Three Days in the Clouds
Entering the Rhythm of the Mountains
The longer you stay in the Sierra Norte, the more the experience begins to change. Distances become less important, days become simpler, and slowly you begin to move into the rhythm of the Zapotec mountain communities and the changing landscapes around them.
This three-day journey combines ancient forests, historic pathways, and quiet village life — spending two nights in the Pueblos Mancomunados and walking deeper into the heart of the Sierra Norte.
Day 1 – La Cueva de la Iglesia
One of Yves' favorite hikes in the Sierra Norte, this trail starts in San Isidro Llano Grande/Pueblos Mancomunados and follows ancient paths through the forests of the Pueblos Mancomunados. The trail passes through Dain Roó Ecotourism Park, the protected community forest of San Miguel del Valle, before continuing through the canyon of La Cueva de la Iglesia to San Antonio Cuajimoloyas/Pueblos Mancomunados where we stay overnight in the village cabins.
Day 2 – Toward Benito Juarez and Santa Martha Latuvi
This trail connects the communities of Cuajimoloyas, Benito Juárez, and Latuvi through the changing landscapes of the Sierra Norte.
Starting at 3,200 meters (10,500 ft) in the high pine forests of Cuajimoloyas, the trail descends into a fertile valley with potato and corn fields, orchards, and small family farms. From there, it climbs into the forests of Benito Juárez, crossing a hanging bridge before reaching a spectacular viewpoint overlooking the Central Valleys of Oaxaca.
The journey continues downhill to Santa Martha Latuvi (2,400 meters / 7,875 ft), where the landscape gradually changes from towering pine forests to oak woodlands. Lasting 5 to 6 hours, this hike offers diverse ecosystems, panoramic views, and a wonderful introduction to the natural beauty of the Sierra Norte.
Day 3 – The Ancient Trading Route to Santa Catarina Lachatao
Following one of the old pre-Hispanic mountain routes, we hike from Latuvi toward Lachatao. Along the river and through changing ecosystems, we discover traditional agricultural landscapes, forests draped with Spanish moss, and the traces of centuries of movement through these mountains.
We end the journey with a delicious lunch at a local comedor before returning to the vibrant energy of Oaxaca City.
Three days of walking, mountain hospitality, and gradually entering another rhythm of life.
Highlights
– Two nights in Zapotec mountain communities
– Ancient cloud forests and old trading routes
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