It is part of the Nochixtlán District in the southeast of the Mixteca Region.

The name “apoala” is from Nahuatl meaning “water that destroys”.

Its foundation date is unknown but local legends say this was one of the first areas settled by the Mixtecs.

Each is more than 50 meters (160 ft) high and there are number natural springs in the area.

[3] As municipal seat, the village of Santiago Apoala has governing jurisdiction over the following communities: Arriba de la Peña, Jazmín Morelos, San Antonio Nduayaco, Tierra Colorada, Unión Buena Vista (Yodocanit o Yodocani), and Unión Palo Solo