Apoala is a village in the Mixteca Alta, a region distinct from the central valleys where the other trips on this list are located, and it holds a place in Mixtec oral tradition as a site of origin stories tied to a sacred tree. The main draw is a canyon walk past waterfalls, including a tall cascade locally called the Cola de Serpiente, along with caves in the surrounding cliffs. Because it's the farthest and least developed destination here, it's usually done as a guided trip through the village's community ecotourism cooperative rather than an independent drive-and-walk outing.
| Distance | 115 km / 2.5-3 hr from Oaxaca city |
|---|---|
| Travel time | 2.5-3 hours one way |
| Getting there | Mode: Colectivo to Nochixtlán then local truck to Apoala; Notes: Overnight in the village is worth considering since the round trip plus hike takes most of a full day |
| Address | Santa María Apoala, 69800 Oaxaca, Mexico |
How to get there
- Colectivo to Nochixtlán then a shared truck to Apoala
- Rental car
- Guided Sierra Norte tour
Location
Santa María Apoala, 69800 Oaxaca, Mexico
17.4822, -96.9683 View on map
Highlights
- The Cola de Serpiente waterfall - the canyon's tallest cascade, reached by a hiking trail from the village
- The Cueva del Diablo - a cave along the canyon walls that's part of the standard walking route
- The canyon itself - dramatic red-rock cliffs that are part of what makes the Mixteca Alta landscape distinct from the central valley sites
- The village of Apoala, whose community-run tourism office arranges local guides for the canyon trail