Oct 27 to Nov 2, 2025
Best Seller
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.
Transportation throughout the whole experience.
Specially designed trails along the magical landscapes of Oaxaca.
All meals and accommodations for the duration of the experience. *We can accommodate all dietary preferences.
Carefully curated culinary experiences and regional cuisine.
Knowledgeable and professional local guides.
Entrance tickets to all national parks and ejidos are included in the experience.
Complimentary Global Community Membership ($ 25 USD value).
Airfare for your inbound and outbound flights to Oaxaca City.
Shuttles to and from the Airport.
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 4 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 5th and 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.
Running bottoms (shorts/tights).
Long and short-sleeved tops.
Warm-down jacket or polar fleece.
Cool-weather casual and sports clothing.
Waterproof windbreaker jacket (compact).
Sandals, bathing suit, and quick-drying towel.
Beanie and running gloves.
2 pairs of trail running shoes.
Running socks.
Multipurpose buff/bandana.
Night Lamp or headlamp.
Biodegradable sunblock, hat or cap, and sunglasses.
Biodegradable insect repellent.
Personal medical kit (recommendation with basic medicines for any ailment).
Hydration vest or refillable bottles (2.5 L)
Thermos for coffee or tea.
Energy personal snacks (bars, fruits, nuts)
Electrolytes
Small water bag (cameras, phones, etc)*
Hiking poles*
Personal small item(s) to offer at altars: photographs, small objects reminiscent of your departed loved ones, etc…
*Optional
Please note that throughout most of the trip, there will be limited phone signal or internet access, given the remote nature of our destination. Keep in mind that this experience involves rural and indigenous community tourism, so access to hot water may vary, although it is generally available.
Currently, Mexico’s international borders remain open.
A valid passport is required for entry.
A visa might be required depending on your nationality.
Foreigners might be required to present a return ticket.
"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
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.
As a prelude to the Day of the Dead celebrations, we gather in the warm valley of Oaxaca City, then journey to Benito Juárez in the Sierra Norte. Nestled between 2,400 and 3,100 meters above sea level, this Zapotec community, known as the “people from the clouds,” will welcome us into their forests.
As the sun sets we will take in the breathtaking vista of the central valleys from a hanging bridge where a unique energy begins to gather, marking the start of our journey into the underworld. Later, at Stone House (La Casa de Piedra) we will craft traditional chocolate and enjoy a cozy dinner before retreating to our cabin, unwinding in the comforting glow of the fireplace.
Welcome Dinner: Included
Accommodation: Shared Cabins | Twin or triple Share
Shuttle from Airport: Not included
We begin the day with a sunrise yoga session, creating an intentional and sacred space to honor our loved ones and keep their spirits alive in our hearts throughout our journey. Afterward, we’ll indulge in a traditional breakfast at Mr. Eli’s organic farm, relishing the flavors of red atole (a corn-based drink) and other local treats.
Our trail-running adventure will lead us on a breathtaking descent into the woods towards Latuvi, where we’ll join a local family preparing a traditional “altar de muertos” and enjoy a tasting session of pulque and tepache. As night falls, we’ll come together around a campfire with locals to listen to the legends of the Day of the Dead.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner: Included
Accommodation: Shared Cabins | Twin or triple Share
After a regional breakfast, we will set off on a journey along the Camino Real, an ancient mountainous path that historically linked the Gulf of Mexico to the Pacific through Oaxaca. Following our 16 km run, we will complete a final ascent to reach Lachatao, a town nestled amidst the clouds.
The afternoon will unfold with a traditional Zapotec temazcal sweat lodge ceremony. The Zapotecs view it as a sacred space to foster a deep connection with their ancestors and release all body tensions. Here, in the warmth of the fire, we will pay homage to our ancestors.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner: Included
Accommodation: Shared Cabins | Twin to Quadruple Share
As the sun rises, we will take a short hike and partake in a farewell ritual at Jaguar Hill. This meaningful ceremony honors and celebrates life and death while healing ancestral wounds. After breakfast, we will drive to the charming Zapotec village of Llano Grande and begin a spirited 12 km run through the highlands of San Miguel del Valle to Cuajimoloyas, ending with a passage through a concealed gorge, a mystical place steeped in stories and legends.
Upon arriving in Cuajimoloyas, a lunch with the locals is planned, followed by a restorative yoga session. To end the day, we will enjoy a Sierra Norte farewell dinner as we bid goodbye to the Pueblos Mancomunados of the Sierra Norte of Oaxaca (Commonwealth of Villages), before descending to the valleys.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner: Included
Accommodation: Shared Cabins| Twin to Quadruple Share
We bid farewell to Sierra Norte with a delightful regional breakfast, before heading to Teotitlán del Valle, a small town where families practice the local craft of weaving Zapotec rugs using foot looms, and naturally dyed wool. A weaving demonstration awaits us, hosted by the Bautista family, followed by a fest featuring their favorite seasonal dishes for the festivities.
After this, we’ll move on to Santa María Atzompa to immerse in a clay workshop guided by skilled local artisans. As evening falls, we’ll have a 10 km Night Run, from Oaxaca City to the hauntingly beautiful Xoxocotlán cemetery, where families gather to share stories around their loved ones surrounded by music, food, and candles. *Please note that our visit to the cemetery will comply with any enforced rules and designated times.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner: Included
Accommodation: Contemporary Hotel in Oaxaca City Historic Center | Double and Single Occupancy
After starting the day with a yoga practice we will embark on a fascinating mezcal tour at an authentic Palenque, followed by a visit to an agave field and a tasting of the exceptional mezcals crafted on-site. For lunch, we will explore the iconic Etla Market, where we can enjoy Oaxaca’s traditional cuisine and witness the vibrant display of cempasúchil flowers, candles, fruits, and the traditional 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.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner: Included
Accommodation: Contemporary Hotel in Oaxaca City Historic Center | Double and Single Occupancy
On our final day, November 2nd, we will celebrate Día de Muertos, a sacred time to emotionally and spiritually reconnect with our departed loved ones and honor the continuity of life.
Our day will start with a reflection session followed by a brief run to observe various offerings and public altars around the city. We will then have our farewell breakfast in Barrio Xochimilco before starting our journey back home.
Breakfast: Included
Shuttle to Airport: Not Included
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
Payment confirmation
When you book a reservation for a product through the website https://www.arabiantours.travel, Skyland collects your payment information and processes your payment as described below under “payment processing” on behalf https://www.arabiantours.travel. The amount will be listed as Skyland on the credit or debit card statement. The company accepts the following credit cards: MasterCard and VISA. There is no charge or service fee for processing credit or debit card payments.
Refund policy
There is no cancellation fee if you cancel at least 48 hours in advance of the scheduled departure.
If you cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the scheduled departure, there is a 50 percent cancellation fee.
If you cancel before 24 hours of the scheduled departure, there is a 100 percent cancellation fee.
The refund will be complete within 30 days from the transaction date.
The refund policy may differ depending on the nature of the booking as per the nature of the tour.
No refunds are available once a tour or service has commenced or in respect of any package, accommodation, meals, or any other services utilized.
Refunds will be done only through the original mode of payment.
For no refund policy, if you have purchased some specific time coupon tickets, event or attraction, or accommodation that has no refund and replacement, it will be non-refundable.
Cancellation Policy
Canceling a booking with https://www.arabiantours.travel can result in cancellation fees applied by https://www.arabiantours.travel, as outlined below. Additional fees may be levied by the individual supplier or tour operator. You will be notified via email or telephone of the total cancellation fees when canceling any booking.
If you have purchased an event, attraction, or coupon ticket, it will be non-refundable in all circumstances.
In some cases, the hotel or accommodation is also non-refundable but depends on the booking policy, which can be mentioned on the voucher.