10 Ways to Uncover the Sierra Mixe: Oaxaca’s Hidden Gem

Just a few hours from the city center, beyond the thick mist and tall green mountains, you’ll find it: the Sierra Mixe, land of the never conquered.

The story of the Mixe people is one of strength, community, nature, and a deep-rooted identity. Unified and guarded by the Sierra — with her steep mountains, dense forests, and hidden trails — these Indigenous communities, rooted in the Olmec culture, never stopped fighting. Not during the invasions of the Aztec Empire, nor through their centuries-old feud with the Zapotecas and certainly not under the Spanish Crown’s military and evangelical occupation.

The Mixes stood their ground so that today their language, traditions and beliefs can continue to thrive. 

And because of it?
We can now travel back to ancient times 🤫✨

It’s not often you get the chance to be embraced so warmly by a community as remote and unique as the Mixe. That’s why at Rutopía, we partnered with Raíz Ayuuk to give you rare access to the Sierra Mixe, a region few have discovered. This is your one-of-a-kind opportunity to connect with a community that rarely opens up to visitors, and that today welcomes you into their lands with pride and open arms.

Curious? Here’s a glimpse into a 3-day journey through one of the most sacred — and secret — regions Mexico has to offer.

Day 1 - Reconnecting with the Earth

We begin in Ayutla, where Regina Domínguez welcomes us into her home with a taste of Maats’y, or Machucado: an ancestral dish of smashed sopes and creole bull meat.

Traditionally prepared on August 1st, marking the end of last year’s corn harvest, we now sit on the ground and join the Mixe families: offering our machucado, praying for abundance, and asking the “Señor del Hambre” doesn’t come into our homes this year.

The Art of Clay

After our breakfast, we arrive in Tlahuiltoltepec, one of the region’s most creative communities, and visit the workshop of master ceramist Silvia Martinez who, with a full heart shares her story —and that of the locally sourced clay she works with— whilst turning earth into artistry by using rustic tools and a pair of expert hands.

And once you see her finished pieces? We guarantee you won’t come out empty-handed.

Threading History

Our day ends at ArteFer, where Fernando welcomes us into his textile workshop. There, surrounded by beautifully colored threads —dyed with local ingredients like cempasúchil flowers and palo de águila— and the rhythmic clattering of a pedal loom, we watch a master at work bring tradition to life.

And if you’re hoping to take a bit of the Tlahui culture back home, Fer’s shop boasts unique, one-of-a-kind garments, woven with symbols dear to the Mixe lifestyle: the sun, the maguey, the mountains… and, above all, the art of taking it slow.

Day 2 - Touching the Sky

Our second day, takes us to one of the most sacred places of the region: the Zempoaltépetl, a 3,460-meter-high majestic mountain, considered the spiritual heart of the highland Mixe communities.

Accompanied by local community guides, we begin our ascent into a mountain that stands as tall in stature as it does in history, ceremony, and gratitude for nature and heritage.

Elevated Rituals

Across a millenary forest of 500-year-old oaks, we pause for the ritual of pouring mezcal onto the sacred earth (and we won’t mind if you take a sip as well).

Finally, at the summit, we take part in a traditional local ceremony, where we ask Mother Earth for peace, health, and well-being; a powerful end to a true spiritual journey.

Day 3 - Traveling Through Time

On our final day, we head to Huitepec, where we meet Juanita — a curandera— who warmly welcomes us into her home and prepares a temazcal, a traditional Mixe steam bath, used in both spiritual ceremonies and everyday wellness rituals. 

Here, surrounded by warmth and quiet, we'll find the perfect way to begin the last leg of our journey.

Behind the Mist

Next, we step into a true cloud forest, guided by locals who share their deep knowledge of the land. We walk through community-run conservation areas, full of bromeliads, orchids, and ferns, until we reach the Cañón de la Niebla — a serene canyon wrapped in that invites us to pause, breathe, and admire the quiet beauty of the natural world around us.

Stepping Back in Time

A little further on, we arrive at the zone of the Pueblo Viejo, an ancient settlement near the present-day town.‍

As we walk among overgrown trails and run our fingers along the weathered stone walls of the old school, church, and homes, the past seems to come alive — reminding us of the place that once sheltered the Mixe people over 500 years ago.

A Refreshing Pause

We end our walk at the base of the Zempoaltépetl, where mountain springs flow through mossy stone and feed the Mixe region with life. Here, surrounded by fuentes colgantes and the gentle sound of rushing water, we reach a hidden waterfall — a perfect spot to cool off and rest from the journey.

The Final Bite

Since we shouldn’t go home on an empty stomach, our last stop is a visit to a local trout farm, where fish are raised ethically and sustainably in the cold, clear waters of the Sierra.

A fitting end to the trip really: a clean, rich taste that lingers long after the last bite.

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As you’ve probably noticed at Rutopía, along with Raíz Ayuuk, we’re thrilled to share the beauty, history and energy of the precious Sierra Mixe. And though this trip presents a comprehensive journey through the land, we’d love to create a tailor-made adventure just for you!

If you’re curious of what your ideal trip would look like, reach out — so we can create something unforgettable, together.

And if you’re drawn to Mexico’s spiritual side, stay tuned for a Day of the Dead experience: with altars, offerings, and seasonal dishes that’ll bring the magic of this once-a-year celebration to life.

🔗 Plan your journey with Rutopía