Sendero del Jaguar, Hiking Retreat

Day 1: Departure from Oaxaca City - Short 1km Sunset Walk We will depart from Oaxaca City in comfortable transportation provided by Aire Libre. Upon arrival at Cascada de Niebla, we will enjoy a serene evening immersing ourselves in one of the most well-preserved cloud forests in the area, famous for its breathtaking sunsets. Lunch & Dinner: Included Accommodation: Cascada de Niebla Cabins Day 2: 9 km Transition Hike Into Temperate and Cloud Forests We'll leave the community of Santiago Comaltepec behind and venture into Tepetotutla, a community that has harmoniously coexisted with jaguars, emphasizing the importance of water conservation. After navigating through dense and ancient forests, we'll reach our campsite where we'll enjoy hearty meals and well-deserved rest. As the sun sets, we'll be serenaded by a chorus of unique birds native to the region. This mountainous terrain boasts an extraordinary variety of bird species, including the majestic pheasant. We'll spend the night in our "million-star" tents, immersed in the enchanting ambiance of the cloud forest. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner: Included Accommodation: high-altitude campsite amidst the cloud forest Day 3: Hike and 12 km Descent to the Conservation Core Zone We will embark on a captivating descent spanning 12 kilometers with a -1,650 meter negative elevation, leading us to the heart of the conservation core zone. Here, we'll find one of the world's most enchanting cloud forests, adorned with a rich tapestry of bromeliads, orchids, magnolias, ancient oaks, sweetgums, mosses, and towering trees. It is almost guaranteed to come across fresh tracks of jaguars and other mammals, as well as sightings of the emblematic Great Curassow. As we hike, the surroundings will gradually transform into a verdant mesophile forest until we reach Santa Cruz Tepetotutla, a village guarded by Nahuales, people of profound wisdom. This village stands out as one of the tidiest and most immaculate places you'll ever visit, boasting a wealth of medicinal plants, captivating history, and residents with hearts as vast as the forest itself. We will spend the night in cozy cabins, and the meals, without a doubt, will become delightful stories to share back home—each dish a unique blend of deliciousness and local charm. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner: Included Accommodation: Cabins at Estación Modelo Tepetotutla Day 4: 4 km Hike to San Antonio del Barrio – Swim at Perfume River – Caldo de Piedra Workshop - Surprise Evening Workshop Today we will say our goodbyes to Santa Cruz Tepetotutla to start a lush descent 4 km hike into the next community that will welcome us: San Antonio Del Barrio. While a single day can hardly capture the essence of this paradise, we dedicate this day to relaxation, savoring the delightful weather, and immersing ourselves in the pristine waters of the Perfume River. We will delight in the region's signature dish, "caldo de piedra", prepared right by the river, and take the chance to connect with families who continue to preserve their ancestral customs and traditions. As the day unfolds, we'll come together for a surprise workshop, and as night falls, we'll be lulled to sleep by the gentle and rhythmic melodies of the river. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner: Included Accommodation: Community Cabins at San Antonio del Barrio Day 5: 5 km Closure Hike - Return to Oaxaca City We'll kick off the day with a hearty traditional breakfast, a fitting farewell to the Chinanteca communities that have welcomed us. Our adventure culminates as we explore one of the region's most iconic and breathtaking sites: the edible forests of the lower Chinantla. By approximately 5:30 PM, we'll arrive back in Oaxaca City, marking the end of our unforgettable journey. Breakfast: Included