The hike is moderate and suitable for active travelers with a reasonable level of fitness. The route follows mountain trails with uneven terrain, some uphill and downhill sections, and a few areas of easy scrambling. No advanced technical hiking or climbing experience is required.

Total hiked/walked distance: Approx. 8 km (5 mi)Hike time: Approx. 3.5 hrs.Min. elevation: 3,050 m (10,000 ft)Max. elevation: 3,230 m (10,600 ft)Elev. gain: 400+ m (1,300+ ft)Difficulty: ModerateSkill level: IntermediateTerrain: Mountain trails, uneven sections, uphill and downhill terrain, and some easy scrambling.

Cuajimoloyas sits at around 3,200 m (10,500 ft) above sea level, so the altitude can make the hike feel a little more challenging than a similar hike at lower elevations. We keep a comfortable pace and take breaks along the way, but a reasonable level of fitness is recommended.

* Round-trip transportation from Oaxaca City in a comfortable, air-conditioned passenger van* Certified bilingual guide (English & Spanish)* Local community guide in Cuajimoloyas* Traditional breakfast* Homemade lunch* Community access fees* Hiking polesThe optional 100-meter suspension bridge is not included and costs an additional MX$80 per person.

Wear comfortable hiking shoes; long pants are recommended. Bring a small backpack with at least 1 liter (34 oz) of water, sunscreen, and a hat. Cuajimoloyas can be around 10°C (18°F) cooler than Oaxaca City, especially on cloudy days and during the winter months. Mountain weather can change quickly, so to be safe, we recommend bringing a light rain jacket.

No. Crossing the 100-meter suspension bridge is completely optional. If you’re not comfortable with heights, you can skip it and continue enjoying the rest of the experience. The suspension bridge costs an additional MX$80 per person.

The excursion runs rain or shine. Weather in the Sierra Norte can change quickly, and light rain or mist is common in the cloud forest. We recommend bringing a light rain jacket, especially during the rainy season (Jun-Sep).

This experience is not recommended for people with mobility impairments, heart or respiratory conditions, recent surgeries, or a low level of fitness. The combination of high altitude, uneven mountain terrain, and elevation gain can make the hike more demanding than the distance alone might suggest.