The Stunning El Picacho Hike in Teotitlan del Valle

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Author: Megan Anderson
Created: December 1, 2021 1:00 pm
Updated: June 9, 2023 4:18 pm

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Route type: Day Trip Hike

Difficulty grade: Casual Hike

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Distance Instructions

Label

Distance 3 miles
Time 2 h 20 min
Speed 2 mph
Min altitude 5666 ft
Peak 6690 ft
Climb 1152 ft
Descent 1155 ft

This is a map and basic overview about the sacred El Picacho hike that is located on the outskirts of the charming village of Teotitlan del Valle in the East Valley of Oaxaca Mexico. While Teotitlan del Valle is most known for its beautiful textiles and weavers, there are plenty of things to do in this small village including taking the sacred climb up Cerro Picacho.

⁉️ If downloading the map, please verify that the map is correct and follows the waypoints. Oftentimes, there are daily updates to the site, map platforms, and other external issues that may cause a bug in downloading. Be mindful that this map is solely for entertainment purposes. See my full disclosure here. Always hike responsibly and respect the mountains by following a no-trace philosophy, avoid hiking alone, be conscious of the weather and personal limitations, and do not stray from the visible trail

El Picacho Hike in Teotitlan del Valle Oaxaca Logistics

Out & Back Trail

Trailhead Mirador El Cerro Picacho: 1.5 miles

Downhill plus stop at caves: 1.5 miles

Total Mileage: 3 miles

Entrance Fee for El Picacho hike: $25 pesos ($1.25 USD)
- Purchase tickets from the Museo Comunitario in the center of town
- Closed on Mondays, open 10:00 - 18:00, find them here

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate, the ascent can be steep

Trail Markers: Blue and White signboards clearly mark the hiking trail. Some white trail markings can be seen on stones along the route

Excursion Duration: +/- 2.5 hours

How to Get to Teotitlan del Valle & El Picacho Hike Trailhead

From Oaxaca City, catch any bus or collectivo in the direction of Tlacolula or Mitla. Public transportation buses and shared cars are easy to board near the stadium in Oaxaca and pass by frequently.

🚌 Oaxaca to Teotitlán del Valle | Take any bus or collectivo heading in the direction of Mitla or Tlacolula | Exit on the main road to Teotitlán del Valle and flag down a Moto | Average Moto fare to Teotitlán del Valle center: $10 pesos

The moto will drop in the center of town, but for a few more pesos ask them to drop at the main trailhead for Cerro Picacho. Before going to the trailhead, purchase the entrance ticket from the museum in town. If you have your own car, you can park next to the trailhead. The trail is maintained by the community, so make sure to support their maintenance of the route.

Museo Comunitario Teotitlan del Valle | Find it here: Tecutlan | Tuesday - Sunday: 10:00 – 18:00 | El Picacho Hike Fee: $25 pesos ($1.25 USD)

El Picacho Hike | Mirador Trail to Cerro Picacho

The El Picacho hike is fairly straightforward and follows along a dirt path that is well marked. I suggest hiking up to the mirador first and then passing by the caves on the way back. The caves and large rocks are just a short detour from the main hiking trail.

In the mornings, it's possible to see wildlife like birds, deer, and rabbits. The El Picacho hike almost makes a spectacular sunset hike. Since Oaxaca usually has hot afternoons, early morning or late afternoons are best to tackle the El Picacho hike since there is not a lot of shade coverage along the path.

At the end of the hilltop trail, appreciate the fantastic views of the East Oaxaca Valley. The panoramic views are spectacular, especially during the rainy season when the mountains are green and full of life (May - September). Strong hikers can reach Cerro Picacho in under an hour. At the top find three crosses and a covered rest area with benches.

On the way down, if you wish, stop by the cave. It's possible to continue to the large rocks, but after that, the trail becomes less visible and more overgrown. However, along this route are some worthwhile views of Teotitlan del Valle from another perspective.

Return to Teotitlán del Valle

When ready, walk out towards the road and flag down a moto to return to Teotitlán del Valle. This excursion takes about 2 hours, or longer if you pack a picnic to enjoy from the top.

It's possible to walk the road back into the village, which is a mostly flat walk that is almost exactly 1 mile to the market.

Hiking in Oaxaca | El Picacho Hike

This map is all about the El Picacho hike, but want to discover more things to do in Teotitlan del Valle? Find more about the museum, weavers, and other awesome artisan shops in Teotitlan del Valle Oaxaca.

How to Spend One Day in Teotitlan del Valle Oaxaca