Best Things to do in Santiago Apoala, Oaxaca

Santiago Apoala is one of the hidden gems near Oaxaca, and most people overlook this stunning spot during their visit to Oaxaca, Mexico.

It is the land of adventurous hiking tracks and beautiful waterfalls that attracts the attention of the tourists. I provide you with the complete travel guide to the best things to do in Santiago Apoala to make your visit the best one.

Why You Should Visit Santiago Apoala Oaxaca?

It is a beautiful small town with around 200 people, so it is quiet, serene and yet a charming place. It is highly recommended to visit Santiago Apoala to find peace and tranquillity.

It is located just 2 hours away from Oaxaca, and some other reasons to explore this place include, but are 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?

This is considered as best method for travelling 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 for about two hours. Google maps are good but sometimes 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.
• By bus: A 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 way to visit Santiago Apoala is via a tour when you are alone. It will save you from hassle, and you can peacefully travel with the experts.

Read More: The Best Neighboring Towns of Hawaii

Essential Travel Tips for Santiago Apoala Visit

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

Visit the Town’s Ecotourism Office

When you reach 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 of your entry into this town, and the staff there will guide you about the hiking spots and best waterfalls. The timings to visit this office are 7 am to 7 pm.

Respect the Local Community

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

The higher the Local Guide

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

Best Time to Visit Santiago Apoala

People of Santiago Apoala experience two seasons throughout the year and which are the 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, the pools are clean, and the trees are green! But, due to a lack of rain, the town seems dry and rugged.

Rainy Season (May to October)

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

Download Google Maps

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

Download Google Translate

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

Keep Cash with You

ATMs are not available in the town, and very few shops and markets accept cards. It is recommended to bring cash in the form of pesos.

Read More: Rome Instagram Captions: Perfect Phrases For Your Photos

Things to Do in Santiago Apoala

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

Hike to Cola de Serpiente

It is a beautiful waterfall, also known as Santiago Apoala waterfall and is the main tourist attraction in the town. The route to the waterfall is very well maintained, and you can easily reach the pool from the centre of the town. Cola de Serpiente is about a half mile from the town’s centre.

Walk Along the River

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

Swim in Secluded Waterfall Pools

There are various places in Santiago waterfalls are to swim in the town, but it is not allowed to swim in all the water pools. 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 chilly, so it is better to swim on hot days.

Hike Through the Twin Rocks

Peña Gemelas, also known as Twin Rocks, is a very famous spot for hiking near Oaxaca City, and people enjoy hiking here. This area becomes really beautiful in the rainy season.

Hike the Mirador Trail to a Viewpoint

There are enchanting cliffs on the Northwest side of the town, and there is a spot at these cliffs known as El Mirador, where you can have the 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.

What to Do in Oaxaca?

You can try these things in Oaxaca:

• Explore historical neighbourhoods of Oaxaca: I would highly recommend visiting and exploring the charming places near Oaxaca, and these are Xochimilco and Jalatlaco.
• Visit the countryside: Another exciting thing to do is to visit the countryside and enjoy Santiago Apoala and Hierve el Agua waterfalls. Hiking near the mountains is also a good option.
• Try Oaxacan cuisine: You will find the 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 people, and is a beautiful place.
• See the widest tree via bike: El Tule is a tree that is considered the widest tree in the world. You must visit it by bike to see the wonders of the world.
• Join the Oaxaca art walk: Another best thing to do is to join the city tour and visit the 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, which is located in Jalatlaco, boutique hotel Pug Seal in Centro, and Hotel Casa Santo Origen.

Final Thoughts

Exploring the Best Things to do in Santiago Apoala, Oaxaca, from the stunning waterfalls that invite adventure seekers to the vibrant local markets showcasing traditional crafts, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Immerse yourself in the local cuisine, as it reflects the area’s heritage and flavours. Whether you’re trekking through lush landscapes or engaging with the welcoming community, Santiago Apoala promises an unforgettable experience.

FAQs