Santiago Apoala (sometimes called simply Apoala) is a town 2 hours north of Oaxaca city in Oaxaca (state). The town is mostly visited over the weekend from people from Oaxaca and is still under the radar for international tourists. The stunning waterfall and view of the canyon are the main attractions.

Understand

The village its 200 inhabitants are situated on both side of a nameless river. The word Apoala means “breaking water,” referring to the gorgeous waterfalls surrounding the small town.

When arriving in town you'll be stopped at the tourist office where you'll be asked to pay a fee of M$100 to see the 3 differents sights (or M$50 per sight). This price includes a guide that is usually a teenager guiding you to the paths to the sights. You can do the 3 paths in one day if you arrive in the morning. Finishing with the waterfall will allow you to go a swim at warmest part of the day. As this is a long drive from Oaxaca it recommended to stay the night in town and enjoy a dinner there.

Get in

By car

Getting by car is the easiest way as there is no direct public transport to the town. You have to drive to Nochixtlán and follow the signs for Apoala. The road is paved the all way.

By public transport

From Oaxaca

You can take a collectivo from the center (Galeana 222) to Asunción Nochixtlán. Combis vans are leaving every half hour during the day. M$70 (Dec 2023). From Nochixtlán you must take another collectivo to Apoala. M$100 (Dec 2023).

From Mexico city

You can take a bus going towards Oaxaca and get off at Asunción Nochixtlán and then change for the collectivo to Apoala.

Get around

The town is very small and can be explored by foot.

See

All of the sights will be visited if you book the "3 rutas" at the tourist office. The guides are mostly teenagers and some have not much interest in telling you much. However they will show you the paths and answer some of your questions.

Apoala Waterfall

• 1 Apoala Waterfall. The main attraction of the town. This beautiful waterfall drops in clear blue pool where you possiblity of swimming in the cold water. M$50. (updated Dec 2023)
• 2 Canyon and cave (Gruta Yavi Ko o Maa). Path to the left leads to a cave (guide will provide a flashligt) The path to the rights leads the canyon witj beautiful view. M$50 guided. (updated Dec 2023)

Do

If you still have time with your day you can chill at the camping area (in front of the cabañas). Beautiful view of the surrounding and peaceful river passing by.

Buy

There is no ATM in town.

There is a shop selling a few basic products but you better bring things with you if you need something more specific

Eat

You will find 2 restaurants near the cabañas and 2 in town. They will serve classic and delicious Mexican and Oaxaca cuisine.

Drink

Restaurants offer the classic range of drinks and hot chocolate will be appreciated as it gets cold in the evening.

Sleep

There is only 2 places offering accommodation in Santiago Apoala. The hotel located next the tourist office and the community owned cabañas. Booking is not required unless you travelling during busy holidays. Possibly of camping at the cabaña place.

• 1 La Casa de mi Abuelita (across the road from the tourist office.), ☏ +52 951 636 7425. Basic room with shared bathroom. Has no heater. M$400 for a double room. (updated Dec 2023)
• 2 Cabañas, ☏ +52 951 236 8602. Community owned cabañas. Cosy place next to the river and the entrance of the canyon. M$600/M$700 room without/with fireplace. (updated Dec 2023)

Go next

You could stop on the way back exploring Asunción Nochixtlán before heading south toOaxaca city or north towards Puebla and Mexico city