Hiking Venues for “Hoofing It In Oaxaca”
Below is an alphabetical list of the current hikes offered in our program. You will note that not all the hikes are on the calendar for any given season. We rotate hikes for variety, and also have inactive hikes (see Inactive Hikes page) that are not currently part of our roster. We also have an Overnight Hikes page, which outlines some of our overnight trips. Go to the “Schedule” page to view the hikes offered in the current season listed in chronological order.
When reviewing the hike options, be sure to click on the “More Information” link on any of the entries below to find additional material, including a map and photos of that particular venue. It is the responsibility of hike participants to be well acquainted with the characteristics of the various hikes and the physical demands of those outings.
Reservations are required for all hikes and weekend trips, as we must make appropriate arrangements for transportation. Reservations may be made online at the Oaxaca Lending Library’s “Online Store”, which can be accessed at https://www.oaxlibrary.org/hikes. Follow the directions posted there. Reservations may also be made in person at the circulation desk at the Library. Note, though, that typically reservations are not accepted more than 30 days before the hike date. All reservations must be paid for at the time they are registered.
Many hiking trails are in territory administered by various local villages which require a fee for permission to hike through their land. This fee varies from place to place and year to year, our general recommendation is to bring an additional $500 pesos with you.
Hike Sign-Up
The main Hoofing It In Oaxaca program runs November thru March, and occassional hikes may be planned between June and October. Day hikes are scheduled each week following a flexible schedule. There may be just one hike per week at the beginning and end of the season, with up to five hikes per week in January and February. To see the list of upcoming hikes, click HERE.
The Lending Library does not offer refunds for hikes or tours. If your plans change so that you are unable to take part in an event you registered for, you may give or sell your reservation to someone else. You might accomplish this by word of mouth or by means of a post on the Friends of the Oaxaca Lending Library Facebook page, which you can access HERE. Your substitute can simply give your name when they check in the morning of the tour or hike. Thank you for your understanding.
Rendezvous point: hike participants should meet on Libres street on the back (east) side of the Grand Fiesta Americana Hotel, approximately two blocks north of the Lending Library. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to departure time to check in and pay any additional fees.
Apoala Waterfall & Canyon
Apoala is a very small (pop. 200) Mixtec village located in a deep, secluded valley 68 miles northwest of Oaxaca city. Its dramatic setting and some of the physical characteristics of the area make it a fine destination for hiking. The Mexican government has designated Apoala as a natural biosphere, and has constructed an ecotourism center there. The principal things of interest to visitors are the extremely narrow, vertiginous canyon that guards the northern approach to the village; the natural spring at the base of a cliff that gushes clear, frigid water year around; the various caves that riddle the nearby hillsides; and the series of scenic cascades and waterfalls created by the water flowing out of the valley and over yet another cliff. Apoala is reached by driving an hour or so northeast of Nochixtlan. This hike is to the waterfall (where you may swim), lunch at the local comedor and then a short 40-60 minute walk up the canyon.
- Driving time: 2.5 hours
- Starting Elevation:
- Distance:
- Elevation Change:
- Hike Type: Out & Back
- Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult due to grade, rocky stream crossings in the canyon
- Exposure: Mix of sun and shade
- Lunch: Local comedor
(Click here for more information about this outing)
Benito Juarez to La Neveria Mountain
Difficult option: Tucked into a valley in the Sierra Madre and one of the communities in the Pueblos Mancomunados, La Neveria is our destination on this hike, which begins at Benito Juárez. The first part of the trek is along a dirt road, but then we plunge down a footpath that runs steadily downhill. At the end, though, the trail rises sharply from where we cross the Rio Guacamayas, providing a strenuous climb at the conclusion of the hike. This is a fine outing in the highland forests. It is rated “Difficult” because of the altitude, the steepness of the terrain and the condition of the trail. Participants in this hike should be in good physical condition. Sack lunch required. Motion sickness alert! The ride to Benito Juárez and back from La Neveria may induce dizzyness.
Time frame: 8:00 am to 3:30 pm / Distance: 8.2 Km (5.1 Mi) one way / Elevation change: 363 M (1193 Ft) gain & 565 M (1855 Ft) loss / Highest elevation: 2937 M (9638 Ft) / Steepest climb on trail: 36% / Trail: dirt road & forest path / Type: point to point / Exposure: mix of sun & shade / Rating: difficult – for terrain, elevation & distance
Moderate option: Some people might wish to enjoy the high country scenery but prefer a less arduous hike. It is possible to simply walk along the dirt road that links these villages. This is not quite as thrilling is trekking on a steep footpath, but the crisp air and mountain vistas are just as nice. As with the more challenging hike, there is an admission fee of 60 pesos and a local guide must be hired. Sack lunch required. Motion sickness alert! The ride to Benito Juárez and back from La Neveria may induce dizzyness.
Time frame: 8 am to 3:30 pm / Distance: 6.9 Km (4.3 Mi) one way / Elevation change: uphill 156 M (514 Ft) & downhill 257 M (845 Ft) / Highest elevation: 2937 M (9638 Ft) / Steepest downhill grade on trail: 29% / Type: point to point / Trail: dirt road / Exposure: mix of sun & shade / Rating: moderate – for distance and terrain
(Click here for more information about these hikes)
Buena Vista Countryside
The Buena Vista trail was a new addition to our hike venues in 2022-2023. The hike starts at the church in the tiny village of San Antonio Buena Vista, located in the Teitipac region of the Tlacolula Valley, and proceeds from there up to a pass in the ridge of hills separating it from the Zimatlan Valley. The hike is rated moderate because the trail goes over some rough stretches. Hikers will stop for lunch in Tule after the hike.
Time frame: 8:00 am to 3:30 pm / Distance: 7.7 Kms (4.8 miles) / Elevation change: 174 meters (572 feet) / Steepest grade: 12 percent / Type: out & back / Trail: rough jeep road / Exposure: full sun / Rating: moderate / Drive time: one hour each way / Lunch at a restaurant in Santa Maria el Tule on the way home
(Click here for more information about this hike.)
Camino de Juarez – General Mountain
The Camino de Juarez is an epic new trail near Oaxaca. Under construction for over two years, the Camino de Juarez opened in March 2024. The trail runs from San Pablo Guelatao – the birthplace of renowned Oaxaca native, Benito Juarez – to the outskirts of the capital city. The trail commemorates the twelve-year-old orphan’s solo walk from his hometown to Oaxaca in 1818, leaving behind his years as an unschooled shepherd boy to embark on a lifetime of stellar achievements as a student, lawyer, state governor, supreme court justice and president and savior of Mexico during the war of the French Intervention. A contemporary of Abraham Lincoln in the U.S., Juarez can fairly be called the father of the modern state of Mexico.
The Camino de Juarez winds for 29 miles (46.5 kms) through the mountainous terrain of the Sierra Norte, starting at an elevation of 5790 feet (1765 meters) in Guelatao and concluding at 5020 feet (1530 meters) in Tlalixtac. As of October 2024 the trail is complete except for the last segment on the outskirts of Oaxaca.
The highest point on the trail is 9246 feet (2818 meters). There is an elevation gain of 7631 feet (2326 meters) running from Guelatao to Oaxaca, with an elevation loss of 8333 feet (2540 meters) along the way. The paved trail has some steep segments containing steps. There are pedestrian overpasses in the several places where the trail crosses highway 175. The Camino de Juarez is amenable to hikers, backpackers, joggers and bicyclists.
Hoofing It In Oaxaca hikes will explore various segments of the trail.
Chicahua to Apoala Mountain
The small village of San Miguel Chicahua is a neighbor to the more famous Santiago Apoala, a national protected area known for its canyon, natural spring and waterfalls. This one-way hike begins in Chicahua and follows a path that wends its way down the mountain and through the canyon, concluding in Apoala, about six kilometers (3.7 miles) distant. A map, elevation chart and photos of the route have yet to be made.
Time frame: 8:00 am to 3:30 pm / Distance: approx. 6 kms (3.7 miles) / Type: point to point / Trail: rough footpath running downhill through a vertiginous canyon; requires some rock-hopping skills going through the Apoala river / Exposure: mix of sun & shade / Rating: moderate to difficult
Cinco Señores Mine Ruins Countryside
Most archeological sites around Oaxaca are of indigenous origin. But there are Spanish ruins in the neighborhood, too. Montezuma II reportedly told Cortés that most of his gold came from Oaxaca, prompting the wily conquistador to claim the area as his own fiefdom and subsequent Spanish settlers to explore for the precious metal here. There once were significant mines in the mountains near Amatlan and Lachatao. Today what remains of the Cinco Señores and Socorro haciendas is a wonderland of aqueducts, stone bridges and the disintegrating remains of homes, mine facilities and a church. You will definitely want to bring your camera! Pack a flashlight, too, if you want to poke around in mine tunnels. Our hike will follow a footpath along a mountain stream to visit these intriguing sites. Sack lunch required. Motion sickness alert! T he ride to and from Lachatao may induce dizzyness.
Time frame: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm / Distance: 4.8 Km (3.0 Mi) / Elevation change: 125 meters (410 feet) / Highest point: 1550 M (6397 Ft) / Type: out & back / Trail: footpath through the woods / Exposure: mix of shade and sun / Rating: easy to moderate
(Click here for more information about this hike)
Cuajimoloyas – Cañon de Coyote Trail Mountain
The Cañon de Coyote is one of the most unusual and difficult trails in the Sierra Norte. While most of the trail is a delightful ramble through the high country, there are some very challenging sections that demand good agility and the ability to scramble up and down steep rock faces. Hiking poles are strongly recommended.
Time frame: 8:00 am to 3:00 pm / Distance: 5.6 kms (3.5 miles) / Elevation change: 227 meters (744 feet) / Highest point: 3159 M (10363 feet) / Type: loop trail / Trail: mix of farm roads and single-track / Exposure: mix of sun and forest shade / Rating: very difficult due to steep terrain and need to scramble up and down narrow passages
(Click here for more information about this hike)
Cuajimoloyas to Benito Juarez Mountain
Difficult option: Cuajimoloyas is a small village located in the Pueblos Mancomunados high in the Sierra Norte mountains about 30 miles southeast of Oaxaca. This hike, which ends at Benito Juárez, is one of the most strenuous in the program, and so requires that participants be in good physical shape. It is rated “Difficult” because of the elevation, topography and length. The route – mostly on narrow footpaths – runs through steep terrain at an elevation topping 10,000 feet (3048 meters). Temperatures in the highlands are usually about 20 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than in Oaxaca City, so a light jacket is recommended. Fog and rain are common here, even in the dry season, so taking rain gear is also suggested. (If it is a nice day, rain gear can be left in the vehicles.) There is a 60 peso admission fee and local guides must be hired. Sack lunch required. Motion sickness alert! The ride to Cuajimoloyas and back from Benito Juárez may induce dizzyness.
Time frame: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm / Distance: 7.9 Km (4.9 Mi) / Elevation change: downhill 557 M (1827 Ft) & uphill 370 M (1214 Ft) / Highest elevation: 3102 M (10,177 Ft) / Type: point to point / Trail: forest footpaths / Exposure: mix of sun & shade / Rating: difficult to very difficult
Moderate option: Some folks may prefer a less arduous adventure, and so may walk along the road that connects these two villages. The road travels along a ridge, with less elevation change than the path through the forest. Where the hike through the woods takes about 4.0 hours, a leisurely walk on the road should run about 3.0 hours. This alternate hike is rated “Moderate” because of the altitude and length. As those going by road will likely arrive in Benito Juárez well before the other group, participants may choose either to pack a sack lunch or dine at the small restaurant across from the ecotourism office in Benito Juárez upon reaching their destination. Another option is to use the extra time to visit the Mirador, a scenic overlook atop the hill above Benito Juárez that offers a splendid view of the surrounding area from the ground, from an observation tower and from an impressive suspension bridge – all of which are free of charge. The Mirador is close by, but requires a strenuous climb to reach the top. As with the more strenuous hike, an admission fee of 60 pesos must be paid and a local guide needs to be hired. Motion sickness alert! The ride to Cuajimoloyas and back from Benito Juárez may induce dizzyness.
Time frame: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm / Distance: 5.8 Km (3.6 Mi) / Elevation change: downhill 277 M (910 Ft) & uphill 78 M (256Ft) / Highest elevation: 3102 M (10,177 Ft) / Type: point to point / Trail: paved & unpaved road / Exposure: mix of sun & shade / Rating: easy to moderate
(Click here for more information about these hikes)
Cuajimoloyas to Llano Grande Mountain
The villages of Cuajimoloyas and Llano Grande sit on top of the world as far as high places in the Sierra Norte mountains are concerned, as both are at an altitude of over 10,000 feet. There is a very nice trail which meanders through the woods connecting the two small towns, which are part of the Pueblos Mancomunados. The hike is rated moderate on account of the elevation and length, but the going is fairly easy, as the path follows the contour of the hillsides and so has only moderate climbs and descents. Because the trail is in the deep forest, there are no scenic vistas to be had. But the air is crisp and clear, offering a respite from the heat and smog of the Oaxaca Valley. Motion sickness alert! The ride to Cuajimoloyas and back from Llano Grande may induce dizzyness.
Time frame: 8:00 am to 4:30 pm / Distance: 8.5 km (5.3 miles) / Elevation change: 221 M 726 Ft) uphill & 295 M (969 Ft) downhill / Highest elevation: 3208 M (10,527 Ft) / Type: point to point / Trail: mostly forest footpath / Exposure: mostly shade / Rating: moderate
(Click here for more information about this hike)
Cuatro Venados Countryside
San Pablo Cuatro Venados sits near the top of the mountain ridge that forms the western wall of the Oaxaca Valley directly west from Monte Alban. There are tourist cabins there for visitors who want to spend the night at elevation. We will savor the view as our bus climbs the winding dirt road to Cuatro Venados, then enjoy cooler temperatures as we wander through the countryside above the town. Our “trailhead” is on the plateau above the town and is approximately 40 kms (25 mile) from Oaxaca city. You might want to pack a sweater or jacket! Also, there is very little shade, so sunscreen, hats and/or parasols are recommended. Sack lunch required. Motion sickness alert! The ride to and from Cuatro Venados may induce dizzyness.
Time frame: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm / Distance: 9.5 Km (6 Mi) / Highest point: 2762 meters ( 9061 feet) / Elevation change: 182 M (600 Ft) / Type: out & back / Trail: dirt road / Exposure: mostly full sun / Rating: easy to moderate
(Click here for more information about this hike)
Cuilapam to Zaachila Countryside
Today’s hike begins at the ruins of the never-completed Dominican monastery near the center of Cuilapam de Guerrero and proceeds on city streets and country lanes to Zaachila where the group will stop for lunch. The grand monastery was begun in 1555 but abandoned about 40 years later. The admission fee of 45 pesos will gain you entrance to the cloister area of the monastery at Cuilapam, the second floor of which is used to identify, catalog and store artifacts taken from archeological digs in the area. After spending about 30 minutes at the monastery, the group will commence hiking through south Cuilapam, then proceed along unpaved country roads to Zaachila, once the political capitol of the Zapotec empire. You will note the street names in Zaachila are in Zapotec. In the center of town we will explore the archeological site which was excavated in the mid-1960’s and features the tomb of Lord Nine Flower. There is a 65 pesos charge to enter the archeological zone. After the hike we will dine at the marketplace nearby.
Time frame: 8:00 am to 1:00 pm / Distance: 7.9 Km (4.9 Mi) / Elevation change: 86 meters (180 feet) / Type: point to point / Trail: city sidewalks & streets, unpaved roads / Exposure: full sun / Rating: easy to moderate
(Click here for more information about this hike.)
Cuishe Trail Countryside
This hike starts at the first bridge on the road to Santa Inés del Monte, near the community of La Lobera. Our van will leave us there and we will start the walk heading southwest. The trail is a wide, dirt road with some gradual hills. Along the way we can appreciate some plantations of corn, beans and – why not? – agave. We will also see part of the Ocotlán and Zimatlán Valleys. This is a nice hike with amazing views. It is rated moderate for the length of the trail. Our outing will end near La Raya, a community belonging to the district of Zimatlán. Be sure to pack a sack lunch to enjoy on the trail, along with plenty of water and perhaps some snack food.
Time frame: 8:00 am to 3:00 pm / Distance: 9.5 kms (5.9 miles) one way / Elevation change: +185 meters (+607 feet) and – 294 meters (-967 feet) / Type: point to point / Trail: dirt road / Exposure: full sun / Rating: moderate
(Click here for more information about this hike)
Dainzu to Tlacochahuaya Archeological & Countryside
Our outing begins with a guided tour of the archeological ruins at Dainzu. Then the hike proceeds overland along country roads to the town of Tlacochahuaya, where the local church has been lovingly restored. There is a 45 peso fee for the tour at Dainzu. Recently the church wardens have been asking for a 10 peso donation to see the interior of the church, where the artwork is of a finer quality than one might expect in a country parish. Participants can eat sack lunches in the park next to the churchyard or grab a bit to eat at one of two small restaurants in the town center.
Time frame: 8:00 am to 1:30 pm / Distance: 4.8 Km (3.0 Mi) / Elevation change: almost none / Type: point to point / Trail: dirt roads and footpaths / Exposure: full sun / Rating: easy
(Click here for more information about this hike)
El Carrizal Day Hike Mountain
The small village of El Carrizal is situated high in a mountain valley which can be reached via a steep and winding dirt road running out of San Miguel del Valle, which is the community that lays claim to a vast tract of forest land in the area. It takes two hours to make the drive from Oaxaca, but most folks feel the scenery along the way is worth it. The hike itself is a pleasant stroll along a dirt road linking the town to a picnic and camping area around a small man-made mountain lake. Motion sickness alert! The ride to and from El Carrizal may induce dizzyness.
Time frame: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm / Distance: 9.65 kms (6.0 miles) / Elevation change: 525 meters (1723 feet) / Highest elevation: 2930 meters (9612 feet) / Trail: dirt road / Type: out & back / Exposure: mostly forest shade / Rating: Moderate
(Click here for more information about this hike)
El Estudiante to Huayapam Countryside
Today’s hike will utilize the final segment of the new Camino de Juarez trail which runs from Guelatao to Tlalixtac. The trek will commence at the pedestreian bridge over Hwy 175 at El Estudiante and wend through the forest to the twin presas in Huayapam where the group will stop for lunch at the conclusion of the hike. Expect to encounter a number of local woodcutters and their faithful burros along the way – a good photo op!
Time frame: 8:00 am to 2:00 pm / Distance: 8.8 Km (5.5 Mi) / Elevation change: 373 M (1225 Ft) downhill / Type: point to point / Trail: paved section of the Camino de Juarez / Exposure: 70% forest shade & 30% full sun / Rating: easy to moderate
(Click here for more information about this outing)
El Picacho Mountain
Challenging option: The Zapotec village of Teotitlan del Valle sits in the Tlacolula valley 19 miles (31 km) east of Oaxaca city. It is the most renowned of the weaving villages of the area, famous for the rugs and many other items most families there spend their time producing and selling. It is also reputed to be one of oldest continuously inhabited sites on earth, with archeological records going back over 7,000 years (making it as old as Damascus). The community museum and the new cultural center on the market square are worth a visit, as are a number of home workshops where villagers work their textile magic. However, the object of our attention is El Picacho, the peak that looms above the town. We will hike the well-defined trail that winds up the side of the mountain to the cross and shrine at the summit. The way is fairly steep, calling for a good dose of stamina. There are panoramic views at the top to reward those who make it all the way. There is a 15 peso charge to hike the trail. After the hike the group will stop for lunch at any of several restaurants in Tule on the way back to Oaxaca.
Time frame: 8:00 am to 2:30 pm / Distance: 4.7 Km (2.9 Mi) / Elevation gain & loss: 334 M (1097 Ft) / Starting point: 1752.6 M (5750 Ft) / Highest elevation: 2081.8 M (6830 Ft) / Type: out & back / Trail: footpath / Exposure: mostly full sun / Rating: difficult to very difficult
Moderate option: Those hikers who don’t feel compelled to climb El Picacho have a ready alternative in the trails that stay in the valley and loop around the reservoir at the edge of town and and the dirt road which climbs 4000 feet in elevation to the village of Benito Juarez. The same 15 pesos admission charge applies to the easier hike as well. After the hikes, both groups will stop for lunch at any of several restaurants in Tule on the way back to Oaxaca.
Time frame: 8:00 am to 2:30 pm / Distance: 6.8 Km (4.2 Mi) / Elevation gain & loss: 152 M (500 Ft) / Starting point: 1752.6 M (5750 Ft) / Type: out & back / Trail: country road / Exposure: full sun / Rating: moderate
(Click here for more information about these hikes)
Guacamaya Mountain
There are miles of logging roads and hiking trails crisscrossing the area around Arroyo Guacamaya and an observation tower atop El Portillo. These make for a satisfying trek through the woods. There is also a small waterfall in the dense forest just outside Guacamaya, a little village on the flank of the mountains north of Oaxaca. There is a 20 peso charge to visit the waterfall. Hike participants may choose to take sack lunches or enjoy a fresh-caught trout dinner at a local restaurant, which should cost about 200 pesos for food and beverage.
Time frame: 8:00 am to 3:00 pm / Distance: varies by choice of trails / Elevation change: 236 meters (775 Ft) uphill & 539 meters (1768 ft) downhill / Highest elevation: 3154 M (10,349 Ft) / Type: choice of loop, out & back and point to point trails / Trail: footpaths & dirt roads / Exposure: 70% shade and 30% sun / Rating: easy, moderate and difficult, depending on trails chosen.
(Click here for more information about this outing)
Hierve el Agua Countryside
Perched on a steep hillside, a series of bubbling springs feed man-made pools before plunging to the valley below. There are a couple of miles of trails around the springs, but this outing is more about savoring a beautiful spot, pausing for reflection, and taking a nature walk than doing an actual hike. Bring your bathing suit, if you like! (There are changing rooms available.) But be forewarned that – despite the name “Boil the Water” – these are not hot springs; the water temperature will be tepid, at best. Vendors in the parking lot sell cold drinks, snacks and simple meals. Many visitors prefer to pack a sack lunch. And don’t forget your sunscreen!
Time frame: 8:00 am to 2:30 pm / Distance: just a few blocks from the parking lot to the pools; you can hike anywhere from 1/4 mile to 3 miles (.4 to 4.8 Km) on footpaths / Type: loop trails / Trail: rocky footpaths / Exposure: extreme sun / Rating: easy walk to the pools; other trails on the hillsides have very challenging stone steps
(Click here for more information about this hike)
Huayapam Countryside
Difficult option: On this, the first of two simultaneous hikes on the same day, we will scramble up the steep hillside on the north side of Huayapam on an old jeep road littered with loose rocks, cross over a ridge, then make a long, gradual descent to the two lakes which provide water for the towns of Huayapam and Tlalixtac. The uphill section will certainly challenge your cardiovascular system! As with the easier outing (below), this is hiking for its own sake; fun, but with an edge! Both hiking groups will rendezvous for lunch at one of the pleasant restaurants on the lakeshore.
Time frame: 8:00 am to 1:30 pm / Distance: 6.4 Km (4.0 Mi) / Elevation change: 232 M (762 Ft) up & 287 M (943 Ft) down / Type: point to point / Trail: rough jeep road & footpaths / Exposure: full sun / Rating: difficult
Moderate option: This second of two simultaneous hikes originating in Huayapam, a small village near Oaxaca favored by many resident expats, is a moderate stroll along dirt roads and single track hiking trails that link with San Luis Beltran and San Felipe del Agua. There are some pleasant views of the Oaxaca Valley along the way on this out-and-back walk through rolling terrain, but nothing of historical or cultural interest. This is hiking for its own sake. Both hiking groups will rendezvous for lunch at one of the pleasant restaurants on the lakeshore.
Time frame: 8:00 am to 1:30 pm / Distance: 6.4 Km (4.0 Mi) / Elevation change: 116 meters (381 feet) gain & loss / Type: out & back / Trail: dirt road & footpaths / Exposure: full sun / Rating: moderate
(Click here for more information about these hikes)
Ixtlahuaca to Tejalapam Countryside
Many of the roads and trails in the Etla valley to the west of Monte Alban are well suited to hiking. This outing is a classic ramble through the rolling countryside between the villages of San Andrés Ixtlahuaca and San Felipe Tejalápam. Participants will enjoy some delightful scenery as well as fresh air and exercise on the hike itself. Pack a sack lunch to enjoy at the high point of the trail with a view overlooking the valley below. Note that this hike may be either a point-to-point hike ending in Tejalapam, or an out & back trek starting at either end and reaching a turn-around and sack lunch point at the highest spot along the way.
Time frame: 8:00 am to 12:30 pm / Distance: 8.6 Km (5.3 Mi) / Elevation change: 209 meters (687 feet) uphill & 190 meters (626 feet) downhill / Highest point: 1797 meters (5898 feet) / Trail: mainly unpaved country roads / Type: point to point or out & back / Exposure: full sun / Rating: moderate / Lunch on your own back in town.
(Click here for more information about this hike)
Jalapa del Valle Countryside
Mountain bikers love to ride through the rolling countryside in the Etla Valley west of Oaxaca. This hike will explore one small section of that area. The trek will consist of following the dirt road going uphill parallel to the river from the general store in Jalapa del Valle to a rustic little restaurant which will be our turnaround point. The river valley is surprisingly lush year ‘round, and the farms in the area produce several crops each season.
Time frame: 8:00 am to 2:45 pm / Distance: 10.0 Km (6.2 Mi) / Elevation change: 152 M (500 Ft) gain going uphill; the same loss coming back / Type: out & back / Trail: all dirt road / Exposure: full sun / Rating: easy
(Click here for more information about this hike)
La Cumbre Mountain
There is an ecotourism camp deep in the woods at La Cumbre, located at the top of the first ridge of mountains to the north of Oaxaca. Dense forests cover the steep hillsides throughout. A number of hiking trails and old logging roads wend their way, maintaining tolerable gradients by following the contour of the land. The forest is a great place to find solitude and observe the various birds and plants that make it their home. Sack lunch required. Motion sickness alert! The ride to and from La Cumbre may induce dizzyness.
Time frame: 8:00 am to 3:30 pm / Distance: 8.2 Km (5.1 Mi) / Elevation change: 368 M (1206 Ft) gain & loss / Type: out & back / Trail: footpath & dirt road / Exposure: mainly forest shade / Rating: moderate to difficult / Highest point: 3212 meters (10,540 feet)
(Click here for more information about this hike)
Lachatao Mountain
This is another high-country hike in the Pueblos Mancomunados. The van will drop us off at the ecotourism office in Santa Catarina Lachatao and we will hike out and back along the Lachatao River, which runs through the valley. This is a new offering in the Hoofing It In Oaxaca hiking program in 2024-2025. A map, elevation chart and photos of the route have yet to be made.
Time frame: 8:00 am to 3:30 pm / Distance: approx. 8 kms (5 miles) / Type: out & back / Trail: mostly forest footpath / Exposure: forest shade / Rating: moderate
La Neveria to Latuvi Mountain
13 Nov 2024 / 3 Mar 2025
If hiking downhill is your cup of tea, then this outing is for you! This combination of hiking path and dirt road leads from La Neveria to Latuvi, both villages in the Pueblos Mancomunados, dropping 539 meters in elevation and crossing the Rio Guacamayas along the way. The hike is rated difficult because of the terrain and the length of the walk. Note that this is a point-to-point hike, so there is no turning back. Native guides are required. Sack lunch required. Motion sickness alert! The ride to La Neveria and back from Latuvi may induce dizzyness.
Time frame: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm / Distance: 6.8 miles (10.95 km) / Elevation change: downhill to river crossing 1770 feet (539.5 meters); then up 790 feet (241 meters) to Latuvi / Highest elevation: 8980 feet (2737 meters) / Type: point to point / Trail: mix of dirt road and forest path / Exposure: Mostly shade / Rating: moderate to difficult
(Click here for more information about this hike)
Latuvi to Lachatao Mountain
Latuvi is a Zapotec village situated at 8003 feet (2439 meters) atop a mountain ridge in the Sierra Norte 58 kilometers (36 miles) northeast of Oaxaca city. It is one of the eight small towns in the Pueblos Mancomunados and offers several trails which appeal to hikers, backpackers and mountain bikers. Cabins are available for overnight guests. There is a fee of 60 pesos to get permission to explore the area, and guides are available to take visitors through the woods. The three principal trails are one that runs through the woods to La Neveria, another that connects with Lachatao, and a third which leads to a scenic waterfall. The trail to Lachatao goes 8.7 miles (14 kilometers) and runs mainly downhill, except for the final segment going from the river valley up to Lachatao. A hike on this route may be either one-way or an out & back trek to avoid needing to arrange a shuttle. Be warned that the trail out of Latuvi drops steeply down the mountainside (with a gradient of 19% to 21%) and is badly eroded. It is a challenging descent and a lung-burner on the climb back up!
Time frame: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm / Distance: 14 kms (8.7 miles) round trip to half-way point; same distance for one way hike all the way to Lachatao / Elevation change: 621 meters (2037 feet) down and up on out & back / Highest elevation: 2439 meters (8003 feet) / Lowest point: 2093 meters (6868 feet) / Type: out & back or one way / Trail: mostly foot path through the woods / Exposure: mix of sun and deep forest shade / Rating: difficult because of steepness of trail and length of hike
(Click here for more information about this hike)
Llano de las Flores Mountain
Llano de las Flores is no more than a wide spot along Highway 175 two and a half hours drivetime north of Oaxaca (about 40 minutes beyond Ixtlan de Juarez). Nestled in a lovely high mountain valley with lush pastures and surrounded by dense old-growth forests, this is a great destination for those seeking solitude, either on a day hike or for a stay of several days at the cabins in the ecotourism park there. The loop trail features two small caves, a lovely mirador and two waterfalls. Be warned, though, that this hike will put your stamina to the test. Motion sickness alert! The ride to and from Llano de las Flores may induce dizzyness.
Time frame: 8:00 am to 5:30 pm / Distance: 7.7 km (4.8 miles) / Highest elevation: 3006 M (9862 Ft) / Elevation gain & loss 269 M (883 Feet) / Type: Loop / Trail: mix of logging roads and forest paths / Exposure: Mix of sun & shade / Rating: moderate to difficult
(Click here for more information about this hike)
Llano Grande Mountain
The small village of Llano Grande in the Sierra Norte mountains is a bit like the Hobbit village in Middle Earth – it is a place with a special charm. One of the eight villages in the Pueblos Mancomunados, Llano Grande welcomes hikers and mountain bikers to explore the trails and back roads that wander through the dense forests surrounding the community. Sack lunch required. Motion sickness alert! The ride to and from Llano Grande may induce dizzyness.
Time frame: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm / Distance: 8.85 km (5.5 miles) / Elevation change: 145 meters (475 feet) / Highest elevation: 3070 M (10,071 Ft) / Type: Loop / Trail: mix of dirt road and forest path / Exposure: Mix of sun & shade / Rating: moderate
(Click here for more information about this hike)
Mitla Caves Archeological & Countryside
2 Nov 2024 / 11 Dec 2025
One might argue this is by far our longest hike — if measured by going back in time rather than in physical distance traveled. Elementary school kids are taught that the cradle of modern civilization is the Mesopotamian valley between the Tigris and Euphrates river where ancient Sumer was located. This is where wheat, barley, lentils, garlic and onions were domesticated 7,000 years ago, marking the beginning of the agricultural age. However, archeologists now know that the caves around Yagul and Mitla were occupied 7,000 years ago by people who had already domesticated corn and beans, as corn cobs and bean seeds were found there. And the great granddaddy of them all — domesticated squash — has been dated in local caves to 10,000 years ago! On today’s outing we will visit five caves located in hillsides just 3 miles (4.8 kms) from Mitla which were likely used as shelters by the forebears of today’s Zapotec people. The group will stop for lunch at any of several restaurants in Tule after the hike.
Time frame: 8:00 am to 2:30 pm / Distance: 2.0 kms (1.3 miles) round trip / Elevation gain & loss: 111 meters (365 feet) / Type: loop trail / Trail: challenging hiking trail on steep hillsides with lots of steps and lose footing / Exposure: mostly sun / Rating: very difficult — on account of terrain and close quarters in caves
(Click here for more information about this hike)
Sabinos Trail Countryside
The little town of Igriega (“Y” in English – yes, that is really its name) sits in a pleasant valley along the Atoyac river some 69 kilometers (43 miles) from Oaxaca. Huge Sabinos trees line the banks of the stream, giving name to this hike. You will enjoy the peace and solitude of the place as you amble along the trail. It is a long drive to Igriega from Oaxaca, but past participants in this hike say it is definitely worth the travel time. Be sure to pack a sack lunch and bring plenty of water.
Time frame: 8:00 am to 3:30 / Distance: 9.5 Km (6 miles) / Elevation change: 131 meters (430 feet) / Type: out & back / Trail: some single track but mostly unpaved road / Exposure: mix of sun and shade.
(Click here for more information about this hike)
San Bartolomé Quialana to San Marcos Tlapazola Countryside
The quaint village of San Bartolomé Quialina abuts the mountains on the south side of the Tlacolula valley. It and neighboring San Marcos Tlapazola seem lost in time. We will travel the road between them, doubtless catching sight of local women in their distinctive dress tending their flocks or working the the fields. In San Marcos, hikers can visit the workshops where red pottery is produced and others where local women embroider intricate designs on aprons, blouses and shirts. After the hike, the group will stop in Tlacolula to visit the church, where the statues, paintings and other ornaments in the elaborately baroque side chapel were restored in 2011. Then we will adjourn to the city market across the street for lunch at any of several restaurants or food stands there.
Time frame: 8:00 am to 1:00 pm / Distance: 3.7 Km (2.3 Mi) / Elevation change: uphill 224 feet (68.3 meters) & downhill 372 feet (113 meters) / Type: point to point / Trail: city streets and dirt roads / Exposure: full sun / Rating: easy
(Click here for more information about this hike)
San Cristobal Countryside
The tiny hamlet of San Cristobal, like its neighbor, Cuatro Venados, sits near the top of the mountain ridge which forms the western wall of the Etla Valley a few miles west of Monte Alban. Situated 17 miles from the center of Oaxaca at an elevation of 7192 feet, it is the jumping-off point for this 5.2 mile hike through the countryside. The initial 2.2 miles of our trek is along a rather steep (consistent 12% grade) dirt road that winds into the isolated valley below. People with weak knees or ankles are advised this part of the hike may be a challenge! Once near the valley floor, we will hike along a stream that meanders toward and eventually joins the Atoyac River. We will need to cross the stream seven times on our descent, so some rock-hopping skill is required. We will enjoy a sack lunch at the end of our hike before venturing back into the city. Motion sickness alert! The ride to San Cristobal may induce dizzyness.
Time frame: 8:00 am to 2:30 pm / Distance: 8.4 Km (5.2 Mi) / Elevation change: downhill 516 meters (1694 feet) & uphill 51 meters (167 feet) / Type: point to point / Trail: country roads and jeep trail / Exposure: mostly sun / Rating: difficult
(Click here for more information about this hike)
San Miguel del Valle – El Pedimento Trail Mountain
26 Feb 2025
San Miguel del Valle is another gateway to the high country of the Sierra Norte mountains. This village is tucked away in a fold of the mountains on the north side of the Tlacolula valley, and can be reached by going north from Tlocolula, through Diaz Ordaz and continuing upvalley. For this outing we will hike the “El Pedimento” trail in the forest at an elevation of 10,000 feet. Be prepared for cooler temperatures and the possibility of fog and drizzle. There is an admission fee of 100 pesos per person to hike on communal land, and local guides must be hired to accompany the group. We will enjoy a sack lunch while admiring the panoramic view from the mirador. Motion sickness alert! The ride to and from the mountains above San Miguel del Valle may induce dizzyness.
Time frame: 8:00 am to 2:30 pm / Distance: 2.9 Km (1.8 Mi) round trip / Elevation change: 183 M (600 Ft) gain & loss / Type: loop / Trail: forest paths / Exposure: mix of sun and shade / Highest point: 3139 meters (10,300 feet) / Rating: moderate to difficult – some steep sections at high elevation / Suggestion: use a hiking pole
(Click here for more information about this hike)
San Pablo Etla Countryside
Not scheduled this season.
The village of San Pablo is practically a suburb in the Etla valley on the north side of Oaxaca. Like most nearby towns, it has parklands in the hills rising above the city. This year our hike will follow one of the many trails in the area prized by local mountain bikers and used for an annual race. The route will follow the contours of the land running at the foot of the mountains rising up on the north side of the town. Admission fee of 30 pesos.
Time frame: 8:00 am to 1:30 pm / Distance: 5.6 Km (3.5 Mi) / Elevation change: 180 M (590 Ft) gain & loss / Highest elevation: 1800 M (5905 Ft) / Type: loop / Trail: combination single track trail and dirt road / Exposure: mix of sun & shade / Rating: moderate
(Click here for more information about this hike)
San Sebastian de las Grutas Cave
Not scheduled this season.
This is the most unusual of the hikes in the “Hoofing It In Oaxaca” program. We will drive 2.5 hours south of Oaxaca to San Sebastian, then visit the cavern in the hillside there. The cave is in its natural state, with no lighting, railings or walkways. Local guides will provide flashlights and show us the way (but it doesn’t hurt to bring your own lights, if you have them). The cave has wide passageways and a high ceiling, so it is relatively easy to negotiate. However, there are some steep inclines and the floor can be slippery when wet. There are also significant steps to get to and from the cavern. Admission to the cave will cost 40 pesos per person. Sack lunch required.
Time frame: 8:00 am to 4:30 pm / Distance: 3 Km (1.8 Mi) / Elevation change: 90 M (300 Ft) / Type: loop / Trail: unimproved cave floor / Exposure: no sun (It’s a cave!) / Rating: moderate
(Click here for more information about this hike)
Santa Ana del Valle Countryside
Not scheduled this season.
The community museum in the town square in Santa Ana will be the starting point of this hike up a hill just outside town to the site of some unexcavated ruins. There is a very nice view of the Tlacolula valley from the top of the hill. Getting some fresh air and exercise is the main point of today’s venture. Be forewarned that the trail has a loose and rocky tread, and is perhaps the most difficult climb in the hiking program. We will need to hire local guides to accompany us to the top of the hill. After the hike the group will stop in Tlacolula for lunch at the food court in the city market.
Time frame: 8:00 am to 3:30 pm / Distance: 6.95 Km (4.32 Mi) / Elevation change: 493.5 M (1619 Ft) climb / High point: 2143.3 meters (7032 feet) / Type: out & back / Trail: steep, rocky footpath / Exposure: full sun / Rating: very difficult because of steep, rocky trail with loose gravel underfoot
(Click here for more information about this hike)
Santiago Tenango Countryside
Not scheduled this season.
This hike, new in 2022, takes visitors far into beautiful country with grand rolling hills and deep canyons. Near the end of a two-hour drive we pass through the isolated villages of Cieneguilla, Carbonera and finally Santiago Tenango. Our trailhead is a spot on a rough jeep road which winds through the hills, totally isolated from civilization. This hike is the only one in the program exploring trails in the Mixteca region of Oaxaca state. Caution: this is a tough hike. Hiking poles are required. Once you start the hike you can turn back anywhere, but there are no mototaxis or colectivos to give you a ride back to the trailhead. Lunch stop after the hike at a rustic rural restaurant with great vistas. Motion sickness alert! The ride to and from Santiago Tenango may induce dizzyness.
Time frame: 8:00 am to 4:30 pm / Distance: 7.4 Km (4.6 Mi) / Elevation change: 186 M (612 Ft) loss and equal gain / Type: out & back / Trail: rough country lane / Exposure: full sun / Rating: very difficult / Recommendation – definitely take hiking poles
(Click here for more information about this hike)
Santo Domingo Tomaltepec Countryside
18 Dec 2024 / 12 & 25 Feb 2025
Today’s outing will be a trek that begins on a country road and then devolves into a footpath in a mountain valley near Santo Domingo. We will begin at the upper of two lakes which provide water for the town and wend our way gradually uphill into a wooded valley. No archeological gems or great vistas today; just a very pleasant walk with nature. Be forewarned that there are fourteen stream crossings along the way, so wear shoes that can get wet and still be comfortable to walk in, or wear sandals and splash merrily through the water! After the hike, we will stop for lunch at a restaurant in Tule. There is a 20 peso charge to hike through communal property.
Time frame: 8:00 am to 2:15 pm / Distance: 5.9 Km (3.7 Mi) / Elevation change: 279 M (915 Ft) / Type: out & back / Trail: dirt road & footpath / Exposure: 70% sun & 30% shade / Rating: easy to moderate / Suggestion: wear sandals and using hiking poles for stream crossings
(Click here for more information about this hike)
Santo Tomas Mazaltepec to San Felipe Tejalápam Countryside
Both of these small farming communities lie in the northwest quadrant of the Etla Valley and neither see many foreign visitors, though they are not far from the capital city. Our hike today is a 5.7 mile trek through the rolling countryside between the two villages. Our route will follow an unpaved country road up and over a ridge of hills separating two parts of the Etla Valley. A sack lunch is required. Note that this hike may be a point-to-point trek connecting the two villages or an out & back excursion starting from either end, then stopping for a sack lunch at the highest point before turning around for a return to the starting point.
Time frame: 8:00 am to 2:00 pm / Distance: 9.2 kms (5.7 miles) / Elevation change: 208 meters (682 feet) of climbing & 223 meters (731 feet) of downhill / Trail: mostly unpaved and little-used country road / Exposure: full sun / Rating: moderate to difficult
(Click here for more information about this hike)
Suchilquitongo Countryside
The rolling hills on the far side of the toll road to Mexico City to the west of Suchilquitongo are an inviting destination for hikers and mountain bikers. Today’s outing will follow an unpaved road that winds uphill from a natural lake, going many miles through dense forest into the mountains. This will be an out & back trek covering about six miles round trip. Participants will pack sack lunches to eat at the lakeside park at the end of the hike.
Time frame: 8:00 am to 1:30 pm / Distance: 9.26 kms (5.76 miles) / Elevation change: 540 meters (1722 feet) going uphill and the same descending / Trail: unpaved and little-used country road / Gradient: up to 14% in places / Exposure: full sun / Rating: moderate to difficult
(Click here for more information about this hike)
Tlalixtac – Los Molinos Trail Countryside
Tlalixtac is a village in the countryside 5.5 miles to the east of Oaxaca city. Blessed with large land holdings in the foothills and ample water supplies, Tlalixtac is popular with people looking for a place to build a home close to the capital but away from the traffic and noise of the big city.
We will hike in one of the nearby valleys that drain from the Sierra Norte mountains into the Tlacolula valley. The trail was originally a footpath that wound uphill through the woods parallel to a stream and with Highway 175 on the hillside opposite. Beginning in 2022, though, the trail was widened and paved part way. We will pass by the ruins of a small water-powered mill where grain was once processed. At one time there were seven such mills along the stream – hence the plural name of the trail. We are likely to encounter local woodcutters returning to town with their donkeys loaded with firewood. There is a charge to hike in Tlalixtac territory, which varies from year to year – it is 50 pesos in 2023. We will stop for lunch after the hike at one of the pleasant restaurants clustered around the two presas in Huayapam.
Time frame: 8:00 am to 2:00 pm / Distance: 9.5 Km (5.9 Mi) / Elevation gain: 145 M (480 Ft) / Type: out & back / Trail: dirt road and footpath / Exposure: 50/50 mix of sun & shade / Rating: easy to moderate / Coordinates: N 17 04.771 W 96 37.667
(Click here for more information about this hike)
Tlalixtac – Mil Rios Trail Countryside
The Mil Rios Trail runs 9 miles (14.5 kms) from high in the Sierra Norte near the village of La Neveria down to Tlalixtac in the Tlacolula valley, dropping 3768 feet (1148 meters) along the way. Today’s hike will cover just 3.0 miles of that distance (6.0 miles round trip) along the lowest part of the trail, which we will access just a few miles from Tlalixtac. This will be a moderate hike, using first the service road going to five small dams strung along the creek, then a hiking and biking trail going further up the valley. The trail will gain just 716 feet (218 meters) in elevation going to our turnaround point. The most challenging feature will be the fourteen creek crossings we will encounter going each direction – though these will be easy enough if the creek has little water in it. We will stop for lunch after the hike at one of the pleasant restaurants clustered around the two presas in Huayapam.
Time frame: 8:00 am to 2:00 pm / Distance: 9.6 Kms (6.0 Mi) / Elevation gain: 218 M (716 Ft) / Type: out & back / Trail: dirt road and forest footpath / Exposure: 50/50 mix of sun and shade / Rating: moderate / Suggestion: hiking pole(s) may help with creek crossings
(Click here for more information about this hike)
Union Zapata Caves Archeological & Countryside
There are literally dozens of caves in the hills to the north of the village of Union Zapata, which has been charged with protecting the most important ones because they are UNESCO world heritage sites (so designated in August 2010). These include the Guilá Naquitz cave, where archeologists unearthed signs of human habitation dating back over 10,000 years, and where squash seeds are the earliest signs of an agrarian culture anywhere on the continent. This same cave provided the earliest known samples of domesticated maize, the principal food crop of the region. Another nearby cave, Las Machines, contains some fine examples of ancient rock paintings. Hiking to these and other nearby caves is extremely difficult because of the steep terrain and the lack of well-defined trails. Sack lunch required.
Time frame: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm / Distance: 10.0 km (6.2 miles) / Elevation gain & loss: 445 meters (1460 feet) / Type: out & back or loop / Trail: dirt roads and ill-defined footpaths / Exposure: mostly full sun / Rating: extremely difficult because of terrain and length
(Click here for more information about this hike)
Yagul to Diaz Ordaz Archeological & Countryside
The Zapotec palace ruins at Yagul are located in one of the loveliest settings in the area. The group will linger there for about an hour to afford people a chance to explore the archeological site. You will want to visit the underground triple tomb in one of the open plazas and wander the labyrinth of passageways in the palace complex. Most visitors will also want to climb to the top of the fortress rock to enjoy the view from there. Then we will hike 4.4 miles (7.1 kms) through open country to the village of Diaz Ordaz, where we will stop for lunch. Pack a sack lunch or munch on items from a local miscelanea, where cold beverages are available.
Time frame: 8:00 am to 2:00 pm / Distance: 7.1 Km (4.4 Mi) / Elevation change: gradual ascent of 127 meters (418 feet) / Type: point to point / Trail: footpaths & dirt roads / Exposure: full sun / Rating: easy to moderate
(Click here for more information about this hike)
Zaachila to Cuilapam Archeological & Countryside
We will spend about an hour exploring the archeological ruins located just a block off the town square in Zaachila. Most of the temple and palace complex has not been excavated. However the tomb of Lord Nine Flower has been, and there is a small museum on site. Then we will hike through town and overland in the countryside to Cuilapam, where we will wander through the ruins of a grand monastery, begun in 1555 but never completed. The second floor of which is used to identify, catalog and store artifacts taken from archeological digs in the area. Be sure to click on the “More Information” link, below, to view a great deal more material about the history and legends of Zaachila and Cuilapam. Also note this hike can just as easily run in the opposite direction, in which case lunch will be at the mercado gastronomico on the west side of Zaachila, just a block from the end point of the hike.
Time frame: 8:00 am to 3:00 pm / Distance: 7.4 Km (4.6 Mi) / Elevation change: very slight / Type: point to point / Trail: city sidewalks & streets, unpaved roads / Exposure: full sun / Rating: moderate
(Click here for more information about this hike)
Zautla Countryside
The village of San Andrés Zautla boasts an extensive Parque Recreativo in the hills northwest of town. There are miles of jeep roads and single track trails in the area, all of them rated moderate in terms of steepnesss and technical challenges. Our hike will begin on a jeep road, then continue on single track doing a loop through the hills. The route will take about three hours. This is a new offering in the Hoofing It In Oaxaca hiking program in 2024-2025.
Time frame: 8:00 am to 1:15 pm / Distance: 9.5 Km (5.9 Mi) / Elevation change: 274 M (900 Ft) up and down / Type: point to point or loop / Trail: combination jeep road and footpaths / Exposure: full sun / Rating: moderate
(Click here for more information about this hike)
Zegache to San Antonino Cultural & Countryside
The renowned painter, Rodolfo Morales, hailed from Ocotlan de Morelos and used his wealth and influence for the betterment of that community some 21 miles (34 km) south of Oaxaca city. Today’s hike through the countryside will begin at the parish church in Santa Ana Zegache, which Mr. Morelos restored and decorated. It will conclude at the cemetery in San Antonino Castillo Velasco where the local townspeople will be busy decorating the graves of departed family members. They postpone their Day of the Dead vigil to November 3 because they are busy earlier selling the flowers used in other communities to grace their cemeteries on 31 October and 1 or 2 November.
Day of the Dead special feature! The cemetery in San Antonino will be a busy place on November 3 as families decorate the graves of their loved ones with elaborate flower tapestries or sand paintings. People on today’s hike will spend an hour or so visiting the cemetery, which lies along the way to Ocotlan. Note that this HIKE is not the same event as the Lending Library’s OUT & ABOUT cemetery bus tour happening on the same day!
Time frame: 11:00 am to 5:30 pm / Distance: 6.0 miles (9.6 km) / Elevation change: very slight, with 257 feet (78 meters) of gain and 125 feet (38 meters) of loss along the route / Type: point to point / Trail: mostly dirt roads in the country and pavement in the city / Exposure: full sun / Rating: easy
(Click here for more information about this outing)
Zegache to Tilcajete Cultural & Countryside
The little village of San Martín Tilcajete, 15.5 mi / 25 km south of Oaxaca city, is where most of the fanciful wooden alebrijes which abound in local markets are carved and painted. It is the destination for today’s hike, which begins in the neighboring village of Zegache, 3 miles (4.8 km) distant across productive farmland where many of the vegetables sold in Oaxaca’s markets are grown. For its part, Zegache is home to a church rebuilt and painted by the renowned artist Rodolfo Morales of Ocotlan. Today’s hike will commence at the restored church and then proceed on unpaved country lanes. The terrain is nearly flat, with a gain in elevation of only 191 feet along the way. Once arrived in Tilcajete, we’ll pay a visit to some of the many workshops lining the main street where locals (often husband & wife teams) produce alebrijes. Afterwards, we will stop for lunch at a local restaurant on the way back to Oaxaca.
Shrove Tuesday special feature! Participants on this hike will get a special treat, as they will encounter costumed residents of Tilcajete cavorting through the streets in celebration of Shrove Tuesday. You will definitely want to bring your camera for this! And be sure to wear old clothes, as you are likely to get grease paint smears on your garments, courtesy of the rowdy merrymakers.
Time frame: 8:00 am to 2:30 pm / Distance: 4.8 Km (3.0 Mi) / Elevation change: 58 M (191 Ft) gain / Type: point to point / Trail: city streets & dirt roads / Exposure: full sun / Rating: easy / Lunch: at restaurant on way home