Ultimate Hierve el Agua Hike + Teotitlán

WHAT YOU’LL DO

We’ll meet at 6:00 AM at the Coyote Aventuras Office where you’ll ring doorbell A to let your trip leader know you’ve arrived.  After brief introductions, lets hop into the Coyote van and head out to the Zapotec community of San Isidro Roaguía.  This ride takes you through the central valley as the sun rises, illuminating precious agave fields, thousand year old cave paintings and vast mountainscapes.  The ride should take about 2 hours (más o menos) as we cross the southern mountains out to San Isidro.

In San Isidro Roaguía our good friend and local collaborator Emelia will be waiting for our arrival with delicious locally-sourced hot chocolate and cafecito de olla to wake you up after an early morning!  We even recommend trying her exquisite mocha which combines the best of both worlds creating a tasty fusion that embodies Oaxaca.  As we sit around the table and enjoy our refreshments, you’ll introduce yourself to all our adventure partners for the day. Please don’t hesitate to talk with Emelia and her husband Rey to learn more about their lives, the local customs, and their communal molino (corn mill) where people from around the community grind their masa for tortillas.  After our drinks, Emelia will prepare a healthy breakfast of memelas, quesadillas and pan dulce to get you fully nourished and ready for our hike! 

All of Coyote Aventuras travel experiences emphasize giving something back to the land.  Once we arrive at Hierve el Agua your Coyote guide will guide a brief ceremony where we make a small offering to Pachamama, the mother earth goddess that we believe takes care of our safety during the trip.  This is also an opportunity to set an intention for your journey with us.   Zapotecs, Mixes and Mixtec peoples throughout the region keep this gratitude ritual alive through their customs of giving back to the earth.  We believe that when venturing into natural spaces it is essential that we respect this custom by making a small offering to the earth, that despite so much damage humans inflict, continues to provide for us in bounty.   

Following our gratitude ritual we’ll hike around a small loop that will give you different perspectives of this rare natural gem.  Hierve el Agua is one of only two petrified waterfalls in the entire world, so please make some memories and ask your guide to take some nice photos.  During this small loop your Coyote guide will point out some fascinating aspects of the arid high altitude ecology in the area, also commenting on the indigenous oral histories surrounding how this stunning place came to grace the planet.  Once our loop is complete, take some time to refresh and take a dip in the healing mineral pools.  Although the name Hierve el Agua (the water boils) might suggest these are some type of hot spring, the water is actually pretty chilly, so remember to bring a towel to dry off. 

Now it’s time to get ready for our main hike down to a secret spot rarely visited by travelers, where you’ll have an opportunity to take in the essence of this unique geological formation with our small group.  The hike is a total of 5 km (3 miles) and is medium difficulty.  We advise you that it can get very hot out at Hierve el Agua and it is important to bring adequate gear to protect yourself from the sun.  The trail can also have small rocks and pebbles so please bring a good pair of hiking boots or shoes with good tread to prevent any slipping.  At our secret spot you’ll have a moment to reflect, contemplate our journey and take another dip in some delicious mineral waters. 

After our hike through these geological formations, we’ll head out to the town of Teotitlán del Valle, (Land of the Gods in the Mexica language, nahuatl) a globally recognized community for its textile art.  In this community, the Zapotec people are intrinsically intertwined with the wool and natural dyes crafting incredible pieces that highlight their distinct worldview.  When we arrive in Teotitlán we’ll take a stroll around the community passing by important cultural landmarks such as the Teotitlán church.  The Church of San Juan Bautista in Teotitlán del Valle is a captivating example of colonial architecture in Oaxaca, Mexico. Built by the Spanish in the 16th century atop an ancient Zapotec temple, it stands as a symbol of the blending of indigenous and European cultures.  This visit serves as an excellent example how colonization occurred in the region as the church sits right atop the Zapotec archaeological site.  We’ll also pass by the Teotitlán market which is bustling with crafts, local produce, and delicious food made ready to order every morning.

Following our community tour, we’ll visit with friend and local collaborator, Josefina, where you’ll sample some delicious homemade cuisine amongst the looms.  You’ll also get to meet Josefina’s entire family and learn about how this ancestral craft of Zapotec weaving has passed on through generations.  Some even say that Josefina’s homemade mole is some of the best they’ve tried on their trip to Oaxaca!

We hope you enjoy this regenerative travel experience that mixes adventure and culture.

ACTIVITY ADVISORY

Outdoor activities carry risks, and you may be exposed to dangerous situations as part of this experience. Make sure you can participate safely given your abilities and the conditions (such as location, weather, and equipment).

This hike, although short (7km), is mostly downhill on rough terrain.  On the trail you’ll find gravel and loose rocks.

We recommend bringing hiking shoes or boots with good grip. The hike. isc onsidered intermediate level.  Also, the temperature in Oaxaca can get very hot, so it’s important to stay hydrated! Don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat.

NOTES:

– Make it private just for your party with the private charter
– Don’t see your desired date available? Please contact us! We will do our best to make special arrangements for you!

– Please, check Oaxaca’s weather the day of your experience:

Oaxaca Weather