THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Spend a day hiking rugged canyons and swimming in turquoise pools at Apoala Waterfalls near Oaxaca. Dive into Mixtec culture and pristine landscapes with Coyote Aventuras.
Spend a day hiking rugged canyons and swimming in turquoise pools at Apoala Waterfalls near Oaxaca. Dive into Mixtec culture and pristine landscapes with Coyote Aventuras.
Book with Coyote Aventuras
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Coyote Aventuras · Oaxaca de Juárez, Oaxaca
Located about two and a half hours from Oaxaca de Juárez, the Hike + Swim at Apoala Waterfalls with Coyote Aventuras offers a full-day journey into the heart of Oaxaca’s Mixteca Alta region. Starting at the company’s office on C. Macedonio Alcalá 802 in downtown Oaxaca, the adventure begins with a scenic drive traversing arid deserts and protected cactus biospheres, before ascending into pine and oak-covered mountains draped with Spanish moss. This route highlights a dramatic ecological shift from dry lowlands to lush highlands.
Arriving at the village of Santiago Apoala, with roughly 800 residents tucked into a canyon framed by towering limestone cliffs, your group pauses for a traditional regional breakfast and a briefing. Apoala, meaning “where the river begins” in Mixtec, sits at the headwaters of springs that feed into a canyon network dotted with waterfalls and turquoise pools.
Led by local guides, the hike ventures alongside these springs to several waterfalls, including the majestic Cascada de Cola de Caballo, which plunges more than 100 feet into a vibrant pool. This spot is famed not only for its beauty but for thermal waters historically believed to possess healing properties.
Alongside natural highlights, you’ll engage with Mixtec culture—stories of gods and heroes like Lord Eight Deer Jaguar Claw, conveyed through the lens of nearby indigenous communities. The trails wind past limestone formations supporting unique plant life such as bromeliads and agave, creating a rare ecosystem.
Post-hike, guests savor a meal showcasing the distinct flavors of the Mixteca region before visiting the Peñas Gemelas canyon, where sheer walls offer a striking backdrop to end the day. Coyote Aventuras blends cultural immersion with outdoor adventure, making this trip a singular gateway to Oaxaca’s under-the-radar wilderness and ancestral heritage. Return to Oaxaca city by evening, enriched by fresh perspectives and vivid natural beauty.
moderate.
13 hours.
Participants should have decent endurance for moderate hiking with some elevation changes and be comfortable swimming in natural pools.
Yes, the pools are natural but generally calm and accessible for confident swimmers comfortable in fresh water.
Yes, traditional regional breakfasts, snacks, and lunches are provided as part of the experience.
Wear lightweight, quick-drying clothing and sturdy shoes suitable for hiking and water crossings.
The trip is best suited for active adults and older children comfortable with moderate hiking and swimming.
Community guides narrate Mixtec myths and history as you hike, connecting visitors with indigenous heritage.
Full refunds are available if cancellation is made at least 24 hours before the trip.
Apoala’s landscapes and pools figure in Mixtec origin myths, including tales of Lord Eight Deer Jaguar Claw, an important semi-divine leader.
Coyote Aventuras partners with local communities promoting sustainable ecotourism that respects biodiversity and indigenous culture.
Coyote Aventuras is an outdoor and cultural tour operator based in Oaxaca de Juárez, Oaxaca. The company organizes guided experiences that highlight the region’s natural landscapes, indigenous traditions, and culinary heritage. Offerings include day hikes in the Sierra Norte and Hierve el Agua, multi‑day treks, mountain biking and enduro routes, rock climbing, and immersive cultural tours such as mezcal tastings and Day of the Dead visits to artisan communities. Trips often include local guides who share conservation efforts, traditional stories, and practical skills for safe exploration. Sample itineraries list activities such as picnic breakfasts, visits to distilleries, archaeological sunset tours at Monte Albán, and hikes to waterfalls like Apoala. Coyote Aventuras also offers specialized routes — mountain biking on Oaxaca’s legendary trails, e-bike tours through Zapotec communities, and multi‑day camping options in the Mixteca and Sierra Norte. Based in Oaxaca de Juárez, Coyote Aventuras designs experiences that prioritize cultural respect, environmental stewardship, and safety. All public descriptions emphasize factual destinations and activities and reflect collaborations with local families and communities, including visits to Santa María Atzompa, Teotitlán del Valle, and Mixtec and Zapotec villages. Travelers can choose single‑day tours or extended programs such as the four‑day MTB Enduro or two‑day Apoala adventures. The operator’s focus on authentic local connections and outdoor expertise makes it a reliable option for exploring Oaxaca’s landscapes and traditions. Booking information and specific schedules are available through The Adventure Collective listing and direct inquiry to confirm dates, group size limits, and seasonal availability before travel planning.
Book with Coyote Aventuras