OAXACA DE JUÁREZ HIKING FIELD GUIDE
Apoala: The Turquoise Sanctuary — Limestone Cliffs, Hidden Lagoons and Nochixtlán’s Empanadas
A 10-hour journey from Oaxaca City into the Mixteca Alta that pairs cliffside hikes and swims in crystal lagoons with a return stop at Nochixtlán Market.
Apoala: The Turquoise Sanctuary — Limestone Cliffs, Hidden Lagoons and Nochixtlán’s Empanadas.
Venture into the Mixteca Alta’s canyoned landscape to hike among towering limestone formations, swim beneath two waterfalls and in three crystal-clear lagoons, then cap the day with the famed empanadas de amarillo at Nochixtlán Market—a compact day of geology, water and regional flavor.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Two Waterfalls and Three Crystal Lagoons
This trip visits two waterfalls and three crystal-clear lagoons where swimming is part of the itinerary—natural pools set against the Mixteca Alta’s dramatic rock walls.
Hike Between Towering Limestone Cliffs
Scenic hiking threads between massive limestone formations and along canyon edges, offering close-up experience of the region’s defining cliffs.
Nochixtlán Market and Empanadas de Amarillo
On the return, the route stops at Nochixtlán Market so travelers can sample the area’s celebrated empanadas de amarillo—an essential taste of local Oaxacan cuisine.
What the day feels like
What the Day Feels Like
Over roughly ten hours, the outing moves from a drive into the Mixteca Alta to a sequence of short hikes and swims framed by steep limestone cliffs—swimming in turquoise pools, standing beneath waterfalls, and walking scenic trails between lagoons—before a flavorful market stop on the way back.
THE WATERS
Two Waterfalls and Three Crystal Lagoons
This trip visits two waterfalls and three crystal-clear lagoons where swimming is part of the itinerary—natural pools set against the Mixteca Alta’s dramatic rock walls.
THE ROUTE
Hike Between Towering Limestone Cliffs
Scenic hiking threads between massive limestone formations and along canyon edges, offering close-up experience of the region’s defining cliffs.
THE FLAVOR
Nochixtlán Market and Empanadas de Amarillo
On the return, the route stops at Nochixtlán Market so travelers can sample the area’s celebrated empanadas de amarillo—an essential taste of local Oaxacan cuisine.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits—and who should check further before booking.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
This is a 10‑hour day trip from Oaxaca into the Mixteca Alta; plan for a full day outdoors and check local conditions for swimming and trail access.
Expect hiking and swimming: bring swimwear, a towel, sturdy shoes for rocky trails, sun protection and water; verify any specific requirements with the operator.
The route covers roughly 100 km from Oaxaca City into the Mixteca Alta with on‑site time at waterfalls, lagoons and a market stop on the return.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the trip?
The outing is a 10-hour day trip.
How far from Oaxaca City is the route?
The journey travels roughly 100 km from Oaxaca City into the heart of the Mixteca Alta.
What activities are included?
Activities include hiking amid limestone cliffs, visiting two waterfalls, swimming in three crystal-clear lagoons, and a market stop to taste local empanadas.
Will there be food during the trip?
The return includes a stop at Nochixtlán Market where travelers can sample empanadas de amarillo.
How strenuous is the hiking?
The itinerary features scenic hikes between lagoons and along canyon sections; participants should be prepared for active walking and some uneven terrain.
How many waterfalls and lagoons are visited?
The trip visits two waterfalls and three crystal-clear lagoons.