The Mirador Yaa-Cuetzi is located 3,000 meters above sea level and offers panoramic views of the clouds at sunrise and sunset. In addition to the viewpoint, trails lead to mountain panoramas, along a stream through pine and oak forest, or to experiences that explain the local forest ecosystem.
Views and Trails
At the Mirador Yaa-Cuetzi, a zip line runs in a single stretch for more than a kilometer. It passes 100 meters above the wooded landscapes of the community. Those who prefer to hike to viewpoints can take a route to the Cañón del Coyote, with views of the mountain landscape. The three-kilometer trail at Llano del Fraile follows the banks of a stream, passes through pine and oak forests, and ends at Tarajeas Park.
Llano de Tarajeas is suitable for walks. Horseback and bicycle tours are accompanied by a guide who explains the local forest ecosystem and medicinal plants. The options therefore differ in more than just the way you get around: at Llano del Fraile, the trail length, streamside route, forest and destination provide the itinerary; at Llano de Tarajeas, the guide’s explanations of nature are part of the tours.
Experience Nature and Explore the Surroundings
The Centro Ecoturístico Yaa-Cuetzi offers opportunities to observe birds and other flora and fauna, as well as walks, horseback riding and mountain biking. There are also community-led tours and transport between different locations. These offerings complement the specific routes with opportunities to observe nature or explore with a guide.
The Loma de Cucharilla route also has a clearly defined itinerary: it begins in the municipality of Cuajimoloyas and descends to the community of Latuvi. Along the way is the La Cucharilla viewpoint, which offers panoramic views of Latuvi. San Antonio Cuajimoloyas is also one of thirteen destinations on the Ruta de la Sierra Juárez.
To travel from Oaxaca, take Federal Highway 190 to Tlacolula, then turn off toward the community of Díaz Ordaz and continue north in the direction of Cuajimoloyas. Check the current route and road conditions before setting out.
Local Cuisine and Events
The regional Feria de Hongos Silvestres began in 2000 and has been held every year on the third weekend of July ever since. If you would like to plan your trip around this event, check the dates before making plans. You can take part in workshops on making Pan serrano.
During visits to working groups, you can meet a women’s cooperative. There, mushrooms are preserved, and handicrafts are made from Sarcina, the leaves of the ocote pine. At the Comedores Tarajeas, La Zanja and El Bocadito, trout is the main dish. This lets you combine nature experiences with concrete insights into local production and cuisine, without assuming that everything is part of a single excursion.
Where to Stay in Cuajimoloyas
The Yaa-Cuetzi community hotel has simple, comfortable rooms. The Centro Ecoturístico Yaa-Cuetzi offers spacious camping areas. This gives you a choice of different types of accommodation: a room at the community hotel or camping.
Discover more destinations: San Jerónimo Tlacochahuaya, Santa María Huatulco, San Juan Bautista Coixtlahuaca, San Juan Bautista Valle Nacional, San Juan Bautista Tuxtepec, Tehuantepec, San Felipe Del Agua, Santa María Chimalapa.
For the main travel overview: Oaxaca.
