distinguished by its delicious tamalitos de cambray, black mole tamales, iguana, chepil, and sweet varieties. Other local delicacies include chiles stuffed with baked meat, and traditional snacks such as tlayudas, beef stew, pork relleno, and a wide variety of beans, among many other exquisite dishes. The people of Ixtepec are also known for preserving ancestral customs: traditional candlelight celebrations, parades known as calendas, fruit tosses, and dances admired throughout the state. The city is recognized for its Zapotec heritage, distinctive dialect, and colonial past. It even has a small archaeological site in Zopiloapam, where visitors can admire cave paintings and ceramic figurines from the Zapotec culture.

In Ciudad Ixtepec, music and dance play a vital role in celebrations and festivals. The music of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, including that of Ciudad Ixtepec, is characterized by sones istmeños, performed at family events such as weddings and religious festivities. These sones have been passed down through generations, preserving ancient traditions. Moreover, Ciudad Ixtepec is the birthplace of many great musicians and composers, a reflection of the joyful spirit of its people.

Thanks to its strategic location, Ciudad Ixtepec serves as a hub connecting other destinations in the Isthmus. From here, it’s easy to travel to Juchitán de Zaragoza, Salina Cruz, Tehuantepec, or even to the Pacific coast. Visitors find in Ixtepec a place where hospitality is part of the culture. Its residents warmly welcome those who wish to learn more about the Isthmus and its customs, sharing stories, songs, and traditions passed down through generations.