Hiking with Rescue Dogs in Oaxaca’s Ixtepeji Forest: A Unique Sierra Norte Adventure

Join us at 8:00 a.m. at Coyote Aventuras to kick off our day. This is a unique experience, as you will have the chance to meet the furry friends who will accompany us on this journey. Caravana Canina, our partner organization, works in Oaxaca to address the overpopulation of street dogs in the city and surrounding rural areas.

Together, we organize sterilization campaigns, foster programs, and seek dignified homes for abandoned dogs. After introducing ourselves and meeting the adorable puppies, we’ll hop on the Coyote Van and head to the Ixtepeji communal ecopark, located about 45 minutes from Oaxaca City, in the Sierra Norte mountains.

As we make our way to the ecopark, your guide will talk to you about Caravana Canina’s initiatives, detailing how they are tackling the street dog overpopulation issue in the region. Upon arrival at the ecopark, we’ll enjoy a picnic with traditional food and begin preparing for the hike. Here, the routes range from beginner to advanced, and it will be the trip leader who decides the most appropriate option for the group.

This hike offers a chance for the dogs to develop socialization and training skills. The dogs accompanying us on this journey have basic skills, but it’s a perfect time to work with them and help them overcome any trauma they may have experienced. Many of these dogs may be shy with humans due to past experiences, so this is an opportunity to show them love and patience. If you choose to join, you should feel comfortable interacting with the dogs. The hiking companions will be selected based on the group’s needs at the time of booking.

After the hike through the ecopark, we’ll descend the mountain and stop at a special place to enjoy traditional food from the Sierra Norte. This region is famous for its yellow mole, soups, stews, and fresh trout, which will warm you up after the hike. We’ll return to Oaxaca City around 5:00 p.m., closing a day full of adventure and support for a very important cause.

Thank you for being part of this experience and supporting Caravana Canina’s mission to create long-term solutions that combat the abandonment and abuse of street dogs, promoting a healthier relationship between humans and our furry companions.