Epic Rock Climbing Adventure at Apoala 2 days + 1 night

WHAT YOU’LL DO

Join us at Coyote Aventuras at 7:00 a.m. to begin our hike to the Apoala communities. Enjoy a refreshing drink before we head out as we prepare for the day. Next, we’ll start our journey through dense forests, arid landscapes, and cornfields, heading towards the community of Santiago Apoala. We will make a brief stop at a local viewpoint where you can take in the region’s geography. Here, we will make a small offering to the ancestors of the land and ask for permission to safely climb their impressive cliffs.

Upon arrival, we will leave our belongings at the communal cabins, which will be our home for the night, and get ready to head towards the rock face. The short 20-minute approach to Apoala winds through a canyon alongside a clear river, where you can see large bromeliads hanging from the rock walls and moss decorating the trails. The climbing at Apoala focuses on La Peña Colorada, an impressive rock wall with up to 20 routes of varying difficulty, perfect for all skill levels. We will go over safety protocols, adjust our equipment, and begin warming up. It’s time to climb! We’ll spend the next two hours enjoying this massive canvas of high-quality limestone.

After a picnic by the river, we’ll continue climbing until we’re ready to rest. We’ll pack up our gear and return to the cabins to relax. This is the perfect time to read, reflect, or explore the village on your own. We’ll gather again for dinner and a bonfire, where one of our local guides will share some regional legends. We encourage you to share your ghost stories!

The following day, we will rise early for a light breakfast, and then descend to a natural pool. According to legend, this site is the birthplace of Mixtec culture, and its healing waters will prepare you for the day. After some time at the pool, we will walk to Apoala’s iconic turquoise waterfall, where you can swim in these sacred waters.

After visiting the waterfall, we’ll return to the community to enjoy a delicious traditional meal accompanied by drinks. As our final experience, we’ll visit the sacred cave of the region, where, guided by a local expert, we will learn about the Mixtec worldview and the respect for sacred spaces. When we’re finished, we’ll pack up and return to Oaxaca around 4:30 p.m.

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).