[1] Nopala was founded around 800 BC, and reached its heyday between 500 and 700 AD during what is called the "Cerro Iglesia" (Church Hill) period.

The new site, called "Arroyo de Piedra" (Stone Creek) was discovered by a group of archaeologists from the National Institute of Anthropology and History in 1985, and although unexplored appears to be of great importance.

The economy was based on cultivation of corn, beans, peppers and squash, as the inhabited area is very wet and could provide up to two crops a year.

Priests directed and performed religious rites, defined the times of planting and harvesting, and wore unique styles of clothing and ornaments such as earplugs, necklaces and headdresses.

[1] After the arrival of the Spanish, who defeated the army of Nopala in a bloody battle, the people of the region were severely oppressed and exploited.

At present, discharge from the town pollutes the “El Maíz” river and the downstream Laguna de Manialtepec, causing gastrointestinal diseases and other problems.

[1] A new hospital was inaugurated in Puerto Escondido in December 2009 after delays caused by disputes over jurisdiction, which turned violent at times.

Tombs in the cemetery are decorated with ornaments, fruits and yellow and magenta flowers from the countryside, and the families of the dead visit to share bread and salt with their deceased relatives.