Map of Pueblos Mancommunados area and our hike
The villages themselves were simple, but picturesque places with unique local history or culture.
Picture of our guides, Mother and 10-year daughter
The road on the beginning of our hike from Cuajimoloyas to Latuvi - 20km.
During our hike we were accompanied by local guides of Zapotec origin, who spoke Spanish, but not English. However they were knowledgeable about the plants, wildlife and ecology of these sierras. We managed to communicate with hand gestures and some Spanish.
Scenery along the hike
While hiking, we experienced many different ecosystems, from lowland deciduous forest to cloud forest in one day. Luckily for us, we are well-versed in the art of layering clothes to be comfortable.
Scenery on the way to Latuvi
Our first day was an extremely hot day. The heat makes the walk much more gruelling. Luckily, we were hiking on forest paths most of the way. Thankfully, our second day was cloudy at times with a spit of drops of rain.
Scenery along the hike
But, the sun did eventually come out as did the warm weather again.
Beautiful flowers on trail
Rose bushes along the trail
Our third day was somewhat cooler initially, but became warmer again. This was bearable as we were walking in the forest shade often.
Lookout scene during hike and point at which guides were changed.
Our forth day was very warm again. It was a difficult hike in terms of elevation changes happening very quickly. We were also in a hurry to make certain that we caught the bus in Cuiajimoloyas as we suspected it was the only bus to Oaxaca that day.
Guide and Gerald as we begin our hike to LaNeveria, 12km.
In the villages we stayed in cabanas. They are made of mud-brick and wood, with tile floors, fireplaces and hot-water bathrooms. They are built especially for the tourists. This is how the villages make a lot of their money.
View from Cabana (place we stayed) in Latuvi
In the evening, at a time we would ask, someone would come and make a fire in our ´chimney´to take the mountain chill out of our cabana. This was also helpful for drying the clothes we had washed from our hike of the day. We could not believe how dirty we got.
MaryIris and Gerald on hike
MaryIris climbing waterfall
While staying in the villages for the evening there was little choice regarding dinner plans, i.e., one “restaurant“ or dinner at a local family“s home. There was little dinner selection, i.e., soup, bread and or a fresh trout dinner complete with lettuce and radishes and avocado. These dinners cost approximately $3.00 to $4.00.
We now know enough Spanish to get what we want for breakfast and they were wonderful, as no one spoke English in the places we ate. We were able to order, avocado, eggs, tortillas and refried beans complete with black coffee and coffee with milk. In the villages coffee is served with sugar already added in a bowl.
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