
moderate
7 hours
Suitable for travelers in regular physical condition who can handle uneven terrain and short steep sections; basic swimming ability recommended.
A private day trip from Huatulco that pairs a family-run coffee farm visit with a hike to the crystalline pools and cascades of Llano Grande. Swim, try a clay bath, taste coffee and mezcal, and return with a full Oaxacan lunch.
The van winds up out of Huatulco, leaving the salt memory of the bays behind as the road climbs into the green shoulder of the Sierra Madre del Sur. Mornings in this part of Oaxaca arrive with damp air and the smell of earth; the guide greets the group at a small community where fewer than a hundred people live, and for a moment the pace slows to match the coffee trees. At La Gloria, a family-run farm, chocolate and single-origin coffee are passed around like introductions—bitter, bright, and built on decades of care—before the hike begins.

Wear grippy, closed-toe trail shoes—the river rocks and trails can be slippery even on dry days.
Carry at least 1–2 liters of water and a small snack; the guide provides bottled water but you’ll appreciate your own bottle on the trail.
Sunscreen, a brimmed hat and light long sleeves help against sun exposure; bring insect repellent for shaded riverbanks.
Test water depth before diving and rinse thoroughly after a clay bath—people with sensitive skin should avoid prolonged contact.
This stretch of the Sierra Madre del Sur has long been home to small-scale coffee and mezcal producers; local communities maintain traditional processing methods passed through generations.
Trails and pools are sensitive to trampling and litter; operators encourage 'leave no trace' practices and tours support community stewardship of the land.
Grip and ankle support for rocky, uneven paths and river crossings.
For swimming in pools and enjoying a clay bath after the hike.
summer specific
Staying hydrated is critical during the hike; the operator provides bottled water but refills are useful.
Quick storms can arrive during the rainy season—packable protection keeps you dry.
summer specific