About the Hike:  One might argue this is by far our longest hike — if measured by going back in time rather than in physical distance traveled. Elementary school kids are taught that the cradle of modern civilization is the Mesopotamian valley between the Tigris and Euphrates river where ancient Sumer was located. This is where wheat, barley, lentils, garlic and onions were domesticated 7,000 years ago, marking the beginning of the agricultural age. However, archeologists now know that the caves around Yagul and Mitla were occupied 7,000 years ago by people who had already domesticated corn and beans, as corn cobs and bean seeds were found there. And the great granddaddy of them all — domesticated squash — has been dated in local caves to 10,000 years ago! 

On today’s outing we will visit five caves located in hillsides just 3 miles (4.8 kms) from Mitla which were likely used as shelters by the forebears of today’s Zapotec people.   Our exploration of some of the caves near Mitla will take about two  and a half hours of our time, even as we step back in history to the  dawn of civilization in the western hemisphere. One of the caves in  particular is decorated with many ancient drawings.

Additional Costs: There is an admission fee of 50 pesos per person and local guides must be hired through the “Bienes Comunales” office in Mitla. In addition, the group will stop for lunch at any of several restaurants in Tule after the hike. (not included in ticket fee)

Caution:  Participants in this outing should be in good physical condition, able  to scramble up and down steep hillsides, over rocks, through brambles,  and into caverns of various sizes and depths. Bringing a flashlight is  recommended, as is using a walking stick and wearing sturdy shoes.

Time frame:  9:00 Lending Library  /  10:00 arrive Mitla to pay fees  and pick up guides  /  10:30 arrive at trailhead   /  12:30 finish hike   /   1:15 lunch in Tule /  2:45 leave Tule  /  3:15  return Lending  Library

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