🏜️ The Last Desert Station (4 Days / 3 Nights)

Discover the magic of southern Puebla and the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Biosphere Reserve in a unique experience that blends nature, history and ancestral traditions. This journey will take you through desert landscapes, ancient trails and communities that honour their environment and culture.

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Day 1: Salt Flats, Fossils & the Art of Mezcal

🛌 Overnight in Zapotitlán Salinas.

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Departure from Mexico City:
We depart promptly at 4:00 a.m. for a 4-hour drive to Zapotitlán Salinas.

Visit to the Salt Flats (20 minutes):
Upon arrival, we explore the ancient salt flats and learn about the traditional method of organic salt production that has been preserved for centuries.

Hike to Cerro de Cuthá:
 

From the salt flats, we embark on a hike to Cerro de Cuthá.

• Distance: 3.9 km

• Approximate duration: 2 hours
  We will discover Popoloca tombs, pre-Hispanic remains, and learn about the medicinal uses of local plants.

 

Regional Breakfast:
After the hike, we enjoy a traditional breakfast at around 10:00 a.m. in a local restaurant.

 

Marine Fossil Adventure in the Dry Riverbed:
Later, we walk approximately 2.2 km along the bed of an ancient dry river, where marine fossils have been uncovered by seasonal rains. A perfect opportunity to photograph and learn about this incredible geological record.

 

Mezcal Distillery & Traditional Meal:
Following the fossil expedition, we visit an authentic mezcal distillery:

• First, we learn about the artisanal mezcal-making process.

• Then, we enjoy a guided tasting.

• Finally, we share a traditional meal at the distillery, paired with the unique flavours of mezcal.

 

Hotel Check-in:
After lunch, we check in to our hotel.

 

Giant Sotolín Forest & Stargazing:
In the afternoon, we take a gentle 1.1 km walk among the impressive giant sotolín trees, ancient species unique to this region.
As night falls, we enjoy a desert stargazing experience under the vast, starry sky.

 

Day 2: Fossils & Dinosaur Tracks

🛌 Overnight in Zapotitlán Salinas

 

Free Morning:
From 7:00 to 8:00 a.m., time to enjoy the pool or relax.

Breakfast:
At 9:00 a.m., a full breakfast is served at the hotel restaurant.

Exploration in San Juan Raya:
At 10:00 a.m., we head to the community of San Juan Raya (20 min drive) for two fascinating excursions:

 

Stop 1: Turritella Park
A walk through a petrified seabed:

• Distance: 1 km

• Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
  We’ll see fossilised shells, molluscs and other ancient sea life forms.

 

Stop 2: Carnivorous Dinosaur Footprints
We follow the steps of a prehistoric predator:

• Distance: 1.5 km

• Duration: 2 hours
  We’ll admire authentic footprints of a carnivorous dinosaur that roamed this region 90 million years ago.

 

Artisanal Ice Lolly Tasting:
To finish, we enjoy a refreshing tasting of handmade ice lollies crafted with exotic regional fruits like pitaya, garambullo, and xoconoxtle.

 

Lunch in Zapotitlán Salinas:
A traditional meal to bring our adventure to a close.

 

Day 3: The Quiotepec Route

🛌 Overnight in Santiago Quiotepec, Oaxaca

 

After breakfast, we depart for Santiago Quiotepec, crossing from Puebla into Oaxaca. Upon arrival, we settle into cosy cabins surrounded by nature.

In the afternoon, we explore the Sabino Canyon or the Compadres Canyon, home to the green macaw (Ara militaris). If it’s the right season (July to September), you'll have the chance to see these birds in the wild. In other months, we’ll enjoy alternative walks through stunning landscapes with unique biodiversity. We close the day with an ethno-tourism experience: a homemade dinner lovingly prepared by a local family who share their flavours and stories with us.

 

Day 4: History on the Rails

🛌 Overnight in Santiago Quiotepec, Oaxaca

 

After breakfast, we visit the old railway station, the starting point of our walk to the Zapotec archaeological site of Quiotepec. The path follows the old train tracks, crossing canyons and cactus deserts, until we reach this site believed to be a cradle of maize domestication. At midday, we enjoy a traditional meal before beginning our return journey to Mexico City, our hearts full of landscapes, flavours, and unforgettable stories.

 

🥃 Note on included mezcal:
During the trip, you will enjoy two mezcal tasting experiences: one in Puebla and one in Oaxaca. For groups of two or more, a complimentary bottle is included at each location. For solo travellers, bottles are not included, but the full tasting experience is. Cheers!

“Live an unforgettable adventure among deserts, ancestral culture and unique landscapes, connecting with the nature and history of Mexico.”