We returned to Capulálpam to enjoy this Pueblo Mágico and a treatment at the Traditional Medicine Center. Oh yes, and a hike on their beautiful forest trail. Since there is no bus service and the collectivos are uncomfortable (they drive fast on the tight twisty road), we engaged a driver which made the trip much more comfortable. The conversation with Oscar added more enjoyment to the to the trip and he introduced us to very good restaurant midway on the drive to and from.
The Hike
Capulálpam Hike.PatLionel.2020-01-25
We had arranged our hike with the Ecotourism office and went there to meet our guide. Soon
a group of six women arrived – we would all hike together. Hitting the tail we recognized that it would be the same trail that we hiked last year. But it was different this year – Lionel’s explanations were different and our hiking companions added another dimension.
[We had gone to Capulàlpam’s only bar the night before (we had mezcal and French fries for supper), and this group of women showed up – having a great time. We met them again on the street the next morning and exchanged greetings. Then we found them on the hike with us. They were from Cancun on holiday and having a great time including helping us understand Lionel’s explanations of medicinal plants. ]
Highlight
As noted above, we had hiked this trail last year so I won’t repeat the description. Leonel did add to our experience this year. He spent more time pointing out various plants, explaining their medicinal benefits. Important to him was the connection between our spirit and the land and all it provides. To bring the point more to home, he invited us to shed our shoes and socks and walk barefoot, to feel the earth and make a connection with it. Despite our very tender feet, we followed the lead of our companions and enjoyed the spirit of the experience. Later he invited us to crawl, hands and knees, to deepen the connection; we declined, ‘tho the ladies were game, having a good time.
Statistics
Total Distance: 3.65 miles
Elevation: start 6,815 ft, maximum 7,248 ft, minimum 6,665 ft
Gross gain: 433 ft. Aggregate ascending 1,042 ft, descending 1,084 ft
Maximum slope: 34% ascending, 35% descending, 10.0% average
Duration: 4:23
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I urge you to explore our hiking tracks with Google Earth. With the virtual 3-dimensional presentation, achieved by panning and tilting the view, you can get a much better idea of the hikes and terrain than you can get from the 2-dimensional screenshot above. For assistance: Using Google Earth Track Files.
References and Resources
Wikipedia: Capulálpam de Méndez
Oaxaca Cultural Navigator : Norma Schafer:
One Day in Capulálpam de Méndez: Oaxaca’s Pueblo Mágico
Hoofing It In Oaxaca: Hiking Venues for “Hoofing It In Oaxaca”
Asi es Mi Mexico: Capulálpam de Méndez
Oaxaca Mio: Capulálpam de Mendez (Revion Sierra Norte) (Spanish)
Facebook: Centro de Medicina Tradicional Capulálpam
Oaxaca Traditional Medicine: a BLOG