From November 24th
to December 2nd, 2025
15% OFF in all our experiences
Discount Code: BLACKWEEK15
*Promotion limited to 5 discount codes per experience and
cannot be combined with any other discounts or promotions.
Running Retreat
October 27th – Nov 2nd, 2026
From $3,400 USD
Secure your spot with a 10%
down payment.
Installments Available.
Booking Deadline
October 3rd, 2026
Extended Deadline!
Pace & Difficulty
All paces welcome* ⓘ
Our experiences are about discovery and connection, not speed. We tailor groups by pace, with guides and regrouping points, so no one is left behind. The first part of this experience takes place in the Pueblos Mancomunados of Oaxaca, featuring steep, technical forest trails with muddy terrain. While our itinerary is designed to start at the highest point and descend toward the Valley, many trails include a mixture of ascents and descents. Trail shoes with good grip are essential, and some previous trail running experience will enhance your enjoyment. Experienced road runners or trail running beginners will do perfectly fine. Each day includes specific distances you'll cover; if you can complete our longest run (16 km) at your own comfortable pace on either road or trail, you're ready to join us.
Distance:
Ranging daily from 8 to 15km *Review daily distances on the itinerary.
Terrain: The terrain is steep and technical during the Sierra Norte portion, with muddy conditions and frequent ascents and descents on forest trails. Once we reach the Oaxaca City Valley, the runs transition to city terrain on flat, accessible surfaces. This variety gives you both challenging mountain trail running and comfortable urban running experiences.
Max. Altitude
3,200 m.a.s.l
Max. Elevation Gain/Loss
+1,800mts /-2,550 mts
Group Size
16 People Max.* ⓘ
The minimum number of participants has been reached, and this experience is officially confirmed!
You can now book with confidence and start getting ready to join us.
Distances
Ranging daily from 10 to 16 km
Join us in this running expedition into the heart of the Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) festivities, a UNESCO “Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity” and one of Mexico’s biggest and most widely known traditions; a celebration filled with vibrant colors, traditional “Cempasuchil” flowers and ancient rituals in one of Mexico’s most sought-after destinations.
This 7-day transformative running experience in Oaxaca includes breathtaking mountain runs, rejuvenating yoga sessions, traditional healing practices, delicious local Mexican cuisine, and immersive cultural workshops.
•Immerse yourself in the vibrant celebration of Día de Muertos by joining a local family preparing an altar and through a unique nocturnal experience in a traditional cemetery.
•Embrace an immersive running adventure from the Sierra Norte to Oaxaca City, traversing ancient Zapotec trade routes and the breathtaking Oaxacan valleys.
•Discover the fascinating world of Mezcal with an authentic palenque tour and tasting, and engage in cultural workshops and demonstrations with local artisans throughout the experience.
•Take part in an authentic traditional Zapotec temazcal ceremony, a soulful experience rooted in ancient traditions.
•Enjoy the flavors of authentic, world-renowned local cuisine throughout the entire experience.
A prelude to the Day of the Dead
As a prelude to the Day of the Dead celebrations, we gather in the warm valley of Oaxaca City, then journey to Benito Juárez in the Sierra Norte. Nestled between 2,400 and 3,100 meters above sea level, this Zapotec community, known as the “people from the clouds,” welcomes us into their forests.
As the sun sets, we will take in the breathtaking vista of the central valleys from a hanging bridge where a unique energy begins to gather, marking the start of our journey into the underworld. Later, at Stone House (La Casa de Piedra), we will craft traditional chocolate and enjoy a cozy dinner before retreating to our cabin, unwinding in the comforting glow of the fireplace.
Dinner: Included
Accommodation: Shared Cabins in Benito Juárez | Twin or triple Share
Shuttle from Airport: Not included
Required Arrival Time: anytime before 14:00h local time (we will depart from Oaxaca City downtown to Sierra Norte at 15:00h sharp)
Origins of the Altar and Legends of the Cloud People
We begin the day with a sunrise yoga session, creating an intentional and sacred space to honor our loved ones and keep their spirits alive in our hearts throughout our journey. Afterward, we’ll indulge in a traditional breakfast at Mr. Eli’s organic farm, relishing the flavors of red atole and other local treats.
Our trail-running adventure will lead us on a breathtaking descent into the woods towards Latuvi, where we’ll join a local family preparing a traditional “altar de muertos” and enjoy a tasting session of pulque and tepache. As night falls, we’ll come together around a campfire with locals to listen to the legends of the Day of the Dead.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner: Included
Accommodation: Shared Cabins in Latuvi | Twin or triple Share
A Return To the Earth’s Womb: Experiencing a Zapotec Temazcal
After a regional breakfast, we will set off on a journey along the Camino Real, an ancient mountainous path that historically linked the Gulf of Mexico to the Pacific through Oaxaca. Following our 16 km run, we will complete a final ascent to reach Lachatao, a town nestled amidst the clouds.
The afternoon will unfold with a traditional Zapotec temazcal sweat lodge ceremony. The Zapotecs view it as a sacred space to foster a deep connection with their ancestors and release all bodily tensions. Here, in the warmth of the fire, we will pay homage to our ancestors.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner: Included
Accommodation: Shared Cabins in Lachatao | Twin to Quadruple Share
As the sun rises, we will take a short hike and partake in a farewell ritual at Jaguar Hill. This meaningful ceremony honors and celebrates life and death while healing ancestral wounds. After breakfast, we will drive to the charming Zapotec village of Llano Grande and begin a spirited 12 km run through the highlands of San Miguel del Valle to Cuajimoloyas, ending with a passage through a concealed gorge, a mystical place steeped in stories and legends.
Upon arriving in Cuajimoloyas, a lunch with the locals is planned, followed by a restorative yoga session. To end the day, we will enjoy a Sierra Norte farewell dinner as we bid goodbye to the Pueblos Mancomunados of the Sierra Norte of Oaxaca (Commonwealth of Villages), before descending to the valleys.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner: Included
Accommodation: Shared Cabins in Cuajimoloyas | Twin to Quadruple Share
We bid farewell to Sierra Norte with a delightful regional breakfast before heading to Teotitlándel Valle, a small town where families practice the local craft of weaving Zapotec rugs using foot looms and naturally dyed wool. A weaving demonstration awaits us, hosted by the Bautista family, followed by a fest featuring their favorite seasonal dishes for the festivities.
As evening falls, we’ll have a 10 km Night Run, from Oaxaca City to the hauntingly beautiful Xoxocotlán cemetery, where families gather to share stories around their loved ones, surrounded by music, food, and candles.
*Please note that our visit to the cemetery will comply with any enforced rules and designated times.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner: Included
Accommodation: Contemporary Hotel in Oaxaca City Historic Center | Double and Single Occupancy
After starting the day with a yoga practice, we will embark on a fascinating mezcal tour at an authentic Palenque, followed by a visit to an agave field and a tasting of the exceptional mezcals crafted on-site. For lunch, we will explore Lucina, Cocina de Humo, an authentic space featuring recipes from the community’s collective memory, where they will teach us techniques such as nixtamalization and masa preparation.
Later, we journey to Oaxaca City, immersing ourselves in the vibrant atmosphere of comparsas and calendas—street parades brimming with tradition, featuring a joyful mix of regional music, dancing, food, drinks, and colorful costumes.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner: Included
Accommodation: Contemporary Hotel in Oaxaca City Historic Center | Double occupancy
On our final day, November 2nd, we will celebrate Día de Muertos, a sacred time to emotionally and spiritually reconnect with our departed loved ones and celebrate the continuity of life.
Our day will start with a reflection session followed by a brief run to observe various offerings and public altars around the city. We will then have our farewell breakfast in Barrio Xochimilco before starting our journey back home.
Breakfast: Included
Shuttles to Airport: Not included
Departure Time: Depart anytime after 12:00 pm (noon) from Oaxaca City
Speak with someone from our team to learn more about what to expect and how to prepare.
INCLUDED:
• Transportation throughout the whole experience.
• Specially designed trails along the magical landscapes of Oaxaca.
• All meals and accommodations for the duration of the experience.
*We can accommodate all dietary preferences.
• Carefully curated culinary experiences and regional cuisine.
• Knowledgeable and professional local guides.
• Entrance tickets to all national parks and ejidos are included in the experience.
• Complimentary La Familia Global Community Membership
($50 USD value)
NOT INCLUDED:
• Airfare for your inbound and outbound flights to Oaxaca City.
• Shuttles to and from the Airport
• Travel Insurance. We highly recommend securing personal travel insurance for your peace of mind.
• Alcoholic beverages and any additional meals beyond the provided ones
Experience cozy comfort and immersive stays during nights 1 through 4 as we journey through the Pueblos Mancomunados (Commonwealth of Villages). Nestled in the heart of each village, our accommodations offer comfortable shared cabins constructed with regional materials. Each cabin boasts modern amenities, including a private bathroom, hot water, electricity, and a fireplace, ensuring a warm and inviting atmosphere.
In Oaxaca City, our 5th and 6th night unfolds in a contemporary hotel perfectly located in the historic center where you’ll have the chance to opt for a private room at an extra cost. Immerse yourself in the local atmosphere while enjoying the convenience of modern facilities for a restful night’s stay.
Please refer to the itinerary for detailed information about the capacity available for accommodations on each night of the trip.
In late October and early November, the weather in the Sierra Norte of Oaxaca features cooler temperatures, with daytime highs ranging from 15° to 25° Celsius (59° to 77° Fahrenheit) and nighttime lows of 5° to 15° Celsius (41° to 59° Fahrenheit). This period marks a transition from the rainy season to drier conditions, leading to mostly clear skies.
In the Oaxaca Central Valleys, temperatures are mild and pleasant, with daytime highs of 20° to 30° Celsius (68° to 86° Fahrenheit) and nighttime lows of 10° to 20° Celsius (50° to 68° Fahrenheit), accompanied by a decrease in rainfall.
Oaxaca City experiences comfortable weather, with daytime temperatures ranging from 20° to 25° Celsius (68° to 77° Fahrenheit) and nighttime lows of 10° to 15° Celsius (50° to 59° Fahrenheit). As the city enters the dry season, rainfall decreases, offering visitors pleasant conditions for exploration.
*Optional
*Please note that throughout most of the trip, there will be limited phone signal or internet access, given the remote nature of our destination.
Keep in mind that this experience involves rural and indigenous community tourism, so access to hot water may vary, although it is generally available.
Send us an message and we’ll get back to you with the info you need.
All Aire Libre hosts and guides are fully aligned with our vision of exploring new perspectives and embracing a more sustainable way of life. They bring passion and expertise to every experience, inspiring meaningful connections with nature, community, and self.
Santiago lives in Valle de Bravo and comes from a family of passionate mountaineers. Both his grandparents and parents were avid mountaineers and ultra-distance runners and his deep-rooted love for nature and physical activity was instilled in him from a young age. For years, he has been engaged in mountain trail running, not merely as a sport but as a means of healing and exploring new horizons. He has been actively involved in alternative education initiatives, forest therapy, sustainable tourism, and nature guiding. Collaborating with organizations, universities, and the private sector, Santiago believes that transformative experiences in nature can heal our relationship with ourselves and, consequently, with the environment affected by the environmental crisis. A natural explorer, Santiago’s passion has led him to set records on many of the country’s highest mountains, including Pico de Orizaba, Iztaccíhuatl, Nevado de Toluca, and Tacaná. Join an experience with Santiago expecting engaging conversations about mountains, history, mythology, plants, ecology, and various sensory activities to rejuvenate the body.
Santiago is one of our Lead Guides at Aire Libre Running and the creative mind behind many of our “Local Escapes Mexico” experiences.
To connect with Santiago, find him on Instagram as @santiagocarsolio
Installment Plans Available.
Secure your spot with a 10% down payment.
We acknowledge that we gather, move, and share stories on the ancestral and living territories of the Chinantec peoples, known among themselves as tsa ju jmí — “people of antique word.” These lands, waters, and forests have been cared for since time immemorial through reciprocal relationships rooted in respect, community, and deep ecological knowledge.
We honor the Chinantec communities’ enduring stewardship of these territories, their languages, and their cultural heritage. We recognize the challenges they continue to face in defending their lands, and we commit to learning from and supporting their ongoing work for cultural continuity and environmental protection.
With this increased awareness we can move away from our previous harmful patterns and establish new rules for our existence.
In their philosophies we find a focus on gratitude and a connection to the Earth and an understanding that our survival is tied to the health of the planet. We also recognize that stories are powerful tools to help us imagine, teach, and learn about what other people value.
From November 24th
to December 2nd, 2025
15% OFF in all our experiences
Discount Code: BLACKWEEK15
*Promotion limited to 5 discount codes per experience and
cannot be combined with any other discounts or promotions.
From November 25
to December 2nd, 2024
15% OFF in all our experiences
Discount Code: ALBLACKWEEK
*Promotion limited to 5 discount codes per experience and
cannot be combined with any other discounts or promotions.
Compártenos cualquier duda o pensamiento sobre la experiencia. Queremos que vivas la mejor experiencia con nosotros, así que te contestaremos lo más pronto posible.
Please share any question or thought about this experience. We really want you to join the adventure, so we’ll come back to you as soon as possible.