We planned to hike the trails around Arroyo Guacamaya on that date, but have learned that a new sewer line is being constructed in the middle of the only street through town. That means our van cannot climb the mountain behind to reach the trailhead. As a consequence, we will hike another trail that day.

Our substitute will be the Cuatro Venados hike. The drive time to Four Deer is approximately the same as going to Guacamaya. The trek itself is an easy out & back lasting three hours. Here is a more detailed description of the hike:

San Pablo Cuatro Venados sits near the top of the mountain ridge that forms the western wall of the Oaxaca Valley directly west from Monte Alban. There are tourist cabins there for visitors who want to spend the night at elevation. Our “trailhead” is on the plateau above the town and is approximately 40 kms (25 miles) from Oaxaca city. There is little shade, so sunscreen, hats and/or parasols are recommended. Sack lunch required.  Motion sickness alert!  The ride to and from Cuatro Venados may induce dizzyness.

Time frame:  9 am to 5 pm  /  Distance:  9.5 Km (6 Mi)  /  Highest point:  2762 meters ( 9061 feet)  /  Elevation change: 182 M (600 Ft)  /  Type:  out & back  /  Trail:  dirt road  /  Exposure:  mostly full sun  / Rating:  easy to moderate

Note the need to pack a sack lunch to be enjoyed at the turn-around point.

There are no admission or guide fees for this outing.

We apologize for this unexpected change in plans and trust that you will understand.

If the Cuatro Venados is not acceptable to you, we will be happy to refund your reservation fee. Just let me know by return email that you will be cancelling your participation in this outing.

Thanks and best wishes!

Previous Description: 

There is a small waterfall in the dense forest at here is a small waterfall in the dense forest at Guacamaya, a little village on the flank of the mountains north of Oaxaca. There are also miles of logging roads and hiking trails crisscrossing the area and an observation tower atop El Portillo.  These make for a satisfying trek through the woods. There is a 20 peso charge to visit the waterfall. Hike participants may choose to take sack lunches or enjoy a fresh-caught trout dinner at a local restaurant, which should cost about 150 pesos for food and beverage.

Time frame:  9 am to 4:30 pm  /  Distance:  varies by choice of trails  /  Elevation change:  236 meters (775 Ft) uphill & 539 meters (1768 ft) downhill /  Highest elevation:  3154 M (10,349 Ft)  /  Type:  choice of loop, out & back and point to point trails  /  Trail: footpaths & dirt roads  /  Exposure:  mix of sun & shade  /  Rating:  easy, moderate and difficult, depending on trails chosen.. There are also miles of logging roads and hiking trails crisscrossing the area and an observation tower atop El Portillo.  These make for a satisfying trek through the woods. There is a 20 peso charge to visit the waterfall. Hike participants may choose to take sack lunches or enjoy a fresh-caught trout dinner at a local restaurant, which should cost about 150 pesos for food and beverage.

Time frame:  9 am to 4:30 pm  /  Distance:  varies by choice of trails  /  Elevation change:  236 meters (775 Ft) uphill & 539 meters (1768 ft) downhill /  Highest elevation:  3154 M (10,349 Ft)  /  Type:  choice of loop, out & back and point to point trails  /  Trail: footpaths & dirt roads  /  Exposure:  mix of sun & shade  /  Rating:  easy, moderate and difficult, depending on trails chosen.

Click here for more information about this hike