Apoala Waterfall Hike

Swim in secret cascades away from the crowds — a full day, 2.5 hours from the city.
LOCATION
aPOALA
DURATION
10 Hours
GROUP SIZE
1 - 8
DIFFICULTY
MODERATE
/STRENUOUS
DISTANCe
8-11 KM(5-7 M)
Highest ELEVATION
2,335 m(7,760 ft)
Avarage ascend
+270-630 m
(885-2,070 ft)
Avarage descend
-285-610 M
(935-2,000 FT)

About the Hike

highlights

TEHUACÁN-CUICATLÁN BIOSPHERE

Tropical dry forest in the High Mixteca, home to indigenous communities for over 10,000 years — one of Mexico's most biodiverse regions.

SECRET WATERS

Past the main waterfalls, a hidden swimming spot away from the crowds. Turquoise water, no one else around.

STEEP TRAILS, REAL EFFORT

5–24 km down to Apoala and back up, 900+ meters of elevation change. Intermediate–advanced.

Itinerary

9:00 AM

Departure

Drive to Apoala, about 2.5 hours.

11:30 AM

Arrival & Viewpoint

Start of the hike at the lookout above the community.

11:45 AM

Hike & Swim

Descend past the main waterfalls to a secret spot away from the crowds.

3:50 PM

End of the Hike

Back to the community, along the river.

4:00 PM

Lunch

Local meal in a small dining room by the river.

5:00 PM

Drive Back to Oaxaca

Arrival around 7:30 PM.

What's included

local guides

Hosts from the region, guiding every trail.

Private transportation

Round-trip transfer in a private SUV or van.

All entry fees & permits

100% of community access fees are covered.

Lunch

Local meal in a small dining room by the river.

Trekking Poles

Hiking poles provided for rugged terrain.

Rain backups

Rain covers provided if weather turns.

Water flask

Bring your own bottle if you can. Forgot it? We'll lend you a reusable one — no need to buy plastic. Refill included.

Must know

WHAT TO PACK?

  • Sturdy hiking boots or trail runners with good grip.
  • A small daypack (15-20L) for layers and personal items.
  • Sunscreen & Mosquito Repellent
  • Comfortable clothing layers
  • Your own reusable water bottle, if you have one
  • Swimsuit & Towel

WEATHER & SEASONALITY

  • October – February:
    Sunny most days. Water can be quite cold for swimming.
  • March - June:
    Hot and dry, water levels lower. Water is cool, still swimmable.
  • July - September:
    Rainy season. After heavy rain, the waterfalls and swimming spot may be inaccessible due to strong currents, and the water can turn brown or terracotta-colored. Several dry days in a row can mean perfect hiking weather.

Extra INFO

Meeting Point

OPEN GROUPS EXPERIENCES

Meet at the southeast corner of El Llano park - corner of Pino Suárez and Dr. Liceaga, by the lions statues.

Arrive 15 minutes early for check-in and briefing.
PRIVATE EXPERIENCES

Pick-up is arranged directly from your hotel, Airbnb, or another agreed location in Oaxaca City.

Your exact pick-up time and location will be confirmed before the trip.

Cancellation Policies

ONE DAY EXPERIENCES: Flexible cancellations

Full refund for cancellations made 24+ hours before start time. To cancel or ask questions, call us directly at +52 951 239 7300.

No-shows

No-shows are charged the full price of the experience.

It is the traveler´s responsibility to stay healthy, eat well, and not participate in activities that could affect their attendance.

HEALTH REPONSABILITY

It's the traveler's responsibility to stay healthy, eat well, and not participate in activities that could affect their attendance.

Note

In extreme weather, we reschedule or issue a full refund.

MULTI-DAY CANCELLATIONS

In the case of multi-day treks, travelers must inform us of any cancellations at least 2 weeks before the adventure to be eligible for a refund.

Traveler notes

VIP_2_fill
Private experiences

Book this hike as a private group for friends or family.

calendar Created with Sketch Beta.
Availability

Don't see your date? Contact us — we can arrange custom dates.

Preparation

Check the weather forecast and come prepared for high-altitude mountain conditions.

MULTI-DAY TREKS: CUSTOM ITINERARIES

The number of days, hiking distance, communities visited, and daily schedule can all be adjusted according to your group.

FAQ

01

Preparation & Difficulty Level

What is the typical hiking distance and difficulty?

Average route is 9–12 km. Distance and difficulty adjust in real time based on the group's pace and weather.

I’ve only hiked on flat trails before. Is this suitable for me?

Mountain trails include uphill and downhill sections and can be physically demanding. Pace adjusts to the group.

I’m an older hiker with experience, but I’m worried about slowing the group down. Can I join?

Yes, if you're active — this isn't a race. Most groups move at a supportive, steady pace. For a slower pace, contact us to arrange it.

What should I bring?

Sturdy hiking boots or trail runners, comfortable clothing layers, and sunscreen. Bring your own reusable water bottle if you can — if you forget it, we'll lend you one.

02

FAMILIES & GROUPS

Is this tour suitable for children?

This route is moderate. Generally suitable for active children ages 12 and up.

Can I bring my family, including younger children?

Yes. Depending on group size, we can often keep it private for your family. Contact us and we'll confirm what's possible for your dates.

03

Logistics & Special Requests

What happens if I can't keep up with the group?

We can suggest a shorter path, have you wait in the vehicle, or let you continue at your own pace while staying in contact by walkie-talkie — depending on the trail.

Can I request a private, very short, or very long hike?

Yes. Let us know in advance so we can prepare the route. Pricing for private groups depends on group size and season — contact us to confirm.

I’m moving to a new hotel or Airbnb and have nowhere to store my luggage; can I bring it with me on the tour?

Yes, it's possible — let us know in advance. Depending on the vehicle for the day, there may be extra space, or we may need to arrange it separately.

Can you pick us up or drop us off at our hotel/Airbnb if it’s outside the city?

Yes, if it's on our way (east of the city). We may ask you to meet us at a nearby, accessible point to save time on the road.

04

Nature & Safety

Will you cancel if I am the only one booked?

No. The tour runs regardless of group size, at the same price.

When is the best time for hiking? Will we see mushrooms?

Dry season (Nov–May) has clear skies. Rainy season (Jun–Oct) makes the forest lush and green, with better chances of spotting wild mushrooms — though sightings aren't guaranteed.

BOOK YOUR HIKE

Hidden waterfalls, away from the crowds.
$2,650 MXN per person — lunch, snacks, and guide included.

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