Welcome to Hoofing It In Oaxaca!
Foreign visitors from the United States, Canada and other countries flock to Oaxaca de Juarez, the capital of the Mexican state of Oaxaca, during the winter months to enjoy the wonderful climate here — not to mention the festivals, food, musical events, art scene and archeological sites that are such attractions.
For a number of years a series of weekly hikes has been offered, 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.
Hikes
Our hikes fall into three categories:
- 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 city.
The hikes usually take place on Fridays, and normally begin at 9 AM. The Oaxaca Lending Library, located at Pino Suarez 519 just half a block south of Llano Park in the Central District, is the regular rendezvous point. The day’s outing may last anywhere from four to nine hours, depending on how far afield the group travels.
There is no charge to take part in the weekly hikes. However, there may be admission fees for archeological sites or to enter ejido lands. There are normally transportation fees each week, as well, either for public transport, to reimburse individuals for gas, or to charter a bus. Finally, if the group has lunch at a restaurant, there will be a cost associated with that.
Except for the more strenuous mountain hikes, most of the outings entail walking 3-5 miles, usually on mostly level terrain – though dirt roads and footpaths are generally uneven and rocky.
On many hikes, participants may quit hiking before reaching the destination and catch a passing bus or colectivo to give their feet a break. This is not the case every week, though.
The hiking group always takes a lunch break. Usually we stop for a meal at a local restaurant along the route. However, on some hikes there are no “comedores” nearby, so participants must pack a sack lunch. Sack lunches are always an option for those who prefer to carry their food with them.
Given the high elevation and intense sunshine here, hikers should use sunscreen and lip balm. Hats and parasols are a good idea, too; and many people like to use a walking stick. Most hikes can be accomplished in tennis shoes, although hiking boots are recommended. Naturally, each person should carry an ample supply of water and perhaps some snack food.
E-Mail List
“Hoofing It In Oaxaca” maintains an e-mail list for those who want to receive a weekly reminder of upcoming events. Anyone may ask to be included on the mailing list by following the instructions on the “Sign Up For A Hike” page. You can rest assured that the list is confidential and will not be shared with other groups or be used for commercial, political or religious purposes. Persons on the list may ask that their names be deleted at any time.
The Oaxaca Lending Library
Though the “Hoofing It In Oaxaca” program makes use of the Oaxaca Lending Library as a community resource and our general rendezvous point, there is no official connection between the two. We do encourage our hikers to take advantage of the resources the Library has to offer, and to make donations to keep the facility in operation. The Library has a collection of 30,000 English-language books, offers internet services, and acts as a community center and information clearinghouse for the gringo community. It also offers a number of services to local youngsters and funds and oversees a network of over 65 children’s libraries scattered in small villages throughout the state of Oaxaca. It is one of the very best of the many gringo founded and funded organizations dedicated to serving the native population.