Hueyapan de Ocampo

Hueyapan de Ocampo is a municipality in the Mexican state of Veracruz. It is located in south of the state, about 245 km from state capital Xalapa. The municipality has an area of 824.18 km$2$.

The municipality of Hueyapan de Ocampo is delimited to the north by San Andrés Tuxtla and Catemaco, to the south by Santiago Tuxtla, Acayucan and Juan Rodríguez Clara, to the east by Soteapan and to the west by Isla.

Currently, Hueyapan de Ocampo is known for its rich indigenous culture, traditions, gastronomy, and natural beauty. The Totonac community remains an important part of the local identity, and the municipality attracts visitors interested in learning about its history and cultural heritage.

Juan Díaz Covarrubias, on the other hand, serves as the economic hub with its commerce, services, and main communication routes within the municipality of Hueyapan de Ocampo.

The municipality's primary economic activities include agriculture, livestock farming, and industry. It comprises 80 localities with a total population of 41,670 people.

History
The name "Hueyapan de Ocampo" originates from the Nahuatl language. "Hueyapan" is derived from "Huey" (big or great), "Atl" (water), and "Pan" (place), meaning "place of great water" or "great river." The "de Ocampo" part of the name comes from Melchor Ocampo, likely in honor of the Mexican statesman and reformer. Therefore, "Hueyapan de Ocampo" can be translated as "Place of the Great River of Ocampo."

In 1831, Hueyapan de Ocampo was a settlement within the jurisdiction of Acayucan. The territory that now comprises the municipality was originally made up of various cattle ranches. By decree on June 26, 1923, the municipality of Hueyapan de Ocampo was established, incorporating congregations from Acayucan, with the congregation of El Coyol designated as the municipal seat. The municipality was named in honor of Lic. Melchor Ocampo, who collaborated with President Benito Juárez in drafting the Reform Laws.

Until the early 1990s, the locality of Cuatotolapan had a railway branch that connected from the main town of San Andrés Tuxtla to Juan Rodríguez Clara. From there, travelers could continue either north or south throughout the country. This branch operated throughout the first half of the 20th century as a means of transportation for people. Today, only the old railway station remains, as the tracks have been removed.

In the mid-20th century, the Gulf Coast Highway (Highway 180) was constructed, which connects the main town and the municipality to the central and southern parts of the country. There is also a state highway that links the main town and some localities to the Tinaja-Coatzacoalcos highway.

Principal ecosystems
In Hueyapan de Ocampo, being a municipality in the state of Veracruz with rich biodiversity, it is possible to find a variety of common animals, both terrestrial and aquatic. Some of the animals that could be common in that region include:

Green iguanas: Reptiles that usually inhabit wooded areas and near bodies of water.

Howler monkeys, also known as howler monkeys.

Toucans and parrots: Colorful birds characteristic of tropical jungles and forests.

Freshwater fish: In rivers and nearby bodies of water, you can find diverse species such as tilapia, mojarras, and catfish.