Discover San Felipe Usila

San Felipe Usila is known as the “Antigua Capital de la Chinantla,” or ancient capital of the Chinantla. Its Chinantec textile tradition, Caldo de Piedra and natural attractions offer different perspectives on a trip: history and crafts, communal food culture, and a natural attraction and activities by the river.

Culture and Textile Tradition

The traditional clothing of the Chinantec community of San Felipe Usila is made on a backstrap loom. If you are interested in crafts, it is not only the finished garment that matters: the weaving technique itself is part of the local textile tradition and makes the process of creating the garment a cultural aspect in its own right.

The finely made, labor-intensive huipiles from Usila are sold at local and state markets. This example connects the cultural side of the craft with a concrete link to market activity.

Festive clothing is also made in San Felipe Usila, and is worn especially at traditional festivals and celebrations. These two references to clothing highlight different aspects: huipiles are also sold at markets, while festive clothing is defined by the occasions on which it is worn.

Caldo de Piedra

Caldo de Piedra has a long tradition in Usila and is still celebrated within families or together with the community along riverbanks. The dish is therefore also part of an ongoing social practice: the family setting and the communal celebration are just as much a part of the subject as the dish itself. For your travel plans, this cultural experience differs from textile crafts because of the importance of the communal tradition by the river.

Nature and Activities in the Municipality

Among San Felipe Usila’s natural attractions is Manantial Arroyo Mondongo. A river flows through the municipality of San Felipe Usila, near San Antonio del Barrio, where you can swim and fish; you can also observe the flora and fauna of the mid-elevation rainforest ecosystem there. These natural features offer distinct experiences: Manantial is a natural attraction, while the river offers opportunities for activities and nature observation.

Accommodation in the Municipality

There are two guesthouses in San Felipe Usila. You can inquire at the Palacio Municipal about other services offered there. Check the availability of the guesthouses as part of your local planning.

The municipality of San Felipe Usila also includes Santa Cruz Tepetotutla. There, the Centro Ecoturístico Comunitario offers accommodation, meals and guided walks. For your planning, it is worth distinguishing between the location and the type of services offered: the two guesthouses are in San Felipe Usila, while accommodation, meals and walks are offered at the center in Santa Cruz Tepetotutla.

Discover more destinations: San Pablo Villa De Mitla, Puerto Ángel, San Juan Bautista Valle Nacional, Guadaloupe, San Felipe Del Agua, Santa María Tonameca, San Felipe Jalapa De Díaz, La Luz

For the full travel overview: Oaxaca.