Deep in the mountains of the Mixteca region, Santiago Apoala is hidden, a community of about 800 inhabitants, giving life to the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Biosphere Reserve, a small portion of land that represents approximately 0.05 percent of the national territory located southeast of Puebla and northwest of Oaxaca. This region is characterized by its great biological and cultural wealth where for more than 10 thousand years communities of at least eight indigenous peoples have developed.

We will begin our adventure at 9 AM to prepare for our 2.5 hour trip to reach this majestic place. You can use the trip to sleep or to appreciate the picturesque landscapes of the mountains in Oaxaca.

Once we arrive at Santiago Apoala, we will arrive at a viewpoint where we can appreciate the beauty of this community and the mountains that surround it. Once ready, we will begin hiking down towards the community with impressive views.

Upon reaching the community, we will continue hiking down to observe the main waterfalls that will amaze us with their size and the turquoise color of the water. At the waterfalls you can take photos but… wait! This is not the place where we will swim yet. We will continue descending until we reach a secret place where we can relax, eat a snack and of course swim avoiding the crowds.

Once we have enjoyed this small place, we will begin our hiking up towards the community on a trail that is one of my favorites. Upon reaching the community we will have impressive views of the rocky mountains but now with a view from below. We will hike along the river until we reach a small dining room where we will finish our walk with a delicious local meal.

When we finish the meal, the truck will be waiting for us so we can say goodbye to this community, hoping to return again.