Hike the Ancient Camino Real with Coyote Aventuras in Oaxaca

Join us at 6:00 a.m. at the Coyote Aventuras office. After introductions, we will board the Coyote van and prepare for our adventure. The Camino Real, nestled in the deep Sierra Norte region, is about a 2-hour drive from the city, where we will begin our hike.

This ancient paved trail, shaped by generations of indigenous people, was used for trade—an exchange of goods between the villages of Oaxaca and other regions of Mexico. The Camino Real invites reflection on the past and present traditions of indigenous peoples not only from Oaxaca but all of Mesoamerica. The hike descends through various communal territories, where the difficulty of the trails varies. Before we begin, we will gather briefly to discuss the physical requirements for the hike and choose the section of the Camino Real best suited to your level.

The Camino Real spans 18 km (11 miles) and reaches a maximum altitude of 2,312 meters (7,586 feet). This trail connects several communities in the Sierra Norte with the Central Valley. In pre-Hispanic times, this route was a trade path used by Mesoamerican civilizations, such as the Mexicas, Zapotecs, and Mixtecs, to exchange valuable products like jade and shells. Along the way, you will feel the presence of ancient travelers who crossed these paths in search of new trade partners.

The trail also offers unique opportunities to enjoy the crystal-clear spring waters, which are considered healing in many cultures. We recommend dipping at least your feet in these mystical waters, offering you a well-deserved break after the hike.

Along the way, we will work with local guides who have a deep knowledge of their land. They will share stories about how their culture is intimately connected with the forest, a sacred space that provides them with medicine, food, and shelter.

The hike will end at Cerro del Jaguar, where we will hold a small ceremony while enjoying a beautiful sunset. Here, we will contemplate the divinity of this Zapotec archaeological site, an experience you will surely remember forever.