Explore Oaxaca’s North Sierra: A Day-Long Adventure into Mexico’s Untamed Highlands
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
8 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness required; suitable for those comfortable with walking on uneven ground and some altitude.
Overview
Discover the wild beauty and rich culture of Oaxaca’s northern highlands on an eight-hour guided tour. Explore pine-oak forests, Zapotec villages, and awe-inspiring rock formations on this unique mountain adventure.
North Sierra Tour
Starting at $2,500 MXN (Approx. $139 USD) | 8 Hours | All Ages!
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About This Adventure
Just under two hours from Oaxaca City exists a network of Zapotec villages sprinkled throughout 100 kilometers of hiking trails in the Sierra Norte
Rates
- Adult | 1-2 People (Ages 13+): $2,500 MXN | Approx. USD 138
- Adult | 3-5 People (Ages 13+): $2,000 MXN | Approx. USD 111
- Adult | 6-15 People (Ages 13+): $1,500 MXN | Approx. USD 83
- Adult | Child (Ages 6 -12): $1000 MXN | Approx. USD 56
- Adult | Infants (Ages 5 and Under): Free!
The USD price is approximate, and the checkout will be in MXN pesos.
Duration
8 Hours
About
Just an hour and twenty minutes from Oaxaca City, San Antonio Cuajimoloyas is one of the most beautiful communities in the North Sierra, located at the highest altitude of 10,498 feet above sea level. Cuajimoloyas has magnificent natural landscapes that make it an ideal place to take a hike, admire nature, and practice mountain biking or horseback riding while enjoying the stunning views of the mountains. San Antonio Cuajimoloyas, a tour through the cloudy forest!
Itinerary
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We will meet at Casa de las Bugambilias B&B or the front desk of your hotel, from where we will drive 40 minutes southeast on Highway 190 until we get to Tlacolula de Matamoros. Then, we will drive north for 45 minutes until we get to Cuajimoloyas.
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Trail I: Coyote Canyon Trail (Cañón del Coyote). Distance: 7 miles.
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The tour of this trail begins by visiting the natural springs "Ojito de Agua," where the water comes through the cracks of a high cliff and continues up to the Coyote Canyon, where you will meet the fantastic Coyote caves and where you will enjoy the splendid mountain landscapes from the North Sierra viewpoints. We will start the hiking tour with a local guide from the community at 11 a.m. and finish at 2 p.m. The local guide will show us the flora, fauna and the trails. At 2 p.m., we will have lunch in a traditional restaurant in Cuajimoloyas and drive back to Oaxaca City at 3 p.m. On the way back, we will stop to take panoramic pictures of the Tlacolula Valley from the mountain vistas.
Included
- Transportation
- English-speaking tour guide
- Soft drinks
- Snacks
- Admission fees
- Bilingual driver
Not Included
- Tips
Additional Cost
- Lunch
- Additional beverages
Adventure Tips
Prepare for variable weather
Pack layers as mountain conditions can change quickly, from warm sun to chilly breezes.
Wear sturdy footwear
Choose hiking boots with good grip for uneven terrain during short walks.
Bring cash locally
Some remote villages may not accept cards; carrying Mexican pesos is recommended.
Respect cultural sites
Ask before photographing locals or entering private community areas to honor traditions.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Resplendent quetzal
- Mexican pine squirrel
History
The Sierra Norte region has been inhabited for thousands of years by Zapotec and Mixe peoples, whose traditions persist in mountainous communities.
Conservation
Local cooperatives emphasize sustainable tourism to protect fragile forest ecosystems and maintain cultural heritage.
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Adventure Hotspots in Oaxaca de Juárez
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Hiking boots
Provides support and grip for rough mountain trails.
Layered clothing
Allows adjustment to changing mountain temperatures.
Sun protection (hat & sunscreen)
Protects skin during exposed daytime hiking.
summer specific
Reusable water bottle
Staying hydrated on a long outdoor excursion is essential.