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Hikes - Hoofing it
in Oaxaca

Hoofing it in Oaxaca, the Oaxaca Lending Library’s guided hike program, features a variety of day hikes in the Oaxaca Valley and the surrounding mountains, primarily offered from November through March. It’s a great opportunity to get out into the countryside for some fresh air and exercise and to see things you might not otherwise have a chance to enjoy. Our fee includes transportation to and from the trail head, as well as a bilingual expert guide who shares their substantial knowledge of the physical and cultural aspects of the area and a library representative.

​Hikes are generally available to reserve 30 days prior to the the hike. Questions and volunteer interest can be directed to: hiio@oaxlibrary.org

Scroll down below the list of hikes for important safety, reservations, refunds, meeting point and newsletter information.

  • Hike -Zaachila to Cuilapam-PTE
    Hike -Zaachila to Cuilapam-PTE
    Sat, Dec 13
    Calle de Los Libres, behind Americana Hotel
    Dec 13, 2025, 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
    We will take public transport to the trailhead. Easy hike between two historic cities, including an archeological site (Zaachila) and the unfinished ruins of an exconvent (Cuilapam) Type / Difficulty: Archaeological & Countryside / Easy to Moderate
  • Hike -Santo Domingo Tomaltepec
    Hike -Santo Domingo Tomaltepec
    Mon, Dec 15
    Calle de Los Libres, behind Americana Hotel
    Dec 15, 2025, 8:00 AM – 1:30 PM
    Start at a picturesque reservoir above an ancient village and follow the mountain valley, then admire the stunning gigantic cypress tree in Tule. Type / Difficulty: Countryside/Easy to Moderate
  • Hike - Los Sabinos
    Hike - Los Sabinos
    Wed, Dec 17
    Calle de Los Libres, behind Americana Hotel
    Dec 17, 2025, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
    Follow the Atoyac river with lush foliage and clear water. Note that much of the trail can be in the sun at certain times of the year, so although the hike is easy, the exposure has us rating it moderate. Difficulty/Type: Moderate / Out and Back Hike
  • Hike - Cuajimoloyas to Llano Grande
    Hike - Cuajimoloyas to Llano Grande
    Fri, Dec 19
    Calle de Los Libres, behind Americana Hotel
    Dec 19, 2025, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
    Beautiful hike on high country trail through deep woods in the Sierra Norte Type / Difficulty: Mountain / Moderate
  • Hike - Guacamaya-Cascada y Mirador (1)
    Hike - Guacamaya-Cascada y Mirador (1)
    Sat, Dec 20
    Calle de Los Libres, behind Americana Hotel
    Dec 20, 2025, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
    Exploring Guacamaya, a small village up behind the hills of Etla, is a fun day with a variety of hike options to choose from. Type / Difficulty: Mountain / Easy to Difficult
  • Hike-San Miguel Chicahua to Apoala
    Hike-San Miguel Chicahua to Apoala
    Mon, Dec 22
    Calle de Los Libres, behind Americana Hotel
    Dec 22, 2025, 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
    A village to village walk through a gorge. Point to point
  • Hike-La Cumbre -  Cabeza de Vaca
    Hike-La Cumbre -  Cabeza de Vaca
    Sat, Dec 27
    Calle de Los Libres, behind Americana Hotel
    Dec 27, 2025, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
    Dense forest combined with high vantage points that have wonderful views. Type / Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
  • Hike -Mil Rios Trail
    Hike -Mil Rios Trail
    Mon, Dec 29
    Calle de Los Libres, behind Americana Hotel
    Dec 29, 2025, 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
    Hike along the lower part of the Mil Rios trail for a satisfying day, ending not far from Tlalixtac Type / Difficulty:Countryside/Moderate
  • Hike -Suchilquiltongo
    Hike -Suchilquiltongo
    Fri, Jan 02
    Calle de Los Libres, behind Americana Hotel
    Jan 02, 2026, 6:30 AM – 11:30 AM
    NEW HIKE ON THE ROSTER!! This is an early bird special - and it's open to every type of adventure: hiking, trail running, birding, en place water color artists. Departure Time: 6:30AM Hike Type: Out & Back Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
  • Hike - Los Sabinos
    Hike - Los Sabinos
    Wed, Jan 07
    Calle de Los Libres, behind Americana Hotel
    Jan 07, 2026, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
    Follow the Atoyac river with lush foliage and clear water. Note that much of the trail can be in the sun at certain times of the year, so although the hike is easy, the exposure has us rating it moderate. Difficulty/Type: Moderate / Out and Back Hike
  • Hike -Mil Rios Trail
    Hike -Mil Rios Trail
    Fri, Jan 09
    Calle de Los Libres, behind Americana Hotel
    Jan 09, 2026, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
    Hike along the lower part of the Mil Rios trail for a satisfying day, ending not far from Tlalixtac Type / Difficulty:Countryside/Moderate
  • Camino de Juarez . El Estudiante to Huayapam - Public Transportation Edition
    Camino de Juarez . El Estudiante to Huayapam - Public Transportation Edition
    Sat, Jan 10
    Jan 10, 2026, 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
    In this Public Transportation Edition of the El Estudiante Hike, we'll cab it to the trailhead in Tierra Colorada and end with lunch by the reservoirs in Huaypam, and then bus it back into the city.

Download the full list of hikes planned for this season here.

Reservations: Advance reservations are recommended and can be made in person at the Oaxaca Lending Library circulation desk or online by clicking the button next to the hike you are interested in.  Walk-in Registration: We sometimes have unclaimed seats at the time of boarding, even if registrations were filled. If you are unable to register for a hike, do come to the departure location on the morning of the hike to see if seats are available for purchase.

​Please note: Due to the cost of transportation and guide fees, we have a minimum number of hiking participants for each hike (usually around 10). If reservations are below the minimum, the OLL may decide to cancel the hike and refund your reservation. 

Refunds / Transfers: We do not offer refunds or transfers once a registration is confirmed. However, if your plans change, you can give or sell your reservation to someone else. You might accomplish this by word of mouth or by means of a post on the Friends of the Oaxaca Lending Library Facebook page, which you can access HERE. Your substitute can simply give your name when they check in the morning of the tour or hike.

​Important Health and Safety Precautions: Oaxaca is at a high altitude with a dry climate and the sun’s energy is stronger here than in northern climes. We hike at altitudes of up to 3300 meters / 10,000 feet above sea level. As a result, visitors sometimes overestimate their physical endurance. If you’re not sure, register for a hike rated “easy” for your initial experience with us. In addition, wear sturdy footwear and bring a hat or umbrella and water.

Departure location and meeting times:

Hike participants will rendezvous on Calle de Los Libres #710, between Zarate and San Martin, directly behind the Grand Fiesta Americana Hotel.
Please arrive at the boarding location at least 15 minutes before the starting time listed for the hike.

Hoofing It Newsletter: When you sign up for a hike, you will be added to the mailing list for upcoming newsletter. When you receive that first mailing, you can update your mailing preferences or unsubscribe.  Another way to learn more about our hikes is to go to the Hoofing it in Oaxaca website.

Lunch and Village fees: Hikers pay for their own lunch and any additional fees charged by a village. In recent years many villages have started charging a fee for groups entering their area and some require an additional guide, particularly in archeological locations. In addition, 5 and 10 peso coins are often required to use toilet facilities. Please bring additional pesos ($500 should be plenty) with you to cover these expenses. 

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