Challenging Option: The Zapotec village of Teotitlan del Valle  sits in the Tlacolula valley 19 miles (31 km) east of Oaxaca city. It  is the most renowned of the weaving villages of the area, famous for the  rugs and many other items most families there spend their time  producing and selling. It is also reputed to be one of oldest  continuously inhabited sites on earth, with archeological records going  back over 7,000 years (making it as old as Damascus). The community  museum and the new cultural center on the market square are worth a  visit, as are a number of home workshops where villagers work their  textile magic. However, the object of our attention is El Picacho, the  peak that looms above the town. We will hike the well-defined trail that  winds up the side of the mountain to the cross and shrine at the  summit. The way is fairly steep, calling for a good dose of stamina.  There are panoramic views at the top to reward those who make it all the  way. There is a 15 peso charge to hike the trail. After the hike the  group will stop for lunch at any of several restaurants in Tule on the  way back to Oaxaca. (Lunch not included in ticket price)

Distance:  4.7 Km (2.9 Mi)  /   Elevation gain & loss:  334 M (1097 Ft)  /  Starting point: 1752.6 M  (5750 Ft)  /  Highest elevation:  2081.8 M (6830 Ft)  /  Type:  out  & back  /  Trail: footpath  /  Exposure:  mostly full sun  / Rating:   difficult

Moderate option:   Those hikers who don’t feel compelled to climb El Picacho have a ready  alternative in the trails that stay in the valley and loop around the  reservoir at the edge of town and and the dirt road which climbs 4000  feet in elevation to the village of Benito Juarez. The same 15 pesos  admission charge applies to the easier hike as well.  After the hikes,  both groups will stop for lunch at any of several restaurants in Tule on  the way back to Oaxaca.

Distance:  6.8 Km (4.2 Mi)  /   Elevation gain & loss:  152 M (500 Ft)  /  Starting point: 1752.6 M  (5750 Ft)  /  Type:  out & back  /  Trail: country road  / Exposure:  full sun  / Rating:  moderate

Time frame:  9 am to 3:30 pm

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