Sierra Juárez Route – Three-Day Itinerary
The Sierra Juárez Route is an ideal destination for those seeking nature, culture, and adventure in one of Oaxaca’s most impressive mountain settings. This region is distinguished by its pine and oak forests, cool climate, and mist-covered landscapes, creating perfect scenarios for ecotourism. Along the route, visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking, mountain biking, birdwatching, camping, and tours of natural viewpoints. Many communities offer ecotourism centers with cabins, zip lines, and interpretive trails, promoting responsible and sustainable tourism.
Base: City of Oaxaca
Duration: 3 days
Mode: Daily excursions with overnight stays in the Sierra Juárez
Type of experience: Nature, cultural, artisanal, and gastronomic
• Starting point: Historic Center.
• Breakfast en route at family restaurants in Las Ánimas or El Punto.
• Travel time: 1 h 45 min to Guelatao de Juárez.
Emblematic place: birthplace of Benito Juárez García.
Main attractions:
• Benito Juárez Lagoon and Ecological Center, ideal for short walks and birdwatching.
• Benito Juárez Replica House Museum, with historical documents and objects.
• Monument and viewpoint dedicated to the “Benemérito de las Américas.”
Available services:
Parking, restrooms, local guides, coffee, bread, and handicrafts for sale.
Travel time: 1 hour
Attractions:
• Church of Santo Tomás Apóstol (16th century).
• Scenic viewpoint and glass lookout with panoramic views of the cloud forest.
• Community market with forest products, honey, and organic coffee.
Services:
Cafés, restrooms, ecotourism center (cabins, hiking, aerial games).
Travel time: 3 hours
One of the most emblematic towns of the Sierra Norte.
Attractions:
• Temple of San Mateo Apóstol (16th century).
• Traditional Medicine Center, offering temazcal, massages, and herbal remedies.
• Workshops for wood, textiles, and ceramics.
• Lunch at Verbo de Méndez scenic restaurant or the municipal market.
• Tour of the grotto.
• Visit to the deer breeding center.
• Excursion to the Cruz Blanca viewpoint.
Services:
Typical restaurants, lodging, certified guides, camping area.
Travel time: 3 hours
19:00 h – Dinner and overnight in Capulálpam
• Traditional dinner with mountain mole or grilled trout.
• Stargazing by the bonfire.
• Overnight stay at the Capulálpam de Méndez Ecotourism Center.
Route: Capulálpam → San Miguel Amatlán → Santa Catarina Lachatao → Santa María Yavesía
• Oven-baked bread and high-altitude coffee.
Attractions:
• Breakfast at a local restaurant.
• Trail to the Yavesía River and natural waterfall.
• Environmental conservation workshops.
Services:
Cabins, community dining hall, local guides, camping area.
Travel time: 2 hours
Attractions:
• Interpretive trails.
• Visit to the mine.
Services:
Cabins, community dining hall, guides, and bicycle rentals.
Travel time: 2 hours
Attractions:
• Cerro del Jaguar archaeological site.
• Colonial Temple of Santa Catarina.
• Interpretive walk to the viewpoint.
• Lunch at the ecotourism center.
Services:
Ecotourism center with cabins, temazcal, café, and guides.
Suggested lodging: Ecotourism center.
• Traditional dishes with mushrooms and freshly made tortillas.
• Seasonal fruit, corn atole, and oven-baked bread.
Attractions:
• Cloud forest and hiking trails.
• Beekeeping and orchid workshops.
• Horseback rides through Llano de las Flores.
• Visit to the grotto.
Services:
Eco-cabins, café, honey and natural products for sale, community guides.
Attractions:
• Hike to La Cumbre Ixtepeji viewpoint.
• Trails for mountain biking and birdwatching.
• Lunch at Las Horquideas restaurant.
Services:
Cabins, bicycle rentals, restaurant, and guided bonfires.
• Stop at a scenic viewpoint.
• Approximate arrival: 20:00 h.
-(1)-(1).png)
_gmxdot_JPG)
