Name: Hike Cuajimoloyas to Llano Grande – Sierra Norte
Location: oaxaca

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.
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

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 ($400-$500 per group); 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.