Exploring the Green Wings Canyon in the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Reserve

The Last Desert Station (2 Days)

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Quiotepec, Oaxaca

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Seven rivers feed the main river, now called the Río Grande or Upper Papaloapan, bringing life to this land. To the west, the Tomellín, Apoala, Sabino, and Salado rivers flow, while to the east, Las Vueltas and two other rivers descend abruptly from the mountains once ruled by the Papaloticpac lordship—the Chiquito and Cacahuatal rivers. The lower part of the latter was the scene of many conflicts since the rule of the great Cuicatec lord Tiñaña of Cuicatlán and the great Mazatec lord Tico of Quiotepec due to land disputes. In 1676, Rosalía de Monjarás, the appointed cacica (chieftainess) of Quiotepec, took control of the area while residing at the Rancho de Cacahuatal.

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Sabino Canyon or Green Wings Canyon

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Recently inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as a mixed site, this majestic canyon lies deep within the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán desert. It plunges to a depth of 250 metres, and its towering walls serve as a nesting ground and habitat for the endangered Military Macaw (Ara militaris).

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Itinerary:

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Day 1

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We depart at 6:00 a.m. from Mexico City from your location, heading towards Sabino Canyon, Oaxaca. Before arriving, we will stop for a meal and check-in at the cabins. Our journey continues towards Green Wings Canyon, where we begin our hike to the viewpoints at approximately 3:30 p.m. The route concludes at 8:00 p.m., after which we return to the cabins for dinner and rest.

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Day 2

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After breakfast, we set off towards the old railway station, where we begin our trek to an archaeological site. The trail follows part of the railway tracks, passing through ravines with views of an imposing river. We then continue through a desert landscape dominated by cacti, including the towering candelabro (Pachycereus weberi). Our destination is the Quiotepec archaeological site, a Zapotec settlement and the cradle of maize domestication. The total hiking distance is 9 km.

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After the hike, we stop for a meal before departing for Mexico City. The return journey takes approximately six hours, with an estimated arrival time of 10:00 p.m., depending on traffic.