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Tour: Oaxaca to the Pacific Coast
This totally new 9 day itinerary combines walking through remote mountain villages in the Sierra Norte, breathtaking scenery,
the colonial splendour of Oaxaca, exploring archeological sights and wildlife spotting.
It ends on Mexico's tropical Pacific coast.
The trip offers a quite unique opportunity to spend time with a local Mexican community in the Sierra Norte mountains, eat
local food and explore the stunning landscape. Get an insight into the cultural and historical past of
Mexico and still have time for relaxing on the beautiful beach of Puerto Escondido.
The first days are spent exploring the city of Oaxaca, an UNESCO world heritage site.
Oaxaca has much to offer: fine Spanish
colonial architecture, a traditional population of over 17 unique indigenous groups, colourful markets, renowned local crafts and the nearby
archaeological sites of Monte Alban and Mitla.
The next few days involve walking and living in the untouched Sierra Norte of Oaxaca with the locals who have set up a
remote system of trails and cabins. The visit contributes to sustainable community development by offering alternatives
to logging that has begun to deforest areas of the Sierra.
The trip ends in on the Pacific Coast with an array of optional activities such as deep-sea fishing, scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, surfing and sailing.
This is a fully escorted group tour, starting in Oaxaca and ending in Puerto Escondido. However, it can be arranged on a private
basis if you wish.
| Itinerary | |
| Day 1: | Oaxaca Arrival in Oaxaca. Today is a day to relax and explore the city after you arrive. Overnight at the Hostal de la Noria or similar. (No meals). |
| Day 2: | Monte Alban Ruins Today explore the ruins of Monte Alban, the ancient capital of the Zapotecs and arguably the first metropolis of North America, circa 500 BC. Revered for it scenic mountain-top location just above Oaxaca, this ancient city once played an important role. Return to Oaxaca for lunch and a tour city tour. Overnight Hostal de la Noria or equivalent. (Meals: B,L,D) |
| Day 3: | Mitla and Sierra Norte Today visit the colorful 16th century Templo y Convento de San Jeronimo in the village of Tlacochahuaya, a fascinating mix of native art and the Spanish Dominican influence. Continue on to the ruins of Mitla and one of Mexico's most interesting pre-colombian burial grounds. In the afternoon transfer to the Sierra Norte Mountains, to very comfortable locally owned and run cabins with bunk beds, group fireplace and shared bathrooms with hot water. Enjoy a delicious typical dinner. By staying at this local lodge we contribute directly to the community and ensure the preservation of the surrounding forest. Relax and enjoy an evening chat by the fire. Overnight at the Community Yu'u Sierra Norte Llano Grande. (Meals: B,L,D) |
| Day 4: | Sierra Norte Today a guide from the community leads a hike through the pristine forests and mountains. Stroll through fields of wildflowers, past enormous agave plants and mountain forest. Witness first hand the rural Oaxacan life and culture. In the evening enjoy a home cooked meal and another peaceful night in the mountains. Overnight at the Community Yu'u Sierra Norte Latuvi. (Meals: B,L,D) |
| Day 5: | Sierra Norte Continue to explore the villages into the cloud forests of the Sierra Norte. This hike descends through the local farming fields of beans and wheat down to a dense pine, oak and cedar forest including wildflowers, bromeliads and even wild orchids. Then start the climb up and over a rocky ridge that provides a wonderful view back toward Cuajimaloyas. The vegetation changes to cacti and yucca plants. Upon arriving at Benito Juarez we can feast on locally raised trout for lunch. Transfer back to Oaxaca with some free time before dinner. Overnight Hostal La Noria or equivalent. (Meals: B,L,D) |
| Day 6: | Zaachila Today explore Zaachila on market day. The last Zapotec capital, the site flourished from 1100-1521 AD. Visit the 16th Century convento de Santiago and then on to San Bartolo Coyotecpec, famous for its shiny black pottery. Explore these bustling market towns where local villagers come to trade their goods and display their wares. Head back to Oaxaca for dinner and one last night. Overnight Hostal La Noria or equivalent. (Meals: B,L,D) |
| Day 7: | Puerto Escondido Today fly from Oaxaca down to the Pacific coast, to Puerto Escondido. Free day to Relax. Dinner tonight is served at the hotel restaurant and includes excellent sea food. Overnight Hotel Santa Fe or similar. (Meals: B,D) |
| Day 8: | San Juan Lachao / Laguna Manialtepec After breakfast set out for adventure in the lowland jungles. Land transfer (1.5 hours) into the forest. Walk for an hour along the jungle river bank before arriving at a beautiful waterfall and swimming hole. Swim and relax, then return along the same path back to Puerto Escondido. After lunch visit the protected waters of Laguna Manialtepec. Explore the lagoon on kayaks, setting out on a gentle paddle, to observe some of the 270 different species of wildlife found here. End up on a pristine beach La Barra as the sun is going down. Return back to the seafront lodge for farewell dinner. Overnight Hotel Santa Fe or similar. (Meals: B,D) |
| Day 9: | Departure back to Oaxaca Transfer to airport in Puerto Escondido for early morning flight back up to Oaxaca. Arrive at 8:30am for onward flights or extensions in Oaxaca city. Coastal extensions are also available. (No Meals). |
| Price Guideline: | |
| 2008 cost pp: | £1311 |
| 2009 cost pp: | £1442 |
| Accommodation: | 6 nights hotel 2 nights rustic cabins |
| Group size: | Min: 4 / Max: 12 |
| Departure dates |
| 2008 |
| 19 July |
| 26 July |
| 11 Oct |
| 25 Oct |
| 22 Nov |
| 20 Dec |
| 2009 |
| 17 Jan |
| 14 Feb |
| 14 Mar |
| 21 Mar |
| 11 Apr |
| 23 May |
| 18 Jul |
| 10 Oct |
| Notes: | Prices are per person based on double occupancy. Meals as mentioned. |
| One return domestic flight is included between Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido back to Oaxaca. Please contact us for international flight prices. |
| At the end of the itinerary, you can either return to Mexico City for your flight home, or extend your stay on the coast or in the city of Oaxaca, just let us know. |
| The price shown is a guideline price. The price may change due to variations on the dollar / pound exchange rate, airline availability and season. |
Last Updated: Tuesday May 13 2008