Totonacs and Zapotec

In the early afternoon, drive to Cuetzalan, a small town in the Sierra of the North of the state of Puebla. 200 km, 3.5 hours drive. Night in a cottage run by a Nahua Indian women's cooperative.J3 - CuetzalanDiscover Cuetzalan and its colorful local market, where Totonac Indians in traditional costume come from communities in the Sierra to sell their local products. In the afternoon, stroll to the El Salto waterfall (7 km). Night in a lodge in Cuetzalan.D4 'Hiking along the green Rio Cuichat valley, swimming possible in basins at the foot of the beautiful Xalpanat waterfall, discovery of the Indian village of Tenango. 4-5 hours of walking. Night in a lodge in Cuetzalan.D5 - Cantona Olmec site Transfer to Cantona, Olmec archaeological site drowned among the yuccas. 1 hour and a half drive. Visit the Cantona site, then transfer to the village of Zapotitlan de las Salinas in the Cuicatlan Biosphere Reserve, which is home to the largest number of cactus species recorded in Mexico (200km, 3 hours drive). Overnight in rustic cottages.D6 - The giant cactuses of Zapotitlan5-hour hike in the Cuicatlan Biosphere Reserve. Visit the large botanical garden with a local guide, lunch in Zapotitlan, then transfer to the city of Oaxaca (200km, 3.5-hour drive). Night at the hotel.D7 - Oaxaca and Monte AlbanMorning devoted to the discovery of the city, one of the most beautiful colonial cities in Mexico. Visit the church and convent of Santo Domingo (optional museum), shop at the traditional market and stroll on the Zocalo, the city's central square. In the early afternoon, transfer to the archaeological site of Monte Alban, an ancient Zapotec capital, built on a plateau 400 m above the city of Oaxaca. Visit the site, then return to Oaxaca in the late afternoon. 1 hour drive during the day. Night at the hotel.D8 'Sierra Madre del NorteEarly departure, 2.5 hours drive to the Zapotec village of Cuajimoloyas (3200 m above sea level). Hike with a local guide through beautiful mountain landscapes to the village of Latuvi (2300 m). 5-6 hours of walking, altitude difference + 200 m/-1100m. Night in the village in a cottage (dormitories) .D9 'Departure on foot to the Zapotec hamlet of Neveria (2800 m above sea level), 3-4 hours of walking, altitude difference +500 m, then return by vehicle to Oaxaca (2.5 hours drive). Night at the hotel.D10 'Canyon del SabinoRoute to the village of Santiago Quiotepec, located in the Cuicatlán Biosphere Reserve, which is still not very busy (130 km, 2 hours). We are only 500m above sea level, and it can be hot, 10° more than in the Sierra Madre. Swim in the Rio Grande, then stroll in the Sabino Canyon, famous for its Aras militari (big green and blue parrots). 2-3 hours of walking, altitude difference 500 m. Night at the hotel.J11 'Quiotepec Viejo/ CholulaLoop hike to the Zapotec archaeological site of Quiotepec Viejo. 4-5 hours of walking, altitude difference 300 m. Then drive to the city of Cholula, located 2,135 meters above sea level, at the foot of the active volcano Popocatépetl (230 km, 4 hours). This pre-Columbian city is known for its Great Pyramid and its numerous churches. Night at the hotel.J12 'Huamantla and Malitzin (3100m) Transfer to the city to the city of Huamantla (1h30). Free visit to this pretty colonial city, founded in 1534, before continuing to the Malitzin cottage (3100m), at the end of the road. Night in a bungalow. J13 'Ascension de la Malinche (4460m) Before sunrise, departure on foot from the refuge for the ascent of the Malinche volcano (4460m). No technical difficulty except the altitude and the sometimes tiring walk in powdery volcanic ash. 6-7 hours of return walk, altitude difference 1350 m. From the summit, panoramic views of the great volcanoes of central Mexico, Orizaba, Popo and Ixta. In the afternoon, transfer to Mexico City. 3 hours drive. Night at the hotel.Day 14 - Teotihuacan and Mexico City If the return flight schedule allows it, transfer to the archaeological site of Teotihuacan. Free visit, then return to Mexico City and free time in the historic center. Free meals. Transfer to the airport and international flight.J15 - Arrival in Europe.The course of this program is indicative. It may undergo modifications or adjustments, depending on technical criteria, safety requirements or the climatic conditions of the moment. In this case, only those responsible for UCPA supervision are authorized to take the necessary decision (s).