Oaxaca · APOALA & WATERFALL HIKING ADVENTURES
6 reviewed
North of the city the Mixteca opens into the Apoala canyon, with a waterfall at the head of it and a village that has farmed the valley floor for centuries. Here are the best hikes and canyon trips: how much walking each involves, whether you swim, how long the drive runs, and what a day out there costs.
Ride from Oaxaca to Hierve el Agua for 3 hours to explore petrified waterfalls and mineral pools. Entrance and food cost extra.
“They took us there and back, it was great. We checked options like buses and taxis and we wouldn’t have saved that much and seemed like a hassle. The place is amazing and we were able to explore and chill.”
Full-day bromeliad forest tour from Oaxaca: chocolate tastings, a pine–oak hike with waterfall, Ixtlán crystal viewpoint, and Juárez sites.
“We loved our experience in the communities and on the hike. Everyone was very friendly, kind, helpful. It would have been helpful to know what additional expenses were involved just so that we had been sure to carry enough cash. It was a great day.”
Private climbing and rappelling near Oaxaca City with hotel pickup, tailored routes for all levels, snacks, and a patient English-speaking guide.
“Very knowledgeable guide, excellent service, and most importantly, super fun!”
11-hour hike to Apoala waterfalls with swim pools and a canyon finish, plus included lunch and market stops from Oaxaca City.
“This hike was such a wonderful addition to our trip in Oaxaca. It was well paced with three stops to take in the beauty and have a refreshing swim. Ivan was a great host. He was very knowledgeable on the area and environment. We even got to get close with some donkeys and sheep :)”
Bike through Oaxacan villages, ride down into Santiago Apoala, then swim in cascading natural pools and chase Snake Tail Waterfall.
“⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Absolutely Unforgettable Bike and Hike tour! I cannot recommend this guided hiking experience enough! From start to finish, it was perfectly organized and exceeded all my expectations. Our guides were knowledgeable, friendly, and deeply passionate about the local ecology and history, which added a whole new layer of depth to the hike. The trail itself was breathtaking—lush forest paths, panoramic mountain views, and even a hidden waterfall that we never would have found on our own. Pedro kept a pace that was comfortable for me and my sister and made sure to take plenty of breaks for water, photos, and nature talks. He even brought refreshments and fruit, which…”
Cascadas Las Brisas near Oaxaca City: small-group adventure with village stops, swimming in crystal-clear falls, cave time, and an included meal.
“Great excursion with our experienced guide Eduardo who made sure we learned about the plants, birds and history of the area, excellent lunch included and swimming in the waterfall was amazing”
