Hierve el Agua Oaxaca
With an early morning visit, a pleasant hike around the waterfall allows you to get multiple perspectives and great photos of this natural wonder before anyone else arrives… It also means you will be that little bit warmed up should you wish to take a swim in the waters, considered a place of healing to the Mixtecs who inhabit the mountain ranges beyond. The area is full of naturally occurring agaves and cacti, adding a real sense of the Mexican frontier to the atmosphere. And of course, being a long way from nearby villages means the area is full of birds and the possibility to spot some wildlife.
After coming back down the mountain, you head for the Yagul archaeological site. A rare jewel that sees very few visitors, Yagul is full of wild cactus and agave plants growing among and on the Zapotec ruins. The place has a fascinating history, is incredibly atmospheric, and has been featured in many books and films throughout Mexican history.
Nearby is Teotitlan del Valle, a town famous for its tradition of Zapotec weavers, whose designs and styles have become world-famous. You will visit a household that acquires their wool only from their own livestock and give you a full tour of their production methods from start to finish. This is a wonderfully refreshing and interactive experience where you gain an understanding of the work and symbolism behind these textiles, with a family who have been weaving for generations. Your lunch is also prepared by the family and you eat inside their home, a real treat of traditional Oaxacan cuisine.
On the road home to Oaxaca, you will stop by Santa Maria del Tule, the location of one of the largest and oldest trees in the world. A Moctezuma Cypress, considered to have the widest trunk in the world, this tree is a whole ecosystem in itself whose size is so impressive it dwarfs the church next door. At around 1500 years old, it is a wonder of nature, and feels incredible just to be in its presence.
Duration: 10 hours
A guided hike of Hierve el Agua, a stunning natural phenomenon located in the mountain.