Senderos Zapotecas

Your adventure begins with departure from Oaxaca City, where our team will pick you up at your hotel for the scenic drive to the Sierra Norte. We’ll travel through the Valley of Tlacolula before arriving in Llano Grande (estimated travel time: 2 hours).

Upon arrival in Llano Grande, we begin our hike along the “Cueva Iglesia” trail. This beautiful route leads into the territory of San Miguel del Valle, offering breathtaking landscapes, natural viewpoints, and a sense of mysticism that makes this journey a truly unique experience in nature.We continue trekking until we reach the mountain village of Cuajimoloyas.

Trail distance: 12 km

Estimated hiking time: 5–6 hours

Upon arrival in Cuajimoloyas, we’ll enjoy a meal at one of the local community restaurants. Afterward, we’ll check into our cozy cabins and have free time to explore, including the community’s scenic suspension bridge. In the evening, there is the option to participate in a traditional temazcal ceremony (additional cost). This ancestral steam bath experience offers a deeply grounding and restorative way to relax after a full day of hiking.

Meals included: Lunch (picnic style) and dinner

Accommodation: Cabins in Cuajimoloyas

After a restful night in Cuajimoloyas and a nutritious breakfast, we prepare our backpacks for a new day of adventure.

Today we hike from Cuajimoloyas to the town of Amatlán. This is an ideal trail for hikers with previous experience who are looking for a rewarding challenge. The route crosses the territory of the Pueblos Mancomunados, where the changes in elevation, vegetation, and climate are noticeable throughout the journey. Due to its length and terrain, this hike requires good physical condition.

Trail distance: 23 km

Estimated hiking time: Approximately 7 hours

Upon arrival in Amatlán, we’ll enjoy a delicious meal at a local community restaurant and take in the beautiful mountain views. We also recommend visiting the Church of Amatlán and the local community museum, which shares the history and cultural heritage of the region.

Meals included: Breakfast, picnic lunch, and dinner

Accommodation: Cabins in Amatlán or Lachatao

Our adventure continues. In the morning, we prepare our backpacks, check out of our lodging, and gather in the dining room for breakfast before beginning the day’s hike.

Today we trek to the mountain village of Latuvi, known as the “land of the rolled leaf.” We follow the historic Camino Real, a pre-Hispanic route that once connected the Zapotec cities of the Central Valleys with the Gulf of Mexico. Along the way, you’ll see well-preserved sections of the original stone pathway, as well as the incredible biodiversity of the Sierra Norte — including bromeliads, moss-covered trees, and rock formations sculpted naturally over time.

Trail distance: 16 km

Estimated hiking time: 5–6 hours

Upon arrival in Latuvi, we’ll head to the community dining hall to enjoy local cuisine and take time to rest.

In the afternoon or evening, you may choose to participate in a traditional temazcal ceremony (optional, additional cost), a deeply relaxing ancestral steam bath experience. There is also the option to enjoy a pulque tasting experience (optional, additional cost), where you can learn about this traditional fermented agave beverage and its cultural significance in the region.

Meals included: Breakfast, box lunch, lunch, and dinner

Accommodation: Cabins in Latuvi

Our adventure begins to come to an end. After breakfast, we’ll meet our local guide to begin our final hike toward Benito Juárez, the pioneering ecotourism community of the region.

Along the way, we ascend from approximately 2,400 meters to 2,900 meters above sea level, reaching the Benito Juárez Viewpoint, which offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Central Valleys of Oaxaca.

Upon arrival in Benito Juárez, we’ll enjoy a delicious meal before beginning our return transfer to Oaxaca City.

Trail distance: 12 km

Estimated hiking time: Approximately 4.5 hours

Meals included: Breakfast and lunch