(First and foremost, we have updated our map to include our next destination of Puerto Escondido. We have also updated the pictures to include the last few pictures of Puebla, all of Oaxaca including our side trip, and our recent hiking trip, so check them out!)
Early Saturday morning we both boarded a second class bus to head up to the mountain chain north of Oaxaca. Although the mountains are not far away, it did take a full two hours to reach our starting town Cuajimoloyas, as the bus hugged the thin ascending road (dirt in places). Saturday we hiked a total of 6 hours with our guide, and even coincidentally joined up with a few other friends from our hostel on the same path.
Saturday, Sunday, and Monday morning we hiked a total of 25miles, most of which was steeply up or down the mountain side as we trekked from village to village. Within the general area they have found 7 different ecosystems. This was extremely evident during our hike, as we saw cactus, evergreens, and rain forest flowers in the span of several hours. Weather over the weekend was perfect, with only a short shower one evening.In total we saw 4 different villages, of which we spent the night in two. The smallest village was comprised of only 80 people. Within the past decade these villages have formed a co-op, developing a good ecoturism organization with hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and ziplining. We kept the venture simple with just the hiking, although we did hire a guide as few of the trails are even marked. Not only did we get the opportunity to see the beautiful natural surroundings, we also got the chance to see some small farms that we passed by and farmers herding cattle. Local residents were very friendly and eager to answer our questions or just have a conversation.
Our favorite village would have to be where we stayed the first evening. Perched on the top of one of the mountain, the village had amazing, unobstructed views from every direction. Our cabin was built right on the ledge so that we could watch the sunset from inside our cozy room, or outside on the hammocks. That's right, hammocks... now you see why this one was our favorite.
Although we had a great time, we are both extremely tired and sore. We are definitely looking forward to our next destination - THE BEACH! - where we are heading tomorrow.
4 comments:
Your pictures are wonderful - what an awesome reminder of the creator and all the beauty that is given to us to enjoy whether in person or by pictures. What fun! Enjoy the beach but watch out for jelly fish if they have them down there. Keep up with writing your experiences or you will forget them. You both look great and healthy. Love you. mom
You are so lucky to sit back and relax in such beauty. I agree with your other mom (Kendra's ?), there are so few gifts we've been given that we truly appreciate. Everything in life is a gift. Love, MOM
Hey guys - your trip sounds fabulous! The hiking looked challenging (scary) and the food all looks delicious. You both look so happy and deserve the time off after all your hard work and savings. We love hearing everything so keep the blog up! The kitties are fighting today but seem to be making up. . . . Janet
AWESOME UPDATE!!! Your trip only seems to keep getting better... The mountain scenes are spectacular and I can just imagine a day of hiking then a 'siesta' in one of those hammocks with a cold Cervza...
Enjoy the trip to the Beach as well... Rich I remember our trip to Huatulco... The host who organized all the activities was named MoMo... And that is the trip when you got beat in a Ping Pong Tournament by a girl... You were not happy about that... But we had a great time then and I'm sure you'll have an even better time now...
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