Full-day hike from Cuajimoloyas to Llano Grande – Sierra Norte

San Antonio Cuajimoloyas and San Isidro Llano Grande are picturesque villages in the Sierra Norte of Oaxaca. They make up part of a collection of villages known as the Pueblos Mancomunados (Jointly Responsible Villages) which are working to assure sustainable logging and to supplement their income by providing ecotourism facilities and excursion services. Managing their land in this way is of great importance, as it would be a tragedy should these areas of extreme natural beauty be lost forever. As a result, hikers intent on getting into the high country can’t do better than explore this area, offering miles of scenic trails through the deep woods. This particular outing is of modest dimension, running through undulating terrain with very little elevation change. As is the case with all hikes in this area, an admission fee must be paid and local guides hired to see visitors safely through the forest.

Some safety and hike detail reminders:

• Water — bring and drink more than you think you need, please. Dehydration occurs 30% faster at the altitude of the Oaxaca valley than sea level. So, please be mindful of your water intake.
• Bring insect repellent and sunscreen.
• Hiking poles are useful, but optional
• Bring a light rain coat
• Hiking boots are preferred
• Bring some coins with you to pay for bathroom access and cash to pay for your lunch at the restaurant.
• Always keep the group together
• No sandals, no flip flops

Type of tour:

➡️ Driving Time: 90 minutes

➡️ Type/Difficulty: Point to point/Difficult

➡️ Starting Elevation: 10,397 feet / 3169 meters

➡️ Distance: 7.14 miles / 11.5 km

➡️ Elevation Change: + 182 m / – 256 m

➡️ Additional fee: Admission ($100) and guide fee ($100-$200); also bring small change for use of facilities

➡️ Meal: Lunch at comedor in Llano Grande. Bring some snacks to eat on the trail.

➡️ Time Frame: 7:30 am – 4:00 pm. 
➡️ Please arrive at the boarding location at least 15 minutes before departure.

➡️ Meeting Point: Calle de Los Libres, between Zárate and San Martin, directly behind the Americana Hotel.

7:30 Leave from Los Libres street 
9:00 Arrive Cuajimoloyas
9:15 Begin hike
13:30 Hike arrives at Llano Grande