San Agustín Etla is a pleasant little village perched on the side of the hill on the eastern edge of the Etla Valley. It has a great view out over the valley, and is blessed with an abundant supply of clear, fresh water flowing year-around from the mountains above. The map below shows the route of our hike from the city’s water treatment plant along the aqueduct going up into the mountain valley to the site of an abandoned hydroelectric plant. The walk along the aqueduct is quite scenic, with very mild gradient. However, the footpath is narrow in places and nonexistent in others, necessitating walking (balancing) on the narrow walls of the water flume itself. There is a 50 pesos admission fee, which includes the service of a local guide.
Time frame: 7:45 board van / 8:45 arrive in San Agustin Etla / 9:00 start hike / 10:45 arrive at hydroelectric plant / 11:00 start hike back to San Agustin / 12:00 arrive back in San Agustin — visit Centro de las Artes or stop for liquid refreshments / 1:00 leave San Agustin / 1:45 return to Library.
