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Embark on an extraordinary journey through the Sierra Norte of Oaxaca, where you’ll traverse an epic hanging bridge and participate in an authentic Zapotec Temazcal ceremony. Explore ancient Zapotec trails, learn traditional Oaxacan chocolate-making, and uncover the Mezcal production process in an authentic Palenque. Engage in a clay workshop in Santa María Atzompa, join a weaving and natural dye workshop, and experience a Night Run from Oaxaca City to Xoxocotlán cemetery for the vibrant Day of the Dead preparations. Immerse yourself in Mexico’s renowned Day of the Dead celebration, connecting with centuries-old traditions and cultural richness.
Discover the world through running
We are committed to helping humanity gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their relationship to nature and to others, by designing experiences, sharing stories, and creating a diverse and inclusive community around a new and sustainable vision of life.
About
Transportation throughout the whole experience.
Specially designed trails along the magical landscapes of Oaxaca.
Carefully curated culinary experiences. *We can accommodate all dietary preferences.
Exclusively designed yoga and meditation sessions.
Expert guidance from local specialists in flora, fauna, and mushrooms.
All meals and accommodations for the duration of the experience.
Knowledgeable and professional local guides.
Merchandise.
Complimentary La Familia Global Community Membership ($25 value).
Airfare for your inbound and outbound flights to Oaxaca City.
Travel Insurance. We highly recommend securing personal travel insurance for your peace of mind.
Alcoholic beverages and any additional meals beyond the provided ones.
Experience cozy comfort and immersive stays during nights 1 through 5 as we journey through the Pueblos Mancomunados (Commonwealth of Villages). Nestled in the heart of each village, our accommodations offer comfortable shared cabins constructed with regional materials. Each cabin boasts modern amenities, including a private bathroom, hot water, electricity, and a fireplace, ensuring a warm and inviting atmosphere.
In Oaxaca City, our 6th night unfolds in a contemporary hotel perfectly located in the historic center. Immerse yourself in the local atmosphere while enjoying the convenience of modern facilities for a restful night’s stay. Please refer to the itinerary for detailed information about the capacity available for accommodations on each night of the trip.
"I had never felt closer to the sky than I did in Oaxaca. I had never experienced such love and wholeness for those that have passed on. I had never experienced welcoming like the open doors that received us. The People of the Clouds have gifted me perspective on how to love; not with my reality, but with my smile. The positivity surrounding our group brought us closer and closer as the days went on. Being so, the spicy terrain, the challenging temperatures, and the muscle soreness were met with humor. We came in as individuals and grew into a family...not wanting the experience to end, and happy to keep our head in the clouds."
- Leander Rodríguez, October 2023 Participant
Gallery
About The Host
Santiago
Santiago resides in Valle de Bravo and hails from a family of mountaineers and runners, and he carries on their legacy by achieving a notable ‘Fastest Known Time’ (FKT) as well as setting records in various national and international marathons.
According to Santiago, running plays a pivotal role in self-discovery and understanding the world that envelops us. He perceives trail running and its connection to nature as a much-needed remedy in these tumultuous times.
Conversations with Santiago are likely to involve passionate discussions about volcanoes, explorations of indigenous heritage, anecdotes about Mexican trail running legends, and dad jokes. Beyond his passion for running, he imparts outdoor education to children, aids in race organization, and identifies himself as a natural architect and outdoor facilitator.
Itinerary
Day 1: Departure from Oaxaca City - Sunset Watching at Hanging Bridge - Traditional Chocolate Workshop
A Prelude to the Day of the Dead.
As a prelude to the Day of the Dead, we will gather in the warm valley of Oaxaca City, from where will depart to the town of Benito Juarez in the Sierra Norte, the first of eight communities of the Zapotec ethnic group, nestled between 2,400 and 3,100 meters above sea level, spanning a territory of 24,932 hectares. The “people from the clouds”, as the mountain inhabitants are known, will have organized themselves to welcome us and share the beauty of the forests they are responsible for protecting.
As the sun dips below the horizon and we soak in the breathtaking vista of the central valleys from a hanging bridge, a distinct energy begins to gather, signaling the onset of our descent into the underworld.
Following sunset, we will venture to Stone House (La Casa de Piedra), owned by Mrs. Lilia and her family. There, we will engage in a workshop to craft traditional chocolate, a customary delicacy placed as offerings on the altar of the dead.
After a delightful dinner at Casa de Piedra, we will retreat to our snug cabin, unwinding in the comforting glow of the fireplace.
Accommodation: Shared Cabins in Benito Juarez | Twin or triple share
Dinner: Included
Day 2: Morning Yoga Session - 13 km Descent Forest Run to Latuvi - Dia de Muertos Altar-building Experience - Nighttime Campfire and Legend Storytelling with Locals
Origins of the Altar and Legends of the Cloud People
As we rise early for our yoga practice, we will intentionally craft a sacred space to pay homage to our loved ones – a beatiful ritual that serves as a heartfel way to keep their spirits alive in our hearts and minds. Following this meaningful practice, our breakfast awaits at Mr. Eli’s organic farm, where he cultivates flowers, fruits, and corn, while also raising small animals like chickens and sheep. Here, we relish a typical breakfast and savor the red “atole”, a corn-based drink infused with chocolate, cinnamon, and achiote- a spice that imparts its rich red color.
Our running journey then takes us to Latuvi through an enjoyable descent into the woods. The afternoon is dedicated to preparing the traditional “altar de muertos”, as we join a local family for a captivating altar-building experience. Immersing ourselves in the artistry of gathering vibrant flowers, savor the exquisite flavors of pulque and tepache during a delightful tasting session.
This enchanting journey promises not only to engage your senses but also to connect you with the rich cultural heritage of the community. As night falls, we gather around a campfire, listening with curiosity to the locals sharing legends of the Day of the Dead in a truly magical context.
Accommodation: Shared Cabins | Twin or triple Share
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner: Included
Day 3: 16 km Camino Real Ascent Run to Lachatao - Zapotec Temazcal Ceremony
A Return to the Earth’s Wombs: Experiencing a Zapotec Temazcal.
After a regional breakfast, we will embark on a journey to the Camino Real, an ancient mountainous tree path that historically connected the Gulf of Mexico to the Pacific via Oaxaca.
Following our 16 km run, a final ascent precedes our arrival at Lachatao, a town surrounded by clouds. The afternoon will unfold with a traditional Zapotec temazcal sweat lodge ceremony, offering a healing experience through ancient rituales. Here, in the warmth of the fire, we will pay homage to our ancestors.
The Zapotecs proudly declare that they possess the finest temazcal among cultures. To them, it’s sacred on many healing levels, fostering a connection with their ancestors- a place where the body’s cries are released, and sweat transforms into tears of happiness.
Accommodation: Shared Cabins | Twin to Quadruple Share
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner: Included
Day 4: Sunrise Hike and Farewell Ritual at Jaguar Hill - 12 km Run to Cuajimoloyas - Restorative Yoga Session - Sierra Norte Farewell Dinner
As the sun graces the horizon with its rise, we will embark on a brief hike and partake in a farewell ritual at Jaguar Hill. This ritual is a poignant ceremony, a healing of ancestral wounds that honors and celebrates both life and death.
After a satisfying breakfast, our journey continues as we drive to the quaint Zapotec village of Llano Grande. From this charming starting point, we initiate a spirited 12 km run through the highlands of San Miguel del Valle to Cuajimoloyas, renowned for its wild mushrooms. The route concludes with a passage through a concealed gorge, known as “La Cueva de la Iglesia”, a mystical place steeped in stories and legends.
Upon reaching Cuajimoloyas, a late lunch with the locals awaits, followed by a restorative yoga session to renew the body’s lightness. As the day concludes, we savor a Sierra Norte farewell dinner, as we prepare to say goodbye to the Pueblos Mancomunados of the Sierra Norte of Oaxaca (Commonwealth of Villages) before we descend to the Central Oaxacan Valleys, marking the end of this unfogettable part of our journey through these vibrant landscapes.
Accommodation: Shared Cabins | Twin to Quadruple Share
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner: Included
Day 5: Teotitlán Del Valle Weaving and Natural Dye Demonstration - Santa María Atzompa Clay Workshop - 10 km Night Run to Xoxocotlán Cemetery - Xoxocotlán Cemetery Visit
We bid farewell to Sierra Norte with a delightful regional breakfast, setting our course for Teotitlán del Valle. In this vibrant town, families practice the local craft of weaving Zapotec rugs using foot looms, transforming wool into a spectrum of colors with natural dyes from herbs and cochineal bugs. A traditional weaving demonstration awaits us, hosted by the Bautista family, followed by a fest featuring their favorite seasonal dishes for the festivities.
Following this, we’ll transfer to the captivating town of Santa María Atzompa, immersing ourselves in a clay workshop guided by skilled craftsmen who have perfected their art for centuries.
As evening falls, we’ll embrace the night with a 10 km Night Run, tracing our way from Oaxaca City to the hauntingly beautiful Xoxocotlán cemetery. In this revered space, local families will gather, adorning tombstones with decorations while sharing stories. The atmosphere will be enhanced by the glow of candles, the echoes of music, and the comforting aroma of food – a deeply moving and respectful experience.
Please be aware that our visit to the cemetery will comply with any enforced rules and designated times.*
Accommodation: Contemporary Hotel in Oaxaca City Historic Center | Double and Single Occupancy
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner: Included
Day 6: Morning Yoga Flow - Mezcal Tour - Lunch at Etla Market - Oaxaca City Street Immersion
We’ll commence this sacred day with a serene morning, treating ourselves to a flow yoga practice.
By noon, we delve into a spectacular and culturally enriching mezcal tour at an authentic Palenque. This beautiful palenque offers insights into the mezcal-making process, a tour of agave fields, and concludes with a tasting of the exceptional mezcals crafted on-site.
Come lunchtime, we’ll journey to the lively town of San Agustin, where we’ll explore the Etla Market, delighting in the diverse flavors, vivid colors, and enticing aromas of Oaxaca’s traditional cuisine. Here, we’ll also witness the vibrant display of cempasuchil flowers, candles, fruits, and the iconic pan de muerto (bread, of the dead).
Later, we journey to Oaxaca City, immersing ourselves in the vibrant atmosphere of comparsas and calendas – street parades brimming with tradition, featuring a joyful mix of regional music, dancing, food, drinks, and colorful costumes. Here, we’ll witness the city come alive with celebrations and excitement.
Breakfast, Lunch & Lunch: Included
Accommodation: Contemporary Hotel in Oaxaca City Historic Center | Double and single Occupancy
Day 7: Morning Yoga Session - 10 km Altar and Offering Observation Run - Farewell Breakfast
“When your times comes to die, be not like those whose hearts are filled with fear of the death, so that when their time comes they weep and pray for a little more to live their lives over again in a different way. Sing your death song, and die like a hero going home.“
-Tecumseh
November 2nd, Día de Muertos, is a sacred moment to emotionally and spiritually reconnect with our departed loved ones. This commemoration of past lives expresses a celebration of the continuity of life.
We will start this day with our final reflection session, followed by a brief run to observe various offerings and public altars around the city and bid our farewell. It’s a poignant time to contemplate the significance of life and death in Oaxacan Culture.
Our farewell breakfast in Barrio Xochimilco will precede our journey back home, to our roots.
Breakfast: Included
Things to keep in mind
Cancellations and Refunds.In the event of a cancellation, either by the User and/or Participant, or by Activ Retreats, the following shall apply:
1. Cancellation by the Client:
In the event that the Client decides to cancel an Experience subsequent to its booking, such cancellation shall be governed by the following terms:
a. Cancellation of Experiences with a duration of 4 (four) or more days:
Notification period prior to the start of the Experience | Fee charged by Activ Retreats |
180 days or more | $0.00 USD |
91 days or more | 30% of the Experience total cost |
90 to 60 days | 60% of the Experience total cost |
59 to 0 days | 100% of the Experience total cost |
b. Cancellation of Experiences with a duration of 3 (three) days or less:
Notification period prior to the start of the Experience | Fee charged by Activ Retreats |
91 days or more | $0.00 USD |
90 to 60 days | 60% of the Experience total cost |
59 to 0 days | 100% of the Experience total cost |
In case of cancellation by the User, the User shall be entitled to be reimbursed, subtracting the outstanding commissions, non-refundable deposits and the corresponding cancellation fee, in accordance with items “a” and “b” above.
2 Cancellations by Activ Retreats
In the event that Activ Retreats cancels an Experience, whether for lack of minimum participation or for any other reason, the User may take the following actions:
I) Request the transfer of the deposit to a different Experience, up to two times, as long as the transfer date is at least 90 calendar days prior to the start date of the Experience. In the event that the Experience preferred for reimbursement has a higher amount of Consideration than the originally contracted Experience, the User and/or Participant must pay the difference between the two prices.
II) Request a refund, from which any expenses, cancellation costs or commissions made to suppliers on behalf of the Participant will be deducted.
In the event that a Participant abandons the Experience by his/her own decision, he/she will in no case be entitled to a refund and Activ Retreats will not be obligated to reimburse any additional amount.
In the event that Activ Retreats cancels an Experience during the course of the Experience, due to acts of God or force majeure, Activ Retreats shall not be liable to carry out the refund of any amount to the Participants, however, it may offer, at its own discretion, voluntary compensation.
In the event that the User and/or Participants have contracted travel insurance, they should review the terms and conditions of such insurance in order to carry out the corresponding reimbursement process.
Activ Retreats shall not be liable for any expenses, expenses and/or losses incurred by the Participant in connection with the booking of the Experience, including but not limited to, obtaining visas, vaccinations, flights, trains, car rental, gasoline, travel expenses and any other expenses incurred by the Participant.
Nothing in these Terms and Conditions shall be construed as an obligation of Activ Retreats to provide the Services, but Activ Retreats shall provide the Services as it sees fit.
3 Refunds
In the event that the User wishes to request a refund from Activ Retreats, in accordance with these Terms and Conditions, the deadlines for the execution of the refund will be as follows: (i) International Refund up to 10 (ten) calendar days; (ii) Domestic Refund up to 5 (five) calendar days from the approval of the request.
4 Credit Roll-outs
90 days prior to the retreat start date:
Clients have the option to transfer the payment credit to a different Retreat or Getaway upon request. The credited amount must be utilized within a maximum of 365 days from the original purchase date. An administrative fee of $100 USD per person will be applied for this transaction.
This agreement describes the general terms and conditions (hereinafter, the “Terms and Conditions”) that regulate the use of the set of digital media made available to the users of the said media (hereinafter, the “Users”) by the company called Activ Retreats (hereinafter, “Activ Retreats and/or the Holder”), through the Website located at: https://activretreats.com/ (hereinafter, the “Website”). The Website is called “Activ Retreats”, and may be accessed through any Internet browser. Any person wishing to access or use the Web Site and/or any of the Services offered therein (as such term is defined below) may do so subject to these Terms and Conditions.
1. General Data of the Holder
Activ Retreats is a company legally incorporated and validly existing under the laws of the United Mexican States (“Estados Unidos Mexicanos”), fully empowered in accordance with its corporate purpose to provide the services detailed in this Terms and Conditions.
The present Terms and Conditions are directed to clients of Activ Retreats and/or any of its controlling entities, subsidiaries and/or affiliates of Activ Retreats that use the Website and/or any other extension of the platform, property of Activ Retreats
2. Definitions
a. Privacy Notice: Refers to the privacy notice of Activ Retreats, drafted in terms of article 28 of the Regulations of the Federal Law for the Protection of Personal Data in Possession of Private Parties (“Ley Federal de Protección de Datos Personales en Posesión de los Particulares”), and article thirty-eighth of the Privacy Notice Guidelines (“Lineamientos del Aviso de Privacidad”), by means of which the User expressly grants or denies the processing of his/her personal data.
b. Activ Retreats: The company named Activ Retreats and/or any controlling entities, subsidiaries, subsidiaries and/or affiliates of Activ Retreats.
c. Website: All digital media, people and physical means made available to the User in order to promote the Services, in accordance with these Terms and Conditions.
d. Parties: It refers jointly to Activ Retreats and the User.
e. Participant: Refers to the natural persons who are registered as participants in the booking of Experiences or those persons who will participate in the contracted Experience through the Website.
f. Services: Set of services offered by Activ Retreats in compliance with these Terms and Conditions, comprised by the activities set forth in these terms and conditions, as well as the use of the Website.
g. User: Refers to any natural person who wishes to acquire rights and obligations with Activ Retreats, in relation to the Services offered by Activ Retreats.
3. Acceptance of Terms and Conditions
The access and/or use of the Website, and/or any other extension of the platform, property of Activ Retreats, implies the acceptance by the User (as such term is defined below) of all the clauses and policies established in these Terms and Conditions. Likewise, by using the Website you will be communicating with Activ Retreats through electronic means, so you agree to receive communication under this modality using various mechanisms such as: email, notices, phone call and WhatsApp (software made available by the company WhatsApp, LLC., hereinafter, “WhatsApp”); by virtue of the foregoing, the User acknowledges that the forms, contracts, notices, messages, as well as any type of notification and/or communication sent by electronic means satisfy any legal requirement and have full legal effects and validity.
Any person who does not accept these Terms and Conditions, which are mandatory and binding, must refrain from using the Website, and/or any other extension of the platform, owned by Activ Retreats.
4. Services
Activ Retreats offers Customers and/or Users, through the Website, the possibility to access and/or acquire services consisting of experiences that may include, but are not limited to, the following activities (hereinafter, the “Experiences”):
1. Planning of trips and retreats; 2. Planning and management of sports activities; 3. Planning and management of recreational, social and cultural activities; 4. Planning and management of culinary activities; 5. Booking of accommodations.6. Booking of means of transportation at the Experience site. 7. Specialized guides at each destination.Photography services. The User accepts and acknowledges that the activities listed in this Clause may vary in each of the Experiences offered by Activ Retreats, therefore, the User must review in the Activ Retreats Website which activities are included in the Experience that the User wishes to book.
5. Operation of the Website and General Conditions
5.1 Catalog of Experiences
In case the User wishes to contract an Experience offered by Activ Retreats, he/she may do so by entering the Website. Once logged in, the User must select the “Experiences” tab, where the User may view the catalog of Experiences that are available at that moment. The Experiences will be catalogued in one of the following categories:
(i) Retreats; and (ii) Getaways, which will depend on the duration of each Experience. The User must select the Experience he/she wishes to hire, and once selected, he/she will be redirected to the specific tab of each Experience, in which he/she will find the information and specifications of the selected Experience, including but not limited to: (i) Information regarding accommodation; (ii) Itinerary of the Experience; (iii) A recommended list of items for the trip; (iv) A list of services and resources included and/or not included by Activ Retreats within the Experience; (v) Specifications of the Experience; and (vi) Relevant informative notes about the Experience.
5.2 Booking of Experiences
To book an Experience, the User must select the “Book Now” button within the specific tab of each Experience.
Currently, Mexico’s international borders remain open.
A valid passport is required for entry.
A Visa may be required depending on your nationality.
Foreigners might be required to present a return ticket.
Weather
In late October and early November, the weather in the Sierra Norte of Oaxaca is characterized by cooler temperatures, with daytime highs ranging from 15° to 25° Celsius (59° to 77° Fahrenheit) and nighttime lows of 5° to 15° Celsius (41° to 59° Fahrenheit). The region experiences a transition from the rainy season to drier conditions, resulting in mostly clear skies.
Moving to the Oaxaca Central Valleys, the climate is mild and pleasant, with daytime temperatures between 20° to 30° Celsius (68° to 86° Fahrenheit) and nighttime lows of 10° to 20° Celsius (50° to 68° Fahrenheit). Similar to the Sierra Norte, the Central Valleys see a decrease in rainfall during this period.
Oaxaca City enjoys comfortable weather with daytime temperatures ranging from 20° to 25° Celsius (68° to 77° Fahrenheit) and nighttime lows of 10° to 15° Celsius (50° to 59° degrees Fahrenheit). As the city transitions to the dry season, rainfall diminishes, providing visitors with pleasant conditions for exploration.
Activity level: Nature’s Rhythms - Ranging daily from 8 to 16km