Exploring Sierra Norte Oaxaca with kids

Sierra Norte is a beautiful region of Oaxaca, Mexico and should absolutely be explored if you're visiting the area. These mountains are home to lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and the kindest people, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Here I'll provide you a guide to exploring everything you can do in Sierra Norte, including hikes, viewpoints, and family-friendly activities.

I highly recommend seeing Oaxaca from above

We worked with Expedicciones Sierra Norte for our trip, a local tour company that offers a range of guided activities in Sierra Norte. We were originally supposed to do a longer village to village hike, which I would recommend (yes, without even doing it. I just love village to village hikes) but sickness prevailed and we we had to cut our trip short, allowing us only 2 hours in the area. Expedicciones Sierra Norte was very accommodating and quickly adjusted our trip to fit our time constraints.

You can check out their website to see their full menu of what they offer, and they can also work with you to accommodate your skill level or interests, but just for reference, here are a few highlights:

1. Mountain Biking: Expedicciones Sierra Norte offers guided mountain bike tours through the rugged terrain of Sierra Norte. These tours are suitable for all skill levels, and you can choose from a range of routes, from easy to challenging.

2. Cultural Tours: Expedicciones Sierra Norte offers cultural tours that take you to the traditional villages of Sierra Norte. You will get to learn about the local customs and traditions, as well as make delicious local cuisine.

3. Bird Watching: Sierra Norte is home to a rich variety of bird species, making it a paradise for bird watchers. Expedicciones Sierra Norte offers guided bird watching tours that take you to some of the best spots for bird watching in the area.

4. Camping: Expedicciones Sierra Norte offers camping trips that allow you to spend a night or more in the heart of the Sierra Norte wilderness. You will get to enjoy the beauty of the natural landscape, stargaze at night, and enjoy a campfire under the stars.

Our kids loved the cooking class

Must-see viewpoints in Sierra Norte

The stunning natural scenery in Sierra Norte is best appreciated from the many viewpoints in the area. Here are some of the best viewpoints:

1. Mirador de Benito Juarez: This is one of the highest viewpoints in the area, offering breathtaking views of the valley below. This is the one we went to in our short time and likely the best one if you're there for a short time as well.

2. Mirador de Cuajimoloyas: This viewpoint is located in the charming town of Cuajimoloyas and offers stunning views of the surrounding forests.

Me and the little one on the suspension bridge at Mirador de Benito Juarez

Family-Friendly Activities in Sierra Norte

Sierra Norte is a great destination for families, offering a range of activities that kids will love. Here are some of the best family-friendly activities:

1. Horseback Riding: Many of the local ranches offer horseback riding tours through the countryside, a great way to explore the area and get a taste of local life.

2. Zip Lining: The area around Sierra Norte is home to some of the best zip lining in Mexico. Kids will love flying through the forest canopy on a zip line adventure.

3. Cooking class: Our little ones loved participating in a cooking class and learning how to make one of the dishes we had been eating for a month: mole!

Sierra Norte is a beautiful region with a wide range of activities to suit all tastes and ages. Whether you are an avid hiker, a nature lover, or a family looking for a fun and memorable vacation, Sierra Norte has something to offer. So, pack your bags and head to Sierra Norte for an unforgettable adventure in one of the most beautiful regions in the country!

---

Transparency is cool! Expedicciones Sierra Norte sponsored this post, but all thoughts and reviews are my own.