Rosario Nuevo Oaxaca

Nestled within the community of Rosario Nuevo in Tezoatlán de Segura y Luna, Oaxaca, the Geological Museum—affectionately called the "Jurassic Jungle of the Mixteca"—has, over six years, become a cherished site attracting visitors from across Mexico and even from countries like Colombia and Brazil. The museum's creation traces back over two decades when Jorge Jiménez Rentería, a geologist from Mexico’s National Autonomous University, arrived from Acapulco to search for coal and barite, leading to the discovery of unique fossilized tree trunks embedded in local rocks, with the community’s help. Today, this museum, The area as a former sea that turned into a jungle millions of years ago, showcases remarkable fossils. These include dinosaur bones, Jurassic-era dinosaur skin, theropod footprints, and Cenozoic-era camel tracks, alongside impressions of ancient plants. Comprising both an indoor exhibit and an outdoor Jurassic Trail, the museum offers visitors an affordable experience, with guides sharing insights into its ancient relics, while the town’s 100 residents, in adherence to community customs, collectively maintain the museum. Though the initial arrival of geologists was met with caution, the museum has since thrived, and in May, it will celebrate its seventh anniversary. Through the museum’s success, the community has gained greater visibility, supporting local artisans who create traditional crafts and cultivate heirloom maize for visitors to enjoy year-round with meals of handmade tortillas, creating a memorable experience steeped in history and local culture.