HIKING + MIXTEC CULTURE SANTIAGO APOALA 2 DAYS + 1 NIGHT

WHAT YOU’LL DO

Join us at 7:00 a.m. at the Coyote Aventuras office. Upon arrival, we will have a brief introduction before boarding the van for a drive of approximately 2.5 hours to the heart of the Mixteca, one of Oaxaca’s eight regions.

This two-day experience will take you to the heart of the Mixteca region, to the small community of Santiago Apoala. The name Apoala comes from Mixtec and translates to “where the water begins.” For thousands of years, Mesoamerican communities shared the stories of their ancestors in communal spaces, such as markets, passing down tales to future generations. These narratives were later written in amate paper codices to preserve the cultures and civilizations of the region. According to the Vindobonensis Codex, Apoala is considered the place of origin, where the first man and the first woman emerged from a sacred pool.

Santiago Apoala is a sacred place for the indigenous communities of the region. In ancient codices, pictorial representations tell of religious beliefs, customs, and the deep connection with the natural environment. The turquoise spring waters of Apoala are seen as the origin of humanity in these worldviews, marking this place as a meeting point between the divine and the human.

Our expedition to this region aims to immerse you deeply in the local culture and biodiversity. We will stay in communal cabins by the river, where you can enjoy traditional food prepared by our local partners. On the first day, we will begin with a hike to the natural pools for a refreshing swim and a picnic by the river. After enjoying the beauty of these waters, we will continue our hike to the main Apoala waterfall, a sacred place where turquoise water falls over moss-covered rocks. This will be an ideal moment to reflect on the cultural significance of this site for the region.

After the hike, we will head to a local house to enjoy a traditional meal. The dishes you will taste are prepared with locally grown ingredients, free from pesticides or synthetic fertilizers, giving them a unique flavor. During the meal, you will learn more about traditional recipes that vary with the seasons. After lunch, you will have free time to explore the village or simply relax before dinner. In the evening, we will enjoy a light dinner accompanied by mezcal, followed by a campfire under the stars where you can share your experiences from the day.

The following day, breakfast will be served at 8:00 a.m. After breakfast, we will begin a three-hour hike to a local cave and an iconic waterfall. The cave, located high on a cliff, contains ancient paintings that our guide will explain, along with their cultural significance. Afterward, we will head to the waterfall, where you can take a refreshing dip before the meal on our way back to the village.

To close this adventure, we will take a short hike back to the village, where we will enjoy a final traditional meal before returning to Oaxaca City. The hikes will be of intermediate level, with some slippery sections, so we recommend bringing appropriate footwear, both closed and water-friendly.

This experience has everything needed for those who love nature, history, and culture. Join us for this two-day journey in Apoala, a place full of mysticism, biodiversity, and traditions that will leave you with unforgettable memories.

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).

NOTES:

– Make this a private tour for your friends and family!
– Don’t see your desired date available? Please contact us! We will do our best to make special arrangements for you!
– Please, check out the local weather conditions and come prepared for the tour.