Best Things to do in Santiago Apoala, Oaxaca

Santiago Apoala is one of the hidden gems near the Oaxaca and most people overlook this stunning spot while their visit to Oaxaca, Mexico. It is the land of adventurous hiking tracks and beautiful waterfalls that attract the attention of the tourists.

Here, we provide you with the complete travel guide to the Santiago Apoala to make your visit the best one, therefore, stay tuned!

Why you Should Visit Santiago Apoala

It is a beautiful small town with around 200 people so, it is quiet, serene and yet a charming place, so, it is highly recommended to visit Santiago Apoala to find peace and tranquility.
It is located just 2 hours away from Oaxaca and some other reasons to explore this place include but not limited to;

Swimming in aqua blue waters

Explore the pre-Hispanic culture in a little Mexican town

Camping under the starry sky

Experience the village life near Oaxaca

Avoid the crowd and find peace

Watch the scenic natural beauty.

How to Travel to Santiago Apoala from Oaxaca

• By car: If you want to explore Santiago Apoala on your own then rent a car or a cab and travel about two hours. Google maps are good but sometime distracting so it is advisable to follow the maps until Nochixtlan, then exit the highway at Nochixtlan and ask the local people about the way to Santiago Apoala. Car is a best option if you are travelling in a group of 3 to 5 people.
• By bus: Bus can drop you from Oaxaca to Nochixtlan and then you need to take a taxi to your destination. It is a good option if your budget is limited.
• By tour: The best to visit Santiago Apoala is via a tour especially when you are alone. It will save you from hassle and you can peacefully travel with the experts. Click for a full day tour option Oaxaca City.

Essential Travel Tips for Santiago Apoala Visit

It is a small town and locals of the town are mainly unaware of the English moreover, the internet facilities are poor so, you may find difficulties there. It is therefore, recommended to plan your visit properly and follow these tips.

1. Visit the Town’s Ecotourism Office

When you reach the Santiago Apoala, first visit the tourism office of the town and get yourself registered by paying the small fee of about 50 pesos. It will keep a record that you entered this town and staff there will guide you about the hiking spots and best waterfalls.

The timings to visit this office is 7am to 7 pm.

2. Respect the Local Community

It is a small town and people usually rely in the natural sources and tourism so, try not to disturb their farmlands and water sources. Only hike through the routes that are marked and allowed for hiking. Similarly, swimming is not allowed in all water falls so follow the directions to get the best experience.

3. Higher the Local Guide

Native of this town mainly speak Spanish so it is good to hire a local guide to make your visit most enjoyable.

4. Best Time to Visit Santiago Apoala

People of Santiago Apoala experience two seasons throughout the year and that are dry and rainy seasons.

Dry Season (October-April)

It is good if you are interested in hiking and swimming because at this time the river is calm, pools are clean, and trees are green! But, due to lack of rain, the town seems dry and rugged.

Rainy Season (May to October)

During this season, rain showers unexpectedly so, it is difficult to enjoy in the rain. Rivers, waterfalls and pools can overflow, making it dangerous to swim. Moreover, mud can make the town uncomfortable to walk and hike but valley seems very green and pleasant during this time.

5. Download Google Maps

As I have already described that internet service is not very good in the town so, it is better to download Google Maps and learn how to use it before your journey to Santiago Apoala.

6. Download Google Translate

If you are unaware of the Spanish so it is good to download Google Translate as well.

7. Keep Cash with You

ATM machines are not available in the town and very few shops and markets accept card so it is recommended to bring cash in the form of pesos.

Things to do in Santiago Apoala

Here is a list of best things to do in the town in a short-day trip.

1. Hike to Cola de Serpiente

It is a beautiful waterfall also known as Santiago Apoala waterfall and is the main tourists place in the town. Route to the waterfall is very well maintained and you can easily reach the pool from the center of the town. Cola de Serpiente is about a half mile from the town’s center.

2. Walk Along the River

The river in this town is very calm and charming so walking along the river provides the serenity and peace. It is an uncommon thing to do in Santiago Apoala but believe me you will really enjoy it. The Montezuma Cypress trees around the route look awesome and add to the beauty of the river.

It is good to walk toward the cliff in the town and then you will reach Cola de Serpiente.

3. Swim in Secluded Waterfall Pools

There are various places to swim in the town but it is not allowed to swim in all water pools. Therefore, it is recommended to have a local guide with you so you can find the best swimming place. But keep in mind that water could be chilling so, it is better to swim in hot days.

4. Hike Through the Twin Rocks

Peña Gemelas also known as twin rocks is also a very famous hiking spot and people really enjoy hiking here. This area becomes really beautiful in rainy season.

5. Hike the Mirador Trail to a Viewpoint

There are enchanting cliffs on the Northwest side of the town and there is spot at these cliffs known as El Mirador, you can have a best view of the town from this spot. If you are not interested in hiking then drive through this spot to enjoy the beautiful view.

Final Thoughts

Santiago Apoala is a beautiful town but still off the beaten path. People usually ignore it during their visit to Oaxaca because it is not very famous. But I will highly recommend visiting this place as it is full of scenic beauty and natural views.

It is a simple and small town and you can easily get around the town within a day. Jalatlaco is another famous place near Oaxaca so, try to visit it as well during your visit to Oaxaca and Santiago Apoala.

What to do in Oaxaca

Explore historical neighborhoods of Oaxaca: I would highly recommend to visit and explore the charming places near Oaxaca and these are Xochimilco and Jalatlaco.

Visit countryside: Another exciting thing to do is to visit the countryside and enjoy at Santiago Apoala and Hierve el Agua waterfalls. Hiking near the mountains is also a good option.

Try Oaxacan cuisine: You will find best food in Oaxaca so, do not forget to book a food tour in Oaxaca like this immersive Oaxacan food tour.

Explore Zapotec ruins: It is the famous archaeological site near Oaxaca that is visited by most of the people and is a beautiful place.

See widest tree via bike: El Tule is a tree that is considered as the widest tree in the world, you must visit it through bike to see the wonders of the world.

Join Oaxaca art walk: Another best thing to do is to join the city tour and visit hidden gems of Oaxaca. In this tour you can visit the gorgeous streets, art studios, markets, and taste yummy cacao.

Where to Stay in Oaxaca: Three top places to stay in Oaxaca are; Hotel Tabáa Oaxaca that is located in Jalatlaco, boutique hotel Pug Seal in Centro, and Hotel Casa Santo Origen.

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