About the Hike:  The Mitla caves date to the dawn of civilization, providing archaeological and rock-art evidence from nomadic hunter-gatherers to incipient farmers. Ten-thousand-year-old seeds have been found in the caves, the earliest known evidence of domesticated plants in the continent. We will honor this history and these ancestors as part of the Day of the Dead festivities with a talk and ritual conducted by Oaxacan Cirilo. After lunch, hikers can choose between visiting the Mitla Panteon (cemetery) where the graves have been beautifully decorated by their families, walk around the village, or visit the Mitla archaelological site, with its extraordinary geometic stonework.

Caution: Reaching the caves involves steep narrow uneven steps with intermittent handrails. A walking stick will come in handy.

Time Frame: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm. Please arrive at the boarding location at least 15 minutes before departure.

Meeting Point: Calle de Los Libres, between Zarate and San Martin, directly behind the Americana Hotel. See map on the Hoofing It introduction page

Type/Difficulty: Countryside  /  Easy

Distance: 2 km.

Elevation change: +100 m./- 100 m.

Additional fees: entrance/local guide: $100 pesos. Forthose who choose to visit the Mitla archaelological site, the entrance fee is $95 pesos.

Meal: Lunch in Mitla, typically $100-150 pesos