We had time to visit only the nearest of the Cuicatec towns.

Cuicatlan itself is situated near one side of a valley, through which runs a considerable stream.

The distant bank rises in two magnificent mountain masses.

The nearer bank, at the very base of which the town nestles on a series of little hills, rises into almost sheer precipices of purple conglomerate.

These cliffs are hundreds of feet high, and are, apparently, due to a gigantic landslide.