Etla

Etla is a municipality and town in the west-central region of the state of Oaxaca, Mexico, situated within the Sierra Sur area. It lies on the slope of the Sierra Madre del Sur at an altitude of approximately 1,400 meters above sea level. The municipality covers an area of 102 square kilometers and is bordered by the districts of Juárez, Otepec de Benítez, and San Pedro Pochutla.

The population of Etla is predominantly of Mixtec heritage, with about 60% of residents reporting indigenous ancestry. According to the 2020 census, the town has a population of roughly 14,000 people, while the surrounding rural communities add another 6,000 residents. Spanish is the predominant language, though Mixtec is also spoken in many households.

Historically, Etla was part of the Mixtec kingdom of Cuauhtlan, and its name means “place of the eagles” in Mixtec. The town retained a semi-autonomous status through the colonial period and was incorporated into the Mexican republic in 1821. It is famous for its 16th century Baroque church of the Immaculate Conception, which exemplifies the Fusion of Indigenous and European architectural styles.

Economically, the local economy relies on agriculture, mainly corn, beans, and root crops, as well as livestock breeding. Handicrafts such as weaving and wood carving provide supplementary income. The municipality has developed eco‑tourism with hiking trails through the Sierra Sur and opportunities for bird watching.

Transportation to Etla is available via a narrow rural highway that connects to the major Federal Highway 200, and local bus services run to the city of Oaxaca each morning and evening. The area enjoys a temperate climate with mild winters and wet summers.