El Camino del Pame (Xi úi): 3-Day Hike on Ancient Routes｜Mexico

El Camino del Pame is a three-day cultural and wilderness hike through a remote corner of the Sierra Gorda, along the border of Querétaro and San Luis Potosí, following ancient routes still used by Pame families today.

We depart Jalpan de Serra at 6:00 a.m. and travel toward Tancoyol, Querétaro, stopping along the way for breakfast. In Tancoyol, we visit the Franciscan mission Nuestra Señora de la Luz, a historic site where you’ll have time to take photos and learn about its role in the region’s colonial and Indigenous history.

From there, we begin our hike, walking approximately 4–5 hours through rugged terrain toward the turquoise waters of the Río Santa María. Upon reaching the river, we’ll take time to relax, swim, and enjoy the natural surroundings before continuing to a remote homestead far from any roads. Here, we meet a Pame family who live in this isolated area and share a traditional dinner with them. We spend the night in one of their homes, offering a rare opportunity to experience daily life in this region.

On the second morning, after breakfast, we set out on a mountainous trail that climbs above the river and leads to a scenic point farther upriver on the Río Santa María. Later, we return to the homestead either by hiking along the riverbanks or floating downstream on inner tubes, depending on water levels and the season. That evening, we enjoy dinner together once again and gather around a campfire to listen to stories before settling in for a second night.

On the final day, after breakfast, we hike another 4–5 hours back to Tancoyol, completing the loop. From there, we return to Jalpan de Serra, arriving in the afternoon.

Important Information:
Meals and lodging are not included in the price of this tour. Participants are expected to pay the Pame family directly for their services. Meals typically cost 60–100 MXN per meal, and lodging is approximately 100 MXN per night. Accommodations are in a simple family home—clean and welcoming, but very basic, with no frills or modern amenities. This is part of the authentic, community-based nature of the experience.