The Last Station of the Desert

In the south of Puebla, within the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Biosphere Reserve, lies Zapotitlán Salinas, a town that preserves an ancestral tradition of organic salt production.

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Day 1 – Welcome to the desert!

We depart from Mexico City at 6:00 a.m., with a journey of approximately 4 hours.

Upon arrival in Zapotitlán, we have lunch and check into the hotel.

We begin our adventure with a photo safari for marine fossils, located about 20 minutes away in a dry riverbed, where fossils are revealed after heavy rains. Hike: 2.2 km.

Next, we visit a traditional mezcal distillery, where we learn about the artisanal production process and enjoy a mezcal tasting (includes a bottle of Mezcal Pichomel for the group).

We continue to a giant sotol forest near the distillery. Hike: 1.1 km among these majestic plants. As night falls, we enjoy a campfire gathering, dinner on-site, stargazing, and perhaps the distant howls of coyotes. Return to hotel. Overnight in Zapotitlán.

 

Day 2 – Salt and ancient wisdom

Breakfast at 9:00 a.m. at a local restaurant.

We then visit the salt pans, learning about the traditional methods of salt extraction.

Next, we hike to Cerro de Cuthá, where we find a Popoloca tomb, remains of ancient dwellings, and discover the medicinal uses of local plants. Hike: 3.9 km. Free afternoon. Overnight in Zapotitlán.

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Day 3 – Heading to Quiotepec

After breakfast, we head to Santiago Quiotepec, Oaxaca, a magical corner of the biosphere reserve. We settle into cosy cabins and explore either Cañón del Sabino or Cañón de los Compadres, nesting areas of the military macaw (Ara militaris). From July to September, you may witness this bird in its natural habitat. Hike: 5 km. Outside macaw season, we offer alternative trails showcasing local biodiversity. We close the day with a home-cooked dinner prepared by a welcoming local family. Overnight in Quiotepec.

 

Day 4 – History in the desert

After breakfast, we visit the old railway station, starting our hike along the tracks through gorges, a stunning river, and a cactus-filled desert, reaching the Quiotepec archaeological site, a Zapotec cradle of maize domestication. Hike: 9 km. Lunch and 3-hour transfer to Oaxaca City. Hotel check-in. Evening free – Let’s enjoy some drinks! (Includes group mezcal bottle at a bar in the city centre.) Overnight in Oaxaca.

 

Day 5 – Monte Albán

Breakfast, then visit Monte Albán, the Zapotec capital and one of the first Mesoamerican cities.

Return to hotel. Afternoon free. Overnight in Oaxaca.

 

Day 6 – Mitla and More Mezcal

Breakfast, then we head to San Pablo Villa de Mitla, with a stop at Santa María del Tule to admire one of the world’s oldest trees. We explore the Mitla archaeological site, then enjoy lunch in town (not included). On the way back, we visit a second mezcal distillery, with a new tasting of Oaxacan mezcal (different from Puebla’s). Evening free with recommendations for traditional cantinas. Overnight in Oaxaca.

 

Day 7 – Living Craft

Breakfast (not included). Visit to San Bartolo Coyotepec, where we learn about the art of black clay pottery in a local workshop. Then we visit Jalieza, a town known for traditional Oaxacan textiles. Return to hotel. Free evening. Overnight in Oaxaca.

 

Day 8 – Back to Mexico City

Breakfast and departure back to CDMX. Journey of approx. 6 hours, traffic depending.

Note about included mezcal: This trip includes two mezcal tastings – one in Puebla and one in Oaxaca. If there are two or more people in the group, a bottle of mezcal is included as a group courtesy in each experience. For solo travellers, the tastings are included, but the bottle is not. Cheers!