Sierra Norte Hiking with Coyote Aventuras in Oaxaca

Join us at 7:00 a.m. at Coyote Avenuturas to kick off the day. Our first stop will be Cuajimoloyas, a hidden community in the majestic Sierra Norte mountain range. From here, we’ll begin the journey to this picturesque village, part of the Pueblos Mancomunados, a group of Zapotec communities that share the responsibility of managing their forests sustainably and protecting their resources from external interests. The journey from Oaxaca City takes approximately an hour and a half.

Upon arriving at Cuajimoloyas, you’ll have time to stretch your legs before enjoying a delicious picnic-style breakfast, perfect for warming up on the cool mountain morning. This region is famous for its biodiversity, especially its mushrooms, which, during the rainy season, can be harvested directly from the nearby forests, offering a unique gastronomic experience.

After this well-deserved break, we’ll take a tour of the community, where you’ll learn about "Comunalidad," the organizational system that governs life in many Oaxacan communities. This concept, which encompasses land, organization, community labor (tequio), and festivals, is key to understanding how these communities have maintained their resistance to extractive projects and preserved their natural resources. As is customary in Oaxaca, communal festivals are an essential part of local life.

Next, we’ll prepare for a 10 km (6 miles) hike through the forest, taking us to some stunning viewpoints with expansive views of the mountainous landscape. The trail, reaching an altitude of 3,228 meters, is known for its natural beauty: brightly colored wildflowers, enormous agaves, hanging Spanish moss, and the imposing pines and oaks typical of the Sierra Norte ecosystems. During the hike, your guide will share information about the local flora and fauna, offering a deeper insight into this fascinating natural environment.

After the hike, we’ll return to the community to enjoy a traditional meal, packed with local flavors that will energize you for the rest of the day.

Our next destination will be the Cuajimoloyas hanging bridge, one of the most exciting points of the tour. Here, as we hang above the mystical forest, we’ll take a moment to admire the landscape and express our gratitude for this day of connection with nature.

At the end of the day, we’ll return to Oaxaca City, where we’ll arrive around 5:00 p.m., wrapping up a day full of adventure and learning.