10 Outdoor Day Trip Adventures

Outside the typical specialities of Oaxaca City lay rich collections of culture and biodiversity tucked away within surreal scenery – a magical playground that few have the chance to explore, yet has so much to offer. The state of Oaxaca is home to 16 active indigenous languages, 400+ species of mushrooms, cave systems, beaches, turquoise waterfalls, and intricate mountain ranges all within seven distinct regions where kindness and community are king. Fortunately, many of these unique towns, vistas, hiking, mountain biking, climbing and horseback riding trail systems, amongst other sacred destinations, are reachable within a day trip’s distance of Oaxaca City. 

Apart from a traveller’s inevitably delicious culinary journey, many find it has become harder and harder to get off the beaten path within Oaxaca City. There, the city centre blurs the reality of how most people live in rural Mexico, including the Oaxacan sierra and valleys. Travelling from the city centre to these small communities shares a bigger picture of Oaxaca where class stratification is potent and cultural richness and diversity is deeply celebrated. Find ease in how accessible these hidden paradises and experiences are no matter how little time you may have in Oaxaca. 

Check out these 10 outdoor adventures where you can find your own slice of heaven, an unexpected exchange with a local, or a much-needed moment of silence and perspective—with guides on what to bring to each destination. Get out there! 

When you visit Lachatao you will feel the peace and serenity of the village. Although Lachatao is formally separated from the Pueblos Mancomunados network, their community maintains an incredible offering of hiking and biking trails. The most incredible place is ‘El Cerro del Jaguar’ a sacred Zapotec site with a 360 degree view of the Sierra, however there are more highlights including a circuit to the old gold and silver mines and caves that served as storage spaces to preserve harvested crops – a local guide can even lead you inside! In order to maintain a connection with their indigenous identity, the Lachatao community established their own educational system to preserve their language and honor the traditional communal and solidarity-based customs.

One idea is to start in Latuvi and ride or walk to Lachatao (14 km). Called ‘Camino Real’, this trail is a very old route that follows the river and was used for trade between the mountains and the central valleys. Upon arrival in Lachatao, go to the local temazcal (steam bath) and have a traditional cleanse . Keep an eye out for local fauna including white-tailed deer, and “tigrillo,” a small spotted leopard lurking in the trees.

Located 45 minutes north west of Oaxaca City is La Cumbre Ixtepeji where a series of professionally made mountain bike trails are at your full disposal. Meanwhile, the non-bikers of the group can take full advantage of meandering hiking trails that also offer wonderful opportunities for birdwatching. Meet back up with your crew at the end of the day for a night of camping or stay overnight in the local cabañas which you’ll find right as you exit the main road.

This is a paradise for mountain bikers. The best trails of the country for endurance, cross country and downhill are waiting for you with lots of flow, adrenaline, jumps, obstacles and surrounded by the magical nature of the spirits of the forest.

Just three hours from Oaxaca City lies a condensed cliffside paradise. There are only two comedores in town to cook you up delicious Oaxacan food such as mole with chicken or enfrijoladas, so pack your snacks and a couple of meals. There’s plenty to see here so reserve a cabaña with two bunk beds ($500 MXN per night) or head out camping and set up your tent beside the river. There’s also one hotel in town.

Have a local guide lead you into the surrounding canyon, caves, and surreal lagoons. Bring your rock climbing gear or mountain bike and gain a different perspective of the box canyon from up above. Expect to make friends with the sweet local dogs and watch the world soften as the light changes in the afternoon. Grab a cold beer from the corner bodega and watch out for donkeys running loose as you listen to the river water trickle into the surrounding farm beds.

Tucked up against the hills thirty minutes north east of Oaxaca City is San Agustín Etla. Bring mountain bikes and pedal onto a mix of open and forested flowing trails. You’re sure to bring noise to the forest as you coast through the soft soil. No worries if you’d rather stay on your feet – the area offers sublime hiking trails as well.

If you’re looking for a family-friendly environment, Cieneguilla Ecotourismo offers cabañas, a waterfall, a zipline over the lake and a delicious comedor. Camping is also welcomed – just be sure to bring the snacks and drinks your crew needs for overnight.

Explore by hiking the area around the Centro de los Artes de San Agustín. At the end there are delicious options and hidden gems to eat.

A non-tourist destination you probably haven’t heard of before, San Pablo Cuatro Venados is, nonetheless, a secret worth sharing. Spend the afternoon wandering around the town and take a short hike to the nearby cascading waterfalls for a picnic and plunge in the pools. Or ditch the car in town and get further up into the hills on mountain bike. Bring along a good friend or guide to drive the car back while you coast back downhill to Oaxaca on your bike in just 2.5 hours! You’ll probably just have to buy the beers that night.

Otherwise, soak up this unique part of the sierra in the southwest of Oaxaca and treat yourself to a simple night in the town’s cabañas and a locally farmed trout dinner.

If you want to avoid the hassle of lugging bikes into the Sierra or navigating public transport, or are simply travelling on a budget, head out with running shoes or two-wheels directly from Oaxaca City centre.

Carnivoras Road

Heading north from the city centre towards the Guadalupe Victoria neighbourhood, you’ll find the Carnivoras Road trail system. There you can indulge in trail running or mountain biking on a single-track or stay on the dirt road while enjoying views of the city below.

Road bike Oaxaca City Centre to El Tule

Rent bikes in the morning and set out on an easy hour-long 10km joy ride towards Santa María del Tule. No need to worry about the chaotic traffic as you’ll get to enjoy a protected bike lane the entire way. Once in Tule, you can visit the town’s famed ‘widest tree in the world’ and treat yourself to a delicious meal in the market just beside the tree. Plan your trip for a Sunday and visit the market on its most lively day for a taste of borrego (sheep) BBQ.

Monte Alban and Atzompa Hiking/Biking Trails

Although the city tourist bus can easily take you to the top of Monte Alban, why not get your blood pumping on the way up! You can choose to wind your way up on a road bike or first coast over to Atzompa and take your pick of smooth single-track mountain bike and running trails to approach the ruins. No matter which trail you choose, you’ll always have the view of Oaxaca to your left and don’t have to worry about getting lost. Catching a Monte Alban sunset from the top is an unforgettable experience, offering a breathtaking panorama of the ancient city and the surrounding landscape.