The Sierra Norte Mountains of Oaxaca are a beautiful and magical place, with charming villages and stunning scenery. One of the best ways to experience this region is by hiking through the Pueblos Mancomunados, a group of small villages that have come together to manage their resources and preserve their cultural heritage.
As you hike through the mountains, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding forests and mountains. The trails are well-marked and range from easy to challenging, so there's something for everyone.
After a day of hiking, you can rest your weary feet and enjoy the hospitality of the local community. The Pueblos Mancomunados offer comfortable cabins for visitors, run by the community and staffed by friendly locals. Here, you'll be treated to delicious local food made with fresh ingredients and cooked in the traditional style.
In the evenings, you can gather around a bonfire and listen to stories of local legends and folklore. The Pueblos Mancomunados have a rich cultural heritage, and the locals are happy to share their history and traditions with visitors.
Overall, a hike in the Sierra Norte Mountains of Oaxaca is a truly magical experience. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or just looking for a relaxing getaway, you'll find plenty to enjoy in this beautiful and unique region.
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Details
Itinerary
The tour begins leaving from the city of Oaxaca, heading to the community of Lachatao in the Sierra Norte de Oaxaca. Estimated travel time in the car is 2 hours.
Upon arrival enjoy a local snack before beginning your hike to Camino Real with your local guide.
You will a hike a route that was part of a broader pre-Hispanic route that linked the Zapotec cities of the Central Valleys with the Gulf of Mexico, along the route you can see vestiges of the original stone path, in excellent condition; You will be able to observe the vegetation, an example of the wonderful biological diversity of the Sierra Norte (bromeliads, trees with moss and figures sculpted in rock by nature itself).
We will use the same route to return to the community, where a delicious meal awaits us.
Trail distance: 12km (7.4 miles) Estimated walking time: 5 hours
After lunch, we ́ll move to our cabins and have free time to rest and enjoy the wonderful views of the region.We recommend to you visit the church of Lachatao of the XVI century, and the local museum that houses part of the history of the community and the region.
Lodging: Lachatao Community Cabins
The adventure keeps going! While we welcome a new day, we prepare to go down to breakfast at the community dining room, with our luggage ready, because this day we ́ll move to another community.
After breakfast we will start the hike to the Mining farm "5 señores", enjoy the dreamlike landscapes that can be seen from a picturesque stone bridge, as from a majestic aqueduct and different stone ruins that tell us about the town in times of the colony. In this mining farm, Margarita Maza de Juárez, the wife of one of the most important presidents of Mexico, Benito Juárez García, was received when he was persecuted by Santa Anna. Our guides will tell you the interesting history of the mining farm.
Trail distance: 14km (8.6 miles) Estimated walking time: 4.5 hours
After lunch a transport will take us to Capulálpam, where we will spend the second night. Once in Capulalpam you will have free time. We recommend you visit the traditional medicine center and enjoy a Temascal (traditional ritual bath performed with the steam produced by aromatic and medicinal herbs, emerging from previously heated volcanic stones) *additional cost/advance booking required.
Lodging: Cabins of Capulalpam
The adventure is nearing and end and the best way to close it out is with a visit to the Molinos Park.
After breakfast we will hike to to the viewpoint “la ventana”, after for incredible views. The tour continues until you find the river “los molinos”, continuing along the shore enjoying beautiful landscapes until you reach the recreational center los molinos. If the weather is favorable, you ́ll have time to swim in the crystalline waters.
Trail distance: 6 to 8 km (4-5 miles) Estimated walking time: 3 hours
At the end of the hike we will enjoy a delicious meal at the restaurant "Los Molinos", before heading back to Oaxaca city.
What's Included
Your Local Host
Expediciones Sierra Norte
Locally Owned Community Project
If you're looking for a unique and immersive travel experience that brings you close to nature and the culture of the Zapotec communities, look no further than the Pueblos Mancomunados of the Sierra Norte of Oaxaca. Nestled in the beautiful Sierra Norte mountain range, these communities are located at altitudes between 2,000 and 3,200 meters, and offer visitors the opportunity to explore more than 100 kilometers of rural trails that are perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. The Pueblos Mancomunados of the Sierra Norte are a group of eight indigenous communities that have joined forces to promote sustainable tourism in their region. These communities are committed to preserving their traditional way of life and their natural environment, and they welcome visitors with open arms. When you visit the Pueblos Mancomunados, you'll have the chance to experience the beauty of the Sierra Norte from a unique perspective. You'll be able to explore the stunning forests, rivers, and waterfalls that make this region so special, and you'll also have the opportunity to learn about the customs, traditions, and history of the Zapotec people. Whether you're an experienced hiker or mountain biker, or you're simply looking for a peaceful and scenic place to relax and unwind, the Pueblos Mancomunados of the Sierra Norte have something for everyone. So why not plan your trip today and discover the hidden gems of the Sierra Norte for yourself? You won't be disappointed.
Getting There
