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Sierra Norte Day 3: Latuvi to Benito Juárez
Our third and last day featured a 12km hike from Latuvi (2422 meters elevation) to the Benito Juárez lookout point (3100 meters), and then back down to the town of Benito Juárez. By now, the elevation was getting noticeable in terms of both the vegetation and the temperature, making for much cooler, more pleasant hiking. I…
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Sierra Norte Day 2: Amatlán to Latuvi
On Day 2, we embarked on this excursion’s namesake: The Camino Real trail, which used to be an important Zapotec commerce route. This historical 16km trail takes you from Lachatao – a town very close to Amatlan – to the village of Latuvi. The first couple hours of the trail are blanketed by mossy trees.…
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Sierra Norte Day 1: Capulalpam to Amatlán
The activity that originally made me want to come to Oaxaca was the multiday hiking through the Sierra Norte. The Sierra Norte is a forested mountainous region that is home to eight Indigenous villages, all connected by a web of hiking trails. The villages have a joint community initiative called Pueblos Mancomunados, which promotes sustainable…
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Street Art of Barrio de Jalatlaco
On my third full day in Oaxaca City, I decided to venture out to the artsy Barrio de Jalatlaco. As one of the oldest neighborhoods in Oaxaca, this area of the city is known for its cobblestone streets and beautiful street art. Even though it’s not a particularly big neighborhood, it took me a couple…
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A Mezcal Tasting with a Side of Awe
So far, the Hostel Central has been everything a hostel is meant to be and more. Laidback vibes, delicious breakfasts, cool and interesting people, and hammocks. They offer a cheap daily tour to Hierve El Agua, so I figured, sure! It’s common for group tours to entice you with some sort of natural wonder, only…
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First Impressions of Oaxaca: Should I Move Here?
Sabbatical Travel Part II has officially begun! I flew to Oaxaca yesterday to begin my one-month solo trip around Mexico. And after a mere 24 hours, I can already say that I am in love with this incredible city. This place has it all. Beautiful weather. Stunning architecture. A vibrant art scene. Chaotic markets. And…