Day 1 : Oaxaca
Fly from Mexico City into Oaxaca. You will be met at the airport by a Travel The Unknown representative and brought to your hotel. Rest of the day free.
Meal plan: n/a
8 days
Ask us for pricing
This is the price per person for a private tour (based on 2 people travelling) excluding international flights. Contact us for pricing for other group sizes including individuals.
Intro
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Venture into a hidden corner of Mexico that the indigenous Zapotecs call home - the Sierra Norte mountains of Oaxaca. This stunning region is home to around 4,000 plant species and is thought to be one of the oldest eco-systems in the world at around 20 million years old. These beautiful mountains, pine forests, rivers and valleys lend themselves to legends and the Zapotecs have many which they are only too happy to share with the adventurous souls who visit their native lands. The benefits of this eco-tourism project are shared amongst the people and villages that make this area so special. Come discover this little slice of paradise.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
- Relive the day’s adventures around your own lodge’s fire
- Experience the warm welcome of the Zapotecs
- Witness an incredible array of biodiversity
- Do your bit for the environment & economy of this region
- Take a high altitude zip-wire ride
Places Visited
Oaxaca - Cuajimoloyas - Latuvi - Amatlan
What's Included
International return flight (where indicated)Airport pick-up & drop-off
Return internal flights from Mexico City
Ground transport
Accommodation
Entrance fees parks
Most meals (refer to itinerary for meal plan)
Drivers, guides and translators
Day 2 : Llano Grande
Drive North to the village of Llano Grande in the Sierra Norte mountain range. Start a 4 hour hiking loop in the surrounding cloud forest before returning for a late lunch. Afternoon free to relax or visit the village. Dinner and overnight in Llano Grande. A fire will be lit in the fireplace in your room in the evening here.
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
The Sierra Norte is an area of incredible biodiversity and home to over 400 birds and 350 butterfly species as well as jaguar, spider monkeys and tapirs. The Sierra is also the site of mixed pine-oak forests, classified by the World Wildlife Fund as being the richest and most varied on earth and one of the world's oldest ecosystems. It is estimated to be over twenty million years old.
The Zapotec people of the Sierra Norte live from their forests and mineral resources. In 1998 an ecotourism project was founded to protect and preserve this nature system in a sustainable way (Expediciones Sierra Norte A.C.). A small tourism infrastructure has been established and the tours offered in the area are organized by the villagers themselves. Guides from the villages accompany us during our walks and explain the different kinds of animals and plants and their uses.
The Zapotec people of the Sierra Norte live from their forests and mineral resources. In 1998 an ecotourism project was founded to protect and preserve this nature system in a sustainable way (Expediciones Sierra Norte A.C.). A small tourism infrastructure has been established and the tours offered in the area are organized by the villagers themselves. Guides from the villages accompany us during our walks and explain the different kinds of animals and plants and their uses.
Day 3 : Cuajimoloyas
Hike to Cuajimoloyas via Cueva de la Iglesia (5 hours). Lunch at Cuajimoloyas. Optional afternoon hike to El Mirador (viewpoint) or visit of a traditional healer.
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Cuajimoloyas is 56 kilometers (37 miles) northeast of Oaxaca City. Cuajimoloyas is known for its annual Feria de Hongos or Mushroom Festival held in late July or early August, which is near the beginning of the rainy season. The elevation of Cuajimoloyas is 3160m/10,370', and the average temperature is 48°F, so you will need warm clothing at any time of the year, and especially after dark. Good reasons to visit include good nature hikes and bike rides.
Day 4 : Latuvi
Hike to Latuvi (5½ hours). Lunch at a trout farm. Overnight in the cabins of Latuvi.
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 5 : Amatlan
Hike from Latuvi to Amatlan along Camino Real (6 hours). Optional temazcal (traditional steam bath) in the late afternoon. Overnight in the cabins of Amatlan.
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 6 : La Natividad - Capulalpam
Free morning or hike from Amatlan to La Natividad / Capulalpam. After lunch visit of the center for traditional medicine in Capulalpam. Drive back to Oaxaca city. Overnight in Oaxaca.
Meal plan: Breakfast & lunch
Day 7 : Oaxaca
Day tour of Oaxaca. Visit of Santo Domingo church and the ethnobotanical garden.Walk along the main pedestrian street down to the main plaza ('El Zocalo') and visit the cathedral and the central '20 de noviembre' market stopping at different stands for an explanation of the uses of medicinal plants. Sample chillies, taste various local products such as agua de horchata con tuna y nueces (rice water with prickly pear and walnuts), the famous chapulines (grasshoppers) and nieves (home-made ice cream - with hundreds of flavours). Lunch at the Centro de Esperanza Infantil with an explanation of the work they do. Overnight in Oaxaca.
Meal plan: Breakfast & lunch
The Centro de Esperanza Infantil is a part of the Oaxaca Street Children Grassroots organisation. Focusing on community participation and volunteering, their goal is to lessen poverty through education. Making a difference begins at the grassroots level and requires community involvement and volunteer action to promote learning, greater self-esteem, and personal achievement and to remove the physical, emotional, medical or financial barriers that hinder children from receiving an education.
Day 8 : Oaxaca - Departure
Breakfast. Drop to the airport for departure to Mexico City.
Meal plan: Breakfast
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Caroline , Zapotecan Village Trek, MexicoThe hiking was amazing with spectacular scenery and knowledgeable guides. The luxurious but rustic wooden cabins were really welcoming after a long days hiking.
Jeannie Saville , Flavours of Mexico, MexicoIt is not surprising that UNESCO has added Mexican cuisine to its list of cultural treasures worth preserving. The variety and quality of Oaxacan food is awe inspiring and ranges from street food to creative chefs in top class restaurants. All aspiring young chefs should visit the Sunday market in Tlacolula, a real feast for the eyes and the palette. We have learnt a huge amount on this tour about life in Mexico and the problems of Mexico`s indigenous people.
Bill Dodd , Flavours of Mexico, MexicoHaving travelled to Mexico on various trips over the years I was surprised to find Oaxaca was so different. Many traditions that have died out elsewhere are still alive and kicking in Oaxaca. And the food is sublime.