Welcome To Hoofing It In Oaxaca
Welcome to the Hoofing It In Oaxaca Hiking Program!
Foreign visitors from the United States, Canada and other countries flock to Oaxaca de Juárez, the capital of the Mexican state of Oaxaca, during the winter months to enjoy the wonderful climate here — as well as to the take in the festivals, food, musical events, art scene and archeological sites that are such attractions.
Since 2011 a series of weekly hikes has been offered November through March, which afford visitors a chance to get out into the countryside for some fresh air and exercise, and to see things they might not otherwise have a chance to enjoy.
The hiking program is part of the “Out & About In Oaxaca” endeavor provided by the Oaxaca Lending Library (Pino Suarez 519) as part of its role as acultural and community center.
Day Hikes
Our day hikes fall into three categories:
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- rambles through the open countryside in the Valles Centrales,
- visits to archeological sites in the area, and
- more vigorous hikes in the mountains surrounding Oaxaca.
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Hikes take place mostly November through March, and prices range between 300 and 700 pesos per hike, depending on the distanc e and transportation options. Additional fees, such as guide fees, community access fees, archeological site entrance fees or lunch are generally communciated before the hike. Having an extra $500 pesos in your pocket is recommended.
Hike Schedule for the 2025 / 2026 Season
Important Personal Safety Information
Most day hikes entail walking from three to eight miles. The “trail” may be a city street, a country road, a short-cut across a farm field or a footpath winding through the woods or across a mountainside. The day’s outing may last anywhere from four to ten hours, depending on how far afield the group travels.
Every hike participant should be well aware of his or her physical abilities or limitations and informed about the nature and difficulty of each hike. There are very detailed trail descriptions posted on the HIKES page of this web site to enable hikers to make wise choices as to which outings are suitable for them. Given the high elevation and intense sunshine in Oaxaca, hikers should use sunscreen and lip balm. Hats and parasols are a good idea, too. Many people like to use hiking poles or a walking stick. All hikes can be accomplished in hiking boots or tennis shoes as long as the footwear has a pronounced waffle sole for good grip. Naturally, each person should carry and drink an ample supply of water and perhaps some energy bars or snack food.
The hiking group always takes a lunch break. Our preference is to stop for a meal at a local restaurant along the route, thus supporting the local economy. However, on many hikes there are no comedores nearby, so participants must pack a sack lunch. Sack lunches are always an option for those who have special dietary needs or simply prefer to carry their food with them.
Weekend Trips
Many of the small villages in the highlands of Oaxaca state offer overnight accommodations for weekend visitors or people hiking or mountain biking from one community to the next. These ecotourism facilities are well maintained and have friendly and helpful staff. The typical cabin in the ecotourism camps accommodates four people in two bunk beds or two double beds. All have private bathrooms with hot running water. Most, but not all, have fireplaces to provide heat. Simple, home-cooked meals are available at a very reasonable price at many camps. Hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding are available for the outdoorsy type; other folks may prefer reading, quiet conversation, a ramble through the woods or wandering the streets of a nearby village.
Be advised that temperatures in the mountains are typically 15-20 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than those in Oaxaca city. Also, clouds and light rain are commonplace even during the dry season. Days can be chilly and nights quite cold, so visitors should be prepared with plenty of layered clothing (hats & gloves are a good idea, too) and some rain gear. Upon your arrival, check to see that your bed is equipped with several blankets. Weekend excursions usually depart at 8:00 am on Saturday morning and return about 5 pm the following Sunday (or Monday, in the case of three-day excursions). Rendezvous point: participants should meet on Libres street on the back (east) side of the Grand Fiesta Americana Hotel, approximately two blocks north of the Lending Library. Please arrive at 7:45 am to check in and pay any additional fees before the 8 o’clock departure time.
Click on the “Hikes” tab in the menu bar at either the top or bottom of this page to see a description of the various venues visited by the “Hoofing It In Oaxaca” program. Go to the “Schedule” page to see the current season’s hikes listed in chronological sequence. Use the “Hike Sign-Up” page to make a reservation for one or more hikes during your stay in Oaxaca.
E-Mail List
Hike participants are encouraged to put their names on the OLL mailing list so as to receive periodic notices about upcoming hikes and other library-sponsored events. Please know that the mailing list is not shared with any other group and is not used for political, religious or commercial purposes.
The Oaxaca Lending Library
For a number of years the “Hoofing It In Oaxaca” program was run independent of the Oaxaca Lending Library, though closely associated with it. However, the hiking program was integrated with the Library’s “Out & About In Oaxaca” enterprise in the 2017-2018 winter season. This change was possible because of the OLL’s creation of an Online Store which provides a place where people can view and make reservations for all of the programs offered by the Library. See https://www.oaxlibrary.org/
Liability Disclaimer
The Oaxaca Lending Library is not responsible for the conduct of the hike coordinator or the various hike leaders and bears no liability for the chartering of vans or the safety of those who take part in the outings. Hike participants should advise themselves of the nature of the hikes they sign up for and be aware of the physical requirements demanded of the various hiking trails. We do our best to provide comprehensive information about each hike venue so participants can make informed choices as to which outings are appropriate for them.