The short, narrow valley that encompasses the villages of Cienequilla and Jalapa del Valle is a little piece of Eden. Thanks to the Rio Jalapilla which carries fresh water year ’round, local farmers are able to irrigate their fields which, though small, are intensely productive. It is one of the few places in the region that boasts greenery even at the end of the dry season. Though just a few miles from the sprawl of Oaxaca, the valley is out of sight behind a ridge of hills. It is isolated, rustic and charming. Our out & back hike in the valley is a simple walk upvalley along a dirt road leading from the village to a charming little restaurant which is our rest stop and turnaround point. You won’t find any archeological sites or splendid vistas here. What you will discover is a timeless place with a unique charm. Note that the map below shows the route going just one way, so the actual distance is double that shown.
Time frame: 8:00 depart Oaxaca / 9:30 arrive Cienequilla & start hike / 11:00 arrive at comedor for snack and turn around / 11:45 start return hike / 1:15 board van / 2:45 return Oaxaca
