Oaxaca City and Neighboring Villages:
• Incredible pre-Columbian ruins of Monte Alban, Mitla
• The colorful markets of this Colonial Spanish City
• UNESCO Patrimony of Humanity Site
• The fascinating mixture of Colonial Spanish influence and indigenous cultures offers indigenous markets, weaving and pottery crafts, and world renowned cuisine
• Weaving village of Teotitlan del Valle and Ceramic Center of San Bartolo de Coyotopec

Hiking Oaxaca's Sierra Norte:
• A climb up to cool pre- alpine mountain scenery and cloud forest
• Numerous microclimates and vegetation zones with a host of native plants and animals
• Visits with villagers in this remote mountain landscape who have set up a model community owned eco tourism complex. A chance to sample local fare in the community dining room and watch how the local foods are prepared.

Pacific Coast of the State of Oaxaca:
• Drop down through verdant and lush valleys to the tropical Pacific lowlands
• Unwind at our lodge with fantastic views of the sea enjoying margaritas and sunset swims to finish off this active journey
• Visit Mexican Sea Turtle museum and conservation project
• Finish the trip with one of many optional activities including tropical jungle hiking to spectacular waterfalls; Kayak and bird watch in the protected coastal lagoons with local expert naturalist guide and more

This trip suits those who wish to combine local flavor with their outdoor active adventure. Hiking through the countryside, we will experience a first hand view of Mexico’s rural life and the joys, threats and difficulties posed by farming in this area. The majority of the hiking takes place in rural settings offering plenty of diversity with peaceful hikes through valleys and forests. Accommodation throughout is clean, comfortable and welcoming – all of it having been chosen for its beautiful location and local charm.

The Oaxaca Mountains to the Pacific is an exciting 9-day itinerary, which combines walking through remote mountain villages in the Sierra Norte; exploration of some of the famous archeological sights of the Zapotec, and Mixtec cultures; and the luscious warmth of Mexico’s Southwestern tropical coast. The trip emphasizes experiencing and absorbing all the breathtaking scenery; exploring the cultural and historical past; and relaxing on Mexico’s lesser visited, beautiful Southwestern tropical coast. The gateway city (Oaxaca) is easily accessed from anywhere in the world through Mexico City. The trip always ends with a flight back to Oaxaca to catch your flight home.

This trip is a memorable adventure taking in two different areas of Southern Mexico. It is ideal for active clients who want to combine fascinating archeological ruins; hiking through small, off-the-beaten-path villages; diverse scenery, and amazing wildlife viewing opportunities. After exploring the colonial city of Oaxaca, a few days are spent hiking and living in the untouched Sierra Norte of Oaxaca with the locals who have set up a remote system of trails and cabins.  Our visit contributes to sustainable community development by offering alternatives to logging that has begun to deforest areas of the Sierra.  A model of ecotourism, visiting the Sierra Norte helps to conserve the beautiful surroundings, while contributing to the progress of the Zapotec communities that continue to live a very traditional life in the Sierra.

The trip ends in our lodge on the Pacific Coast with an array of optional activities to complete the holiday such as deep-sea fishing, scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, surfing and sailing.

Group Size: Minimum 2*, Maximum 12*
Accommodation: Hotel, and Community Built Cabins
Trip Length: 9 Days
Price: 4 - 12 clients $2,490 (with internal flight)
Single Supplement $390

Dates:

Autumn 2010
9-17 Oct
23-31 Oct
20-28 Nov
18-26 Dec

Spring 2011
15-23 Jan
12-20 Feb
12-20 March
16-24 April (Special Semana Santa, call for details)
21-29 May

Price Includes:
CPR certified, bi-lingual Journey Mexico in country guide throughout; all accommodation starting with Day 1 in Oaxaca City and ending with Day 9 in Puerto Escondido; round trip internal flight OAX – PXM – OAX; airport transfers on the designated arrival and departure days; all transfers throughout; all meals as indicated in the detailed itinerary below (B,L,D); local guides; entrance fees to parks and reserves; entrance fees to all archeological sites, national parks, protected areas; visit to sea turtle recuperation project local gratuities to wait-staff, maid service, and porters.

Price Doesn’t Include:
International and internal flights except for the R/T OAX – PXM – OAX, airport taxes, immigration card ($17 U.S.), meals preceding breakfast on Day 2, dinner on Day 6 and all meals following breakfast on Day 9, gratuities to trip leader and local guide in Sierra Norte (see recommendations on tipping).

Trip Schedule:

Day 1 Arrival: Home/Oaxaca.

Welcome to the beautiful state of Oaxaca, Mexico! We meet at the Oaxaca airport and transfer to our charming colonial hotel only a stone’s throw from Oaxaca’s historic Plaza Principal or “Zócalo”. The Zocalo consists of 2 squares: one with a bandstand and trees for shade; the other is full of shops and outdoor cafes. On a typical day people from all walks of life are seen at the Zocalo - bands and groups of singing children or procession of one of the many festivals celebrated in the city and its surround pueblos. In addition, there is plenty of shopping for artisan crafts, paintings, jewelry, and much more! At night the area fills with street musicians and vendors selling a variety of foods and crafts. Today is a day to relax and wander the city after you arrive. We meet our guides in the lobby of the hotel at 9:00 pm for introductions and an orientation. (Overnight Hostal de la Noria or equivalent) No meals

Day 2 Monte Alban Ruins/Historic City Center

Today we explore the mysterious ruins of Monte Alban, the ancient capital of the Zapotecs and arguably the first metropolis of North America. This site began as the Toltecs migrated down from the present day states of Tabasco and Veracruz and encountered the Zapotec valley populations circa 500 BC. With Toltec influences the Zapotec population flourished until about 750 AD where the population migrated to several smaller city states throughout valleys. Revered for it scenic mountaintop location just above Oaxaca City, this city played an important role in MesoAmerican history as it would serve as a major influence to both the Mayan civilizations in the Yucatan and later to the Aztec Empire that dominated the Central Valleys and beyond leading up to the arrival of the Spanish. Return to Oaxaca for lunch and a tour of the historic centro including the enormous Templo de Santo Domingo, nearby galleries, and one of the several quality museums such as the collection of pre Hispanic art of the famous Oaxacan artist Rufino Tamayo. Group dinner near the Zocalo where we can get to know eachother. (Overnight Hostal de la Noria or equivalent) B,L,D

Day 3 Milta Ruins & Transfer to the Sierra Norte Pueblo of Llano Grande, Community Cabins (shared baths)

Today we delve deeper into the rich culture of Oaxaca visiting the colorful 16th century Templo y Ex-Convento de San Jerónimo in the village of Tlacochahuaya which is a fascinating mix of native art and the Dominican influence that dominated much of the state of Oaxaca at the time of the conquest. Don’t forget to climb up to see the ornate 16th century French organ which is occasionally played for organ concerts.
Continuing on to the ruins of Mitla (orginal name of Liobaa meaning “House of Tombs”) we will explore one of Mexico's most interesting sacred burial grounds. Evidence shows that the site was occupied since about 900 B.C. Mitla's visible structural remains date between 200 AD to 900 A.D. Mitla is renowned for the rich variety of mosaic tile that is displayed throughout the site's buildings. Archeologists have determined these 14 unique geometric and intricate mosaic fretwork designs symbolize sun, earth, plumed serpent and several other important beings. One design called the “greca” is an example the Mixtec influence that dominated for a short time in the 13th century before Zapotec reassertion. There is also a series of column located in the “Sala de Columnas”. Six enormous columns and several lintels each weighing in excess several tons each were brought to Mitla from several kilometers away before the advent of the wheel.

Next we travel to Teotitlán del Valle where we visit local artisans and see an demonstration of local dying and weaving techniques practiced during the last 300 yrs. You will also learn about their integration of old and new traditions found is this Zapotec pueblo.

Later this afternoon, we transfer to the little known Sierra Norte Mountains. Our night’s accommodation is a very comfortable locally owned and operated cabins which offers bunk beds, group fireplace and shared bathrooms with hot water. Depending on time of arrival and interest we can opt for a short hike to a look out

We enjoy a community dinner with delicious local fare. By staying at this local lodge we contribute directly to the community and ensure the preservation of the surrounding forest. Relax and enjoy an evening chat by the fire. (Overnight Community Yu’u Sierra Norte Llano Grande) B,L,D
• Optional One and a half hours hiking; 3 Miles
• Altitude gain/loss: 300 ft/300 ft

Visit Artesans in their homes and learn how these natural weavings have been made for generations.

Day 4 Sierra Norte Day 2.

Today, after a quick transfer to our trail head at Cuajimoloyas, a guide from the community leads us on a hike through the pristine forests and mountains held sacred by the local people. We stroll through fields of wildflowers and enormous agave plants and past the pastures of community farms. Hiking in the Pueblos provides the unique opportunity to witness first hand the rural Oaxacan life and culture. This group of communities are friendly and inviting to visitors wanting to share their idyllic beautiful forest setting with you.

After the day’s hike, we return to the pueblo for a home cooked meal and another peaceful night in the mountains. (Overnight Community Yu’u Sierra Norte Latuvi) B,L,D
• Full Day Hike; 7.4 Miles
• Altitude gain/loss: 500 ft/200 ft

Day 5 Sierra Norte Day 3.

A day of hiking awaits us today as we continue to explore the villages into the cloud forests of the Sierra Norte. This hike descends through the local farming fields of potatoes, beans, and wheat down to a dense stand of pine, oak and cedar forest including wildflowers, bromeliads and even wild orchids in the spring and early summer. This forest usually is filled with the songs of birds as you walk through the large trees covered with moss and ferns. You will then start the climb up and over a rocky ridge that provides a wonderful view back toward Cuajimaloyas. Now the vegetation changes to a bit drier of microclimate with cacti and yucca plants. Upon arriving at Benito Juarez we can feast on locally raised trout for lunch.

Transfer back to Oaxaca with a brief visit to the Tule tree that us claimed to be the largest tree in the Americas. with some time to wonder the colonial streets before dinner. (Overnight Hostal La Noria or equivalent) B,L,D
• ½ Day Hike; 4.1 Miles
• Altitude gain/loss: 750 ft/1,200 ft

Day 6 Market day in Zaachila, ExConveto de Culiapam, San Bartolo de Coyotepec.

Today we explore Zaachila, the last of the Zapotec capital following the fall of Monte Alban. The site flourished from 1100-1521 AD. The name "Zaachila" is derived from the term "House of Zaachila", a reference to the pre-Colombian Zapotec king Zaachila Yoo. Then you will visit the 16th Century Ex-convento de Santiago which began construction in 1535 and in 1570 the Spanish king ruled construction should stop due to being so over budget. Then on to the San Bartolo Coyotecpec for San (shiny black pottery) using the an oxygen reduction kiln. This excursion offers you the interesting opportunity to explore these bustling market towns where villagers from the surrounding country side come to trade their goods and display their wares.
Head back to your hotel o relax a bit before heading out to dinner and a night on the town on your own for one last night in this magical city. (Overnight Hostal La Noria or equivalent) B,L

Day 7 Oaxaca City/Puerto Escondido:

Flight to Puerto Escondido Free Day to Relax. We are up early today for an early morning flight like no other! We take a 14-passenger Caravan plane across the mountains and down to the tropical Pacific coast crossing coffee and banana plantations en-route. We check-in to our beautiful seaside lodge. Today is a free day to enjoy the coast and you can choose from a number of options depending on the time of year including: Biking and visit to Chatino villages in the Mixteca Sur; a trip to the national Turtle museum and natural cosmetics factory founded by Anita Roddick (Body Shop Founder) in Masunte; an inner-tube float trip down the Colotepec river; and more. Of course you may opt to just relax and stroll the beaches or explore the quaint fishing town. Lunch is on your own today.
Don’t forget to return to our lodge overlooking the Pacific for margaritas as we watch the sun drop into the Pacific. Dinner tonight is served at the hotel restaurant and includes the best sea food in town and all organic produce with lots of options for vegetarians. (Overnight Hotel Santa Fe) B,D

The Santa Fe is a beautiful seaside boutique hotel right on the edge of the crashing surf of Playa Zicatela.

Day 8 Hiking San Juan Lachao / Kayaking Laguna Manialtepec.

Today after breakfast we set out for a fantastic adventure in the lowland jungles of this little discovered coast. We will travel by vehicle (1:45 hrs.) to a small town on the slopes of the Sierra Madre Sur where we begin our hike into the jungle. We will hike for about and hour along the banks of a gurgling river with a gentle grade before arriving at the beautiful waterfall and swimming hole deep in the lush tropical forest. After ample time to enjoy the refreshing waters and relax, we return back along the same path and then back to our lovely hotel for lunch and some free time on your own.
We will reconvene at about 3:00 pm for a guided exploration into the protected waters of Laguna Manialtepec. Upon arrival (:25 mins by car) we will board a speedy launch. We set out under power loaded with Kayaks, and we continue into the lagoon. We will unload the kayaks and then set out on a gentle paddle, kayaking where we can observe some of the 270 different species found there. After the 1-1.5 hour kayak we will end up on a pristine beach La Barra as the sun is going down. We return back to our wonderful seafront lodge for private farewell dinner. (Overnight Hotel Santa Fe) B,D

Day 9 Departure Day:

Puerto Escondido/Oaxaca/Home. Transfer to airport in Puerto Escondido for early morning flight back up to Oaxaca. We arrive at 8:30 am for our onward flights home or extensions in Oaxaca city. Coastal extensions are also available at Rancho Cerro Largo or the resorts of Huatulco. Please confirm departure flight if they are for same day as flight schedules are subject to change. No Meals