It is part of the Ixtlán District in the Sierra Norte de Oaxaca region.

Guelatao is the birthplace of President Benito Juárez, whose parents were Zapotec peasants.

When he was born, Guelatao had a population of fewer than 100 people, and fell under the jurisdiction of the larger neighbouring town of Ixtlán.

XEGLO, a government-run indigenous community radio station that broadcasts in Zapotec, Mixe and Chinantec, is based in Guelatao.

The Municipality of Guelatao de Juárez (named for the president) has governing jurisdiction over the communities of Llano de la Cheta and Río Grande.