Tecolotlán

The municipal area is made up of relatively flat areas but has some hilly areas to the north and southeast, ranging from 1,200 to 2,400 meters. The hills include El Huehuentón (at 2000 metres), El Pichacho (at 1,700 metres), and others such as Cerro del Colotepec, Salto Colorado, El Tecolote, El Carrizal, La Coronilla, La Ventana. Cuchillos, Prieto, and Picachitos. The municipality is covered with 30,900 hectares of pine and oak forests with some fruit trees. In the Sierra de Quila near the towns of Tenamaxtlan, Ameca, Atengo and San Martin Hidalgo, there is a tree named the Arbol de la Lira (Lyre Tree) with is approximately 600 years old. It is protected by the state environmental agency. The forest that surrounds the tree covers about 15,000 hectares and is guarded 24 hours a day. This forest is also home to the Cienega spring, which is surrounded by exuberant vegetation and has a monitoring station nearby. Animals that inhabit this region are deer, badger, raccoon, wolf, fox, coyote, rabbit and some small reptiles and a variety of birds. The main river is the Ferrería River, which has a number of tributary streams such as El Jabalí, Gallinero, Tamazula, Tecolotlán, Las Canoas, Colorado, Cofradía, Sauz and the Amarillo. The San Pedro Dam is located to the south of the municipality. Other water features include Presa El Pochote, Cascada Tecolotán, Salto de Santa Rosa, Salto de La Campana, Salto del Venado, Salto Seco and Salto de La Disciplina. Protected areas include La Ciénega, Las Juntas, Las Piedras de Quila and Sierra de Quila. There is also a notable palaeontological site at Gliptodonte; many unearthed artifacts are located within the "Museo Comunitario" in the main town.

The main religion is Roman Catholicism, and notable churches within the municipality include the Parroquia del Sagrado Corazón, Santuario de la Purísima, Capilla de San José, Ermita de San Genaro, Capilla de la Cruz Verde, Capilla del Señor del Socorro, Capilla de San José María Robles, Parroquia de la Virgencita.

The climate is moderately warm and semi-dry, and dry in the autumn and winter with an average annual temperature is 23 °C., with a maximum of 31°C. and minimum of 15 °C. The rainfall falls heaviest in June and July, and a total of 773.1mm is received annually on average. Prevailing winds approach from the south.

The economy is largely agriculturally based with some trade and services. Livestock reared include bovine, goat, equine, pig and bees and crops grown include corn, chickpeas, alfalfa, peach, avocado, mango and pitayas. There is also some manufacturing and mining activity, with lime and cement factories and mining of marble, limestone, barite, quartz and lime. There is also some fishing of carp and bass and logging of pine and oak. As of 2005 there was some 30,900 hectares of forest.The municipality produces basketry and pottery and clay pots, and wooden furniture. It produces mainly dairy products such as cheese and cream.

The main road in the municipality for transportation is via the Guadalajara-Barra de Navidad, 107 kilometers from the state capital. Urban and rural transportation takes place in rental and private vehicles. Most of the municipality’s attractions are natural with a variety of scenic landscapes, especially the Sierra de Quila. While not well developed, the area is suitable for ecotourism activities such as mountain biking, horseback riding, camping and other activities. There are two principle dams, the Presa del Ahogado and the Presa del Pochote. Both have facilities for camping and picnicking as well as water sports such as boating and fishing. The Presa del Pochote is popular with residents of the city of Guadalajara.

Notable people

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References

Category:Municipalities of Jalisco Category:Populated places in Jalisco