The Northern mountain chain of the state of Oaxaca is a sentinel that protects the Magic Town of Calpulálpam de Méndez, a small village that is surrounded by vast forests of pine and oak trees, every day bathing the morning with their fresh air and waking up those who are early enough to see the dew melt away from flowers and leaves.
Its nature is rich in mountains, water deposits, caverns, rivers, waterfalls and woods, making this town a magical destination perfect for activities such as eco tourism, hiking, extreme sports and flora/fauna exploration.
It should also be noted that this locality has been recognized since the year 2000 by the WWF (World Wildlife Fund).
The Pelado Mountain, with its more than 3100 meters above the sea level, is the highest spot of the region, which, during cloudless days, will allow you to admire the majestic panoramic view that reaches even the Pico de Orizaba.
The Chorromonte is a water deposit, and, along with the “Cueva del Arroyo” (Cave of the Stream), they form part of the many natural attractions of Calpulálpam.
The latter site is a natural cavity where the sedimentation of the water has managed to create impressive rock formations.
You can make this 2-hour trip and finish it off descending from the hill rappelling.
This Zapotec origin site, which means “land of the Capulín tree”, crosses three rivers: Manantial de la Y, Cervantes Cave and the Arch, making this destination part of the Ruta de la Sierra (Mountain Route) that will leave you breathless by its exceptional landscapes, culture and artisanal crafts.
The handmade crafts that you can find are: metalwork, wooded carvings, blankets, blouses, “huipiles”, cloths and napkins.
This place is also famous because it has a very strong cultural vibrancy towards traditional medicine, since these lands are rich in peppermint, poleo, itamorreal, chamomile, mullein, arnica, waxweed, borage, rosemary and eucalyptus, which are used to prepare infusions, syrups and ointments that serve for massages, healing and “limpias”.
All of these procedures, and the way they are prepared, are supported by the Department of Health of the country.
Remember to visit the traditional medicine workshops or the Traditional Indigenous Medicine Center, where you will be able to buy or get remedies, massages, “limpias” and live through the healing experience by entering a temazcal.
The state’s cuisine is one of the most beautiful cultural heritages that the region has, and it consists of moles (black, green, red and yellow), stuffed chilies, setas, enfrijoladas and the delicious chichilo, a type of mole with peas and pork or chicken meat.
The typical drinks are: tepache, chocolate, white atole, and wheat or pinole champurrado.
Remember that the mescal is the iconic drink of the region, so you must definitely give it a try.
We recommend you to try chicken breasts with maguey caterpillar; dare to try it! The Magic Town has vice royal architectural precincts, designed with a baroque and neo-Classic style, that, surrounded by adobe houses and roof tiles, will transport you to México’s past, like the San Mateo Cathedral that traces back to the 16th Century, enjoying its holiday during September.
During the same month, you will discover the Regional Fair, where you will be able to enjoy cultural events, concerts and exhibitions.
The Community Museum, as well as the Madre (Mother) and Minero (Miner) Monuments, are places that you will be able to admire and recognize since UNESCO has declared them World Heritages.
During November and December, visit the Todos los Santos celebration and the Nativity Competition, both festivities filled with color, traditions and tons of smiles.

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visit the recreational center known as “Los Molinos” (The Windmills), where you will be able to take a stroll through the damp woods of the Oaxaca’s northern mountain chain.
At the end of this tour, you can either descend with the several zip-lines that this place offers you, or by rappelling down the 60 meters tall mountain until reaching a river that travels through this touristic center.
Remember to try the delicious tlayudas, a gastronomic symbol of the state; order them with tasajo, enchiladas or chicken.
If you are already in this Magic Town, you definitely have to visit one of the many viewpoints of Calpulálpam: Cruz, which is the tallest one, and El Calvario, from where you can observe the pine and oak forest below, and catch sight of a few woodpeckers and sparrow.
The latter one offers you a place to go camping, letting you enjoy of the beautiful starry night, and practice extreme sports in one of their many large fields.
Remember to bring comfortable footwear and a sweater, since the weather can drastically chance because of the town’s proximity to the mountain chains and the forests.
Enrich your trip by including these destinations to your visit: Oaxaca (13 kilometers away, offering museums, tours, routes, artisanal crafts, gastronomy, festivities, archeological ruins, excursions, camping and walkways), Hierve el Agua (78 kilometers away, offering gastronomy, hiking, alpinism, tours, routes, walkways, swimming, and photographic safari) and Mitla (66 kilometers away, offering gastronomy, temples, artisanal crafts, archeological ruins, tours and walkways).

Things to see and do
gastronomy, artisanal crafts, museums, alpinism, hiking, wildlife exploration, traditional medicine, temazcal, massages, “limpias”, rappelling, zip-lines, swimming, rivers, waterfalls, hot springs, forests, camping, festivities, dances and traditions.
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