Join us for our SECOND Foray into MegaDiverse area of La Chinantla!
Absolutely fantastic trip! With breathtaking scenery—every view felt like a postcard. The accommodations were comfortable and well-located, making it easy to explore the area. We had the chance to try some local cuisine that brought the culture to life." |
A wild Orchid at 1500m amongst Pine forest!
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Key Trip DetailsLength: 8 nights
Average Foray Distance: 2 miles/day Altitude: 300-10,000 feet Exertion Level: Moderate Accommodations: - 2 nights in Oaxaca City hotel - 2 nights in mountain community cabins -4 nights homestay in Valle Nacional All meals included: 8 Dinners, 7 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches. Cost: $3100.00 |
Our Host Leo shows us his preparation of local Mojarra fish in leaves.
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Announcing our SECOND non-mushroom based trip! Hot on the heels of our first Orchid adventure... we already cannot wait to do it again!!
Beyond WOW, it is hard to accurately give a description of th emind-blowing adventure of La Chinantla and the Chinanteco people, their accommodating and amazing hospitality, the wild foods, wild adventures, waterfalls, and all that encompasses this adventure. See The Fungivore Instagram for the day-by-day recount of our just finished inaugural adventure--so good we immediately created this adventure to do it again!
We are offering a $200 Early Bird Discount for anyone who signs up before June 11th! Don’t miss out on this epic adventure in an unfathomably beautiful location explored by so few people. Our hosts Leobardo, Celia and Elizabeth are refining their EcoTourism projects, and are so excited to host our group in one of the most biodiverse settings in Oaxaca!
November 11-19, 2026: Wild Orchids of La Chinantla, OAX: This is NOT a foraging trip! This adventure is an exploration of one of the most biodiverse regions ON EARTH. What to expect: ferns the size of palm trees, endless waterfalls, daily swimming, cacao farms, vanilla orchids, hands on view of coffee production, local & unique Chinanteco cuisine, hearing the tonal language of the area, meeting artisans, stingless honey bees (this video talks about our hosts Uncle Emelio in the same area, whom we also visit), hikes through true cloud forest, get a tour of one of the largest collections of orchids in North America, and of course, wild orchid viewing from 300m-3000m elevation, all guided by two orchid and biodiversity experts, local to the Sierra Norte!
Beyond WOW, it is hard to accurately give a description of th emind-blowing adventure of La Chinantla and the Chinanteco people, their accommodating and amazing hospitality, the wild foods, wild adventures, waterfalls, and all that encompasses this adventure. See The Fungivore Instagram for the day-by-day recount of our just finished inaugural adventure--so good we immediately created this adventure to do it again!
We are offering a $200 Early Bird Discount for anyone who signs up before June 11th! Don’t miss out on this epic adventure in an unfathomably beautiful location explored by so few people. Our hosts Leobardo, Celia and Elizabeth are refining their EcoTourism projects, and are so excited to host our group in one of the most biodiverse settings in Oaxaca!
November 11-19, 2026: Wild Orchids of La Chinantla, OAX: This is NOT a foraging trip! This adventure is an exploration of one of the most biodiverse regions ON EARTH. What to expect: ferns the size of palm trees, endless waterfalls, daily swimming, cacao farms, vanilla orchids, hands on view of coffee production, local & unique Chinanteco cuisine, hearing the tonal language of the area, meeting artisans, stingless honey bees (this video talks about our hosts Uncle Emelio in the same area, whom we also visit), hikes through true cloud forest, get a tour of one of the largest collections of orchids in North America, and of course, wild orchid viewing from 300m-3000m elevation, all guided by two orchid and biodiversity experts, local to the Sierra Norte!
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Day-by-Day Itinerary
November 11th--Day 1: Please make arrangements to join us in Oaxaca City for our Opening Dinner!!
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November 12th --Day 2: Visit the world famous Huayapam Orchidarío, featuring hundreds of unique species of orchids both from Oaxaca, and all over the world! Eat with a view of the beautiful Sierra Norte, before ascending to the Lllano de Las Flores Cabins at 3000m/10,000ft for the night.
November 13th --Day 3: We will travel through 5 different ecosystems on our way down to Valle Nacional and Arroya de Banco, our location for the next 4 nights! Wild Orchid Hikes, Waterfalls, Palm-tree size ferns... you've never seen Oaxaca like this! November 14th--Day 4: From the valley floor up to 100m to the Coffee Community of the Loredo Family, we will see their five Hectares of coffee and Milpa, where we counted over 30 different species or orchid in a short 3 hour stroll. Afterward, witness the blue karst waterfalls for afternoon chill time! November 15th--Day 5: Journey to meet the Guardian of Jaguar Cacao and her more than 100 year old cacao forest. Eat Pataxtle Mole with Dionisia. Afterward, we visit yet another stunning swimming hole to cool off! |
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November 16th--Day 6: The icing on the cake, we head to San Rafael Agua del Pescaditos, where we will spend time with Francisco, Alma and family in their vanilla orchid farm. Francisco also leads the Lih Coffee Collective, a community benefit project for the 500 member of the pueblo, and taste the seriously good espresso and cappuccinos right from the source!
November 17th--Day 7: We depart from the Chinantla to rise back up into the Sierra Norte to Ixtlan de Juarez, birthplace and home to our expert Cristian Tomas, director of the Orchidarío of the Sierra Norte, owned by the University of the Sierras, at 7200ft elevation. We will stay at EcoTurIxtlan, and explore the orchids at this altitude, with a surprise dinner location to continue blowing you minds. Novmber 18th --Day 8: Return to Oaxaca City for our final group dinner at a fabulous location, our photo exchange, and a reflection on the all we've seen in the most incredible part of the most incredible state of Mexico! |
November 19th--Day 9: Check out of Hotel. The guided adventure is officially over!
Events on the itinerary are approximate and based on the availability of our partners or the weather. Some of these events may switch days, or be traded for other similar or even better experiences based on things like where the mushrooms are coming up!
Events on the itinerary are approximate and based on the availability of our partners or the weather. Some of these events may switch days, or be traded for other similar or even better experiences based on things like where the mushrooms are coming up!
As if by plane... an observation bench at 3000m looks out over the vast La Chinantla Region, our playground for the week!
WHAT PAST FUNGIVORE ADVENTURERS SAID:
"Expert local knowledge, confident backwoods hiking, and commitment to sustainability and the importance of multi-disciplinary learning (and progressive social change): all this adds up to a deeply fulfilling way to experience Oaxacan/Zapotec culture and natural history. A rare opportunity not to be missed!"
- Jonathan, Boston, MA, 2025 attendee |
"The friendly hosts and all the local guides/mushroom experts know their stuff!"
-Omar ; WA, 2023 & '25 attendee "Everything I hoped for and more! A taste of authenticity and humanity."
- Lara; Albuquerque, New Mexico, 2023 attendee 
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"One of the best trips I have been on."
- Adam; Jacksonville, Florida, 2026 Orchid Adventure attendee
- Adam; Jacksonville, Florida, 2026 Orchid Adventure attendee
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Our Orchid Team
Zachary &
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Cristian Tomas
Mexican Orchid ResearcherWith a personal collection of over 400 species of orchids in his home, and the director of the University of the Sierra Norte's Orchidarío in his hometown of Ixtlan de Juarez, OAX, Bio. Cristian Tomas has only just begin his exploration and contribution of his work to science.
Collecting type specimens for the National museums of Mexico and logging every wild orchid he finds for the country and for the state of Oaxaca, indigenous Zapotec researcher, Cristian is redefining how we can relate to the earth and acts a bridge between the constant of the ancient world, as well as the stoic preservation of the academic world. A true master of his craft, it is an honor to follow in his footsteps through the cloud forests of Oaxaca! |
Celestino Mendez
Guide & Orchid Expert
Celestino Mendez is a local Zapotec member of the Mancomunados of the Sierra Nortes, farming and living in his native village of Latuvi. He leads treks, mountain bike tours, mountain summit tours and more through Walk With Celestino.
We met Celestino in 2019 at the Cuajimoloays Mushroom Festival, and have partnered with him on all of our Sierra Norte tours since 2021. He is passionate about orchids, and has a deep knowledge of the forests & ecological diversity in the Sierra Norte. In 2025, Celestino embarked on an ambitious project of mapping the biodiversity of the entire Mancomunados, and was elected by his community as manager of the Flora, Fauna, and Funga project of the nine community collective. |
How to join, the cost and what's covered:
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What is Covered on Trip
The cost of this trip, before any applicable discounts, is $3100. Double (or triple, depending ont he cabins) occupancy is assumed for our available accommodations. If you are traveling with someone, be sure to let us know if you need ONE bed or TWO beds. All meals, lodging, tours, activities, and workshops are included. Alcohol during meals, souvenirs, and some optional activities are not included. Ground transportation to & from Oaxaca International Airport (OAX) to Oaxaca City is not included ($5-20 each way). Once you sign up, we have detailed information for all logistics. The deposit is non-refundable IN MOST CASES. We use it immediately to secure transportation, lodging and reservations. However in 2020, the full cost of the trip, deposits included, was fully refunded due to the pandemic. If this trip is canceled completely for any reason, you will get your payment back, minus unrecoverable credit card processing fees. |
Payment Policy, Non-Refundable Deposit and Refund Schedule
Payments for the trip shall be made in full, and includes the NON-REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT (NRD) of 20% which helps us secure accommodations, reserve transportation, book restaurants, and secure the tour. Refunds for cancellations will be returned on the following schedule, minus Stripe processing fees (~3-4.4%, depending on your bank):
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We review each application to make sure our Adventure is a good fit for all participants and give us insight to create the best experience for each group. Upon review, we're reach out ASAP to offer an info call, payment information and next steps. All participants MUST fill out an application in full to be considered for joining.
We will fill the trip in the order of applications received and deposits secured. Our group size is capped at 8 participants and we have very high interest already this year. With this payment commitment, your deposit will be returned to you only on one of two conditions: the trip is completely canceled (all monies will be returned), or you arrange for someone else to take your place. Payment plans are available on a case-by-case basis. Please send info@thefungivore.com an email to explore this option. |
YOUR FLIGHT TO and FROM OAXACA is not included. Please make travel arrangements to be able to join us in Oaxaca for dinner on November 11th, 2026!
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