
Apoala Magic Waterfalls Hike and Swim Adventure
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 7 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Apoala Magic Waterfalls Hike and Swim Adventure worth booking?
Apoala Magic Waterfalls Hike and Swim Adventure is a 11-hour experience in Oaxaca City, Mexico, from $2200 per person. It scores 57 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 7 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 57 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (7)
- Duration
- 11 hours
- From
- $2200 per person
Discover the stunning landscapes of the Apoala Magic Waterfalls on a full-day hiking and swimming adventure. Trek through a picturesque canyon while surrounded by towering rock walls, and take refreshing dips in hidden p
What you get
About this experience
Discover the stunning landscapes of the Apoala Magic Waterfalls on a full-day hiking and swimming adventure. Trek through a picturesque canyon while surrounded by towering rock walls, and take refreshing dips in hidden pools. Led by a bilingual guide, this journey allows you to explore the natural beauty of the Mixtec region, culminating in a visit to majestic waterfalls. A delicious lunch awaits at Twin Rocks’ valley, and the experience is designed for nature lovers. Prepare for an invigorating day filled with exploration, tranquility, and breathtaking views. ITINERARY OPTIONS: 1. Single-day hike and swim adventure. 2. Exclusive overnight camping experience (Fri, Sat only).
What's included
Included
- Local community guide
- Admission fees
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Lunch
- Professional bilingual guide
- Fully guided informative tour
- Hiking poles
- Bottled water
Not included
- Breakfast
What you'll see and do
Templo de San Matias Jalatlaco
Meet by the front of the Jalatlaco church
15 minutes here
Asuncion Nochixtlan
Drive to Nochixtlan. Comfortable drive to the market to eat breakfast
90 minutes here
Breakfast time. Grab a bite at a local market en route to the hike
30 minutes here
Santiago Apoala
Drive to Apoala. Continue the drive to the destination
60 minutes here
Santiago Apoala
Start the hike downstream. 6+ km total hike. Time: 3:30 hrs. Elevation: 2,000 m.
60 minutes here
Santiago Apoala
Discover the majestic waterfall. Continue the hike upstream to the waterfalls
60 minutes here
Santiago Apoala
Hike upstream. Along the hike we'll find hidden pools to go for a swim
60 minutes here
Santiago Apoala
Lunch time. Enjoy a meal (included) in the scenic Twin Rocks valley
45 minutes here
Santiago Apoala
Hike the canyon. Additional hike through towering rock walls and vegetation
60 minutes here
Oaxaca
Start the drive back to Oaxaca city
150 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Oaxaca City
Meet by the front gate of San Matias Jalatlaco church in Jalatlaco
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Meet by the front gate of San Matias Jalatlaco church in Jalatlaco
Options you can book
Apoala Overnight Experience
Worry-free camping: Tent, warm sleeping bag and comfy sleeping mat will be provided. Camping experience : Experience Apoala in the most unique way! Spend the night on the river bank in the forest, wake up to birds singing. Duration: 1 day: Meet at 4 pm to begin your journey. Spend the night in Apoala. Get back to the city at 4 pm on the next day. Meals included : Savor delicious dinner and breakfast at a local eatery. 2 Hikes: Canyon hike and river/Waterfalls hike. IMPORTANT NOTE: This is an extended version of our standard single-day option. It includes an additional meal and camping gear.
Apoala Magic Waterfalls Hike and Swim Adventure
Small group experience: Intimate groups of 6 people max, so you can truly connect with other travelers. Duration: 11 hours Lunch is included.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Thu, Sat
- Group size
- Up to 6 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Valterra Excursiones
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Not recommended for travelers with mobility impairments
- Not recommended for travelers with low level of fitness
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 7 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Photo opportunities
5 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Food and drink
5 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Physical effort
5 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
7 verified traveler reviews for Apoala Magic Waterfalls Hike and Swim Adventure. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Amazing ecotourism hike!
Had a wonderful trip with Ivan and our tour mates. Beautiful roadtrip, hike, and local food experiences! Highly recommend to diversify your Oaxaca experience.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your kind review! We're glad you enjoyed the road trip, hike, and local food experiences. One of our goals is to help visitors discover a different side of Oaxaca, so we're happy to hear the experience added something special to your trip. Thanks for the recommendation, and we hope to see you again on a future adventure!
via Tripadvisor
Amazing!
Ivan was incredible! He is an excellent communicator & provided a clear itinerary. He is very knowledgeable about the history and customs of the region. The trek was truly magical & the food served for lunch was superb. I would highly recommend going on this trip!
via Tripadvisor
An absolutely unforgettable nature experience in Apoala!
We had an absolutely incredible day with Ivan in Apoala!! Everything was beyond amazing: the waterfalls, the vibrant colors of the water, the breathtaking scenery, and the hike. I loved every single moment. We had lunch at a wonderful small family-run restaurant in the middle of nature, which made the day even more special. Then we explored an absolutely stunning canyon; it was so, so, so beautiful! I can’t recommend this experience enough for anyone looking to enjoy nature during their trip to Oaxaca. Ivan’s passion for nature is contagious, and it was a real pleasure spending the day with him and learning so many things about nature in Mexico!
via Tripadvisor
Beautiful scenery and refreshing swims
This hike was such a wonderful addition to our trip in Oaxaca. It was well paced with three stops to take in the beauty and have a refreshing swim. Ivan was a great host. He was very knowledgeable on the area and environment. We even got to get close with some donkeys and sheep :)
via Tripadvisor
Magical waterfall hike
This trip was absolutely stunning. Ivan, was a great guide, knowledgeable, and helpful. The water, the valley, the food. It was all a really lovely experience.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 11 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Thu, Sat
- Price range
- $2200 to $2550
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 2
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 57
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Apoala Magic Waterfalls Hike and Swim Adventure: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Oaxaca City.
How much does Apoala Magic Waterfalls Hike and Swim Adventure cost?
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Prices start at $2200 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Oaxaca City usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Apoala Magic Waterfalls Hike and Swim Adventure take?
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Plan for about 11 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Oaxaca City is not rushed.
Is Apoala Magic Waterfalls Hike and Swim Adventure worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 57 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 7 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Oaxaca City, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Apoala Magic Waterfalls Hike and Swim Adventure?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Apoala Magic Waterfalls Hike and Swim Adventure suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 11-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Apoala Magic Waterfalls Hike and Swim Adventure?
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Around 2 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Oaxaca City can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Oaxaca City and add a light layer if any part of the 11-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Apoala Magic Waterfalls Hike and Swim Adventure start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Oaxaca City within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Oaxaca City?
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On Outty we rank every Oaxaca City experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include AUTHENTIC OAXACA CULTURAL FOOD TOUR, eat like a local., Hierve el Agua 2.5 hours, Mitla, Tule, Rugs and Mezcal for a Day, Traditional Oaxaqueña Cooking with Grandma's Recipes. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Oaxaca City?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Oaxaca City?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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