Hike + Swim at Apoala Waterfalls

Located about two and a half hours from Oaxaca de Juárez, the Hike + Swim at Apoala Waterfalls with Coyote Aventuras offers a full-day journey into the heart of Oaxaca’s Mixteca Alta region. Starting at the company’s office on C. Macedonio Alcalá 802 in downtown Oaxaca, the adventure begins with a scenic drive traversing arid deserts and protected cactus biospheres, before ascending into pine and oak-covered mountains draped with Spanish moss.

This route highlights a dramatic ecological shift from dry lowlands to lush highlands. Arriving at the village of Santiago Apoala, with roughly 800 residents tucked into a canyon framed by towering limestone cliffs, your group pauses for a traditional regional breakfast and a briefing. Apoala, meaning “where the river begins” in Mixtec, sits at the headwaters of springs that feed into a canyon network dotted with waterfalls and turquoise pools.

Led by local guides, the hike ventures alongside these springs to several waterfalls, including the majestic Cascada de Cola de Caballo, which plunges more than 100 feet into a vibrant pool. This spot is famed not only for its beauty but for thermal waters historically believed to possess healing properties. Alongside natural highlights, you’ll engage with Mixtec culture—stories of gods and heroes like Lord Eight Deer Jaguar Claw, conveyed through the lens of nearby indigenous communities.

The trails wind past limestone formations supporting unique plant life such as bromeliads and agave, creating a rare ecosystem. Post-hike, guests savor a meal showcasing the distinct flavors of the Mixteca region before visiting the Peñas Gemelas canyon, where sheer walls offer a striking backdrop to end the day. Coyote Aventuras blends cultural immersion with outdoor adventure, making this trip a singular gateway to Oaxaca’s under-the-radar wilderness and ancestral heritage.

Return to Oaxaca city by evening, enriched by fresh perspectives and vivid natural beauty.