Overview
Join Great Laurel Adventures for an immersive exploration of Oaxaca, Mexico. Led by GLA staff and local guides, the group will witness the vibrant Guelaguetza Festival and hike the lush Sierra Norte Mountains. You’ll also visit the stunning "petrified" waterfalls of Hierve el Agua. This trip is designed for those seeking a meaningful connection to nature and Oaxacan tradition in a supportive environment.
Highlights
Guelaguetza Festival: A world-famous celebration of Oaxacan heritage featuring indigenous dances, music, and food.
Sierra Norte Mountains: A high-altitude "cloud forest" where you’ll hike through misty, moss-covered trails.
Hierve el Agua: A stunning site of "petrified" mineral waterfalls where you can soak in natural infinity pools overlooking the mountain valley.
Led by local guides and 2 GLA guides: The GLA (Great Laurel Adventures) team provide the logistical support, while the local guides offer knowledge and historical context for sites like Monte Albán and the mountain trails.
Meet your guide
Leslie Prescott
Guide/Owner of Great Laurel Adventures
I am an avid traveler, but I also enjoy planning travel for both myself and others. I've planned travel for my family, friends, customers and my own solo adventures for over 20 years. I love the idea of building community through bringing women together for travel and adventure. However, as I searched out existing models, I only found ones that were prohibitively expensive for many. I decided to create a similar community that was accessible to more women.
Total Mileage:
5-10 Miles
Transportation Included?
Yes, ground transportation in Oaxaca between destinations and airport transfers are included.
Tendency for Break
Driven by group needs: We move at a collective pace and pause whenever someone needs a breather.
Duration:
8 Days / 7 Nights: This is a week-long journey that takes us through multiple mountain villages and backcountry camps.
Strenuous Level:
Expect 5–6 hours of daily walking on mountain trails with some steep sections and higher elevations.
Pace:
We keep a "talk-ready" pace where no one is left behind and everyone has enough lung power to enjoy the scenery while we walk.
Max Group Size:
12 Women
Minimum Age:
18+
Experienced Needed?
You just need the physical stamina for daily walking; we handle all the mountain travel logistics for the group.
This experience is perfect for:
This is for women and transgender women seeking a genuine travel adventure that prioritizes local culture, mountain walking, and community.
What's Included:
Seven nights of lodging including seven breakfasts, four lunches, and three dinners.
All ground transportation, airport transfers, and a local cooking class.
Every guided hike and cultural tour listed on the schedule.
What's Not Included:
Round-trip airfare to and from Oaxaca, Mexico.
Four dinners and three lunches, allowing you to explore local restaurants on your own.
Alcoholic beverages and personal souvenir purchases.
Travel insurance, which is required for this trip.
Gratuities for the local guides and drivers.
Cancellation Policy:
Because of the complex logistics involved in international travel, you will receive a full refund minus a $150 fee if a replacement is found for your spot, but the $500 deposit is otherwise forfeited if no replacement is found, which is why we strongly require travel insurance for all participants.
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