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Do you love gourmet coffee, fresh air and fabulous views? Then it’s time to take a trip to Pluma Hidalgo coffee country in Oaxaca, Mexico.
Spending time in a coffee plantation, sipping premium coffee and hearing the stories of the people who produce it is definitely one of the top things to do in Huatulco.
But it’s not just about the coffee. A trip here immerses you in the region’s history, natural beauty and the grandeur of the Sierra Madre Sur mountains, all of which make it truly unforgettable.
Why Pluma Hidalgo is Worth Visiting
While living in Puerto Escondido and writing for Fodor’s Travel Guide to Oaxaca I spent a lot of time in the Sierra Madre Sur mountains visiting coffee producers from Finca las Nieves in San Juan Lachao to Finca Don Gabriel in Pluma Hidalgo.
And now that we’re spending winters in Huatulco, it’s even easier to visit Pluma Hidalgo as it’s just an hour away.
What’s the attraction? The coffee grown on these mountain slopes is some of the most highly-rated premium coffees in the Americas. It’s won awards as the best coffee in Mexico.
Seeing where it’s grown doesn’t just show you what makes makes its flavour so special but it’s an opportunity to enjoy a landscape filled with cascading waterfalls and countless birds.
You’ll also get to meet the locals who plant, grow, pick, and roast the coffee.
Another great reason to visit is the climate. The altitude of the town itself is 1,200
How to Get to Pluma Hidalgo
While the town of Pluma Hidalgo is located just 50 kilometres northeast of La Crucecita, the winding roads and steep ascent into the mountains makes it seem a lot further than it looks on a map.
Take an Organized Group Tour
The easiest way to experience everything this coffee-producing region has to offer is by taking an organized group tour. The most popular tour — and one I’ve done personally — is the 3 Levels Tour of Huatulco,
This full-day tour stops in three different towns, including Santa Cruz Huatulco (a lookout stop), Santa Maria Huatulco and Pluma Hidalgo.
It includes a coffee tasting experience, an introduction to coffee production and a traditional Oaxacan lunch (extra cost). The vehicle is newer and has AC, the guide will be local, English-speaking and certified.
Check prices and availability of the 3 Levels of Huatulco Tour on Viator.com.
Take a Private Tour
Another option is to take a private tour. On a private tour you get all of the comforts of a group tour (AC, certified guide) but you’ll have the added flexibility of being able to customize the tour to your own interests and set a depart/return time.
Most group tours don’t include time to explore Cascada Arcoiris (Rainbow Waterfall) or see the suspension bridge illuminated at night. So if those are on your list of things to do in Pluma Hidalgo, then your best option is to take a private tour.
The cost for a private tour ranges from $MXN 2,000 to $MXN 4,000 pesos
Rent a Car
For the most flexibility, the best option is to rent a car. However, if you’re planning to travel independently, it’s worth considering road conditions.
Between earthquakes and heavy rains, several sections of the highway often disappear into the valley below. There are pros and cons to renting a car in Oaxaca worth considering.
The most economical option (and the longest) is to take a bus to Santa Maria Huatulco, then a colectivo (shared taxi) to Pluma Hidalgo then a moto taxi (or tuk-tuk) to the waterfall and coffee plantations.
This is best done as an overnight trip as you won’t have much time for exploring given the travel time.
Whether you travel on an organized tour or independently, these are our favourite things to do in and around Pluma Hidalgo.
1. Take in the Spectacular Views
Most 3 Levels tours begin at the lookout above Santa Cruz to enjoy a panoramic view of the bay, one of the nine bays and 36 beaches of Huatulco.
According to local legend, this is where Saint Thomas, one of the apostles of Christ, landed by boat and raised a large wooden cross, remnants of which are still revered today.
The winding drive up the mountains to Pluma Hidalgo is flanked with bamboo and other vegetation, offering wide vistas of the mountains, steep slopes and deep valleys.
You’ll likely see few other cars. Instead, butterflies such as brilliant blue morpho will flit across the path and vines cascade down steep cliffs.
2. Learn About the Rich History of Santa Maria Huatulco
A popular stop along the way is Santa Maria Huatulco, which dates to the 16th century.
One of the highlights is exploring the hand-painted murals within the Municipal Hall. They feature various motifs from the region’s history such as pirates, iguanas, the boat of Saint Thomas and Vicente Ramón Guerrero Saldaña (1782-1831).
He is depicted looking remarkably like Elvis, but was one of the leaders in the Resistance stage of the Mexican War of Independence.
3. Check Out the Cool Murals Around the Plaza Independencia
You’ll know when you’ve arrived in Pluma Hidalgo — it’s surely the world’s most fragrant town. The aroma of roasting coffee wafts through the streets filling it with a delicious bouquet of herbs, fruit and nuttiness. You can also wander about the shops and purchase unique products such as coffee shampoo, coffee soap and the delicious local honey.
Don’t miss the huge mural in the Plaza Independencia. In addition to a ghostly maiden, it features an unsettlingly realistic human heart resting in coffee beans – representing the importance of coffee to the local economy.
4. Marvel at the New Suspension Bridge
When you arrive at Pluma Hidalgo, you’ll find another new attraction waiting for you — a recently constructed suspension bridge. It stretches over 104 meters (about 341 feet) across a valley at the town’s entrance.
At night, the bridge lights up beautifully, making it especially impressive. Access is $MXN 100 pesos per person.
5. Discover the Qualities of Pluma Coffee in a Guided Tasting
Fila Diamante Café (location) is a top place to stop for a coffee tasting in the heart of the town. During our visit we learned through a tutoured tasting that coffee quality is affected by the bean itself, processing, roasting and brewing method.
The best Pluma coffee beans are hand-picked, shade-grown, Arabica beans grown at a high altitude. Being so close to the Pacific Coast, the coffee plants are dusted by ocean breezes, which adds minerality to the flavour of the beans.
At Fila Diamante Café, whole beans are mixed within the batches of beans which adds to the quality. Many other producers remove whole beans and sell them for a premium.
Beyond flavour, other factors to consider when tasting coffee are acidity, body and finish.
The best Pluma Hidalgo coffee offers a magical mix of sweet tartness, rich body and subtle nuances of cacao, spice and fruit.
6. Sample Artisanal Mezcal
There’s a lot more to Pluma Hidalgo than coffee beans. Once you’ve sampled the Arabica Tipica Pluma coffee, bought a bag of fresh-roasted Pluma Hidalgo coffee and learned about growing Arabica coffee beans on the steep mountain slopes, it’s time to taste some authentic mezcal.
Don’t be surprised if you see Filadelfo the shop owner pour the mezcal straight from a plastic jug. It’s not a potent hooch. Instead it’s a delicately fruity mezcal from Mihuatlan, an artisanal palenque (mezcal producer) located outside Oaxaca City.
I sampled many eye-watering mezcals during my explorations into traditional Oaxacan food and drink in the central valleys of Oaxaca. I even sipped mezcal de pechuga, made by suspending a raw chicken breast over the brew during the distillation process.
The mezcal offered at Cafe Fila Diamante is so delicate and fruity, you’ll be tempted to buy a bottle to take home as I did.
7. Enjoy a Healthy Breakfast at Casa Semilla
Most organized tours will stop for lunch at a coffee farm or at a comedor (local restaurant) along the highway. But if you’re on a private tour or travelling independently you can make a stop at Casa Semilla (location) at Plaza Independencia in the heart of Pluma Hidalgo.
This hip and happening community hub features a vegan restaurant as well as store packed with ecologically-conscious products such as organic Pluma coffee, handmade beaded jewellery and artwork. Casa Semilla’s vegan menu is known for its healthy bowls, artisanal breads and baked goods, sourdough pizza topped with veggies and creative desserts.
Their coffee bar features four types of coffee, expertly prepared and accompanied by tasting notes. Herbal teas and licuados are also available.
Check the Casa Semilla Instagram Page for updates on special events.
Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
8. Marvel at the Botanical Garden of the Orchid Lady
During our 3 Levels tour we also visited the garden a local resident, Elia Martinez, who is also known as the “orchid lady” due to her expansive collection of orchids, ferns and begonias.
It’s definitely worth the stop! Her passion for collecting and caring for unique flowers is truly inspiring. You’ll want to move right into her house draped in honeysuckle and flaming orange trumpet vines.
Pro Tip: Bring insect repellent with DEET as there are mosquitos. Read about 12 ways to protect yourself from dengue, zika and chikungunya)
9. Tour a Working Coffee Plantation
Visiting a working coffee farm is a top thing to do in Huatulco and many of the local fincas (farms) offer guided tours where you can walk through the coffee fields, learn about traditional farming methods and taste coffee made with freshly roasted beans.
The best Pluma Hidalgo Coffee Plantation Tours include stops in Santa Maria Huatulco as well as Pluma Hidalgo along the way.
While Finca El Pacifico (location) is 30 minutes from the heart of Pluma Hidalgo, touring this coffee farm is one of my top choices for travellers looking for the ultimate coffee plantation experience.
Since 1913, over three generations have dedicated themselves to cultivating this premium high altitude coffee.
They’re passionate about using sustainable farming methods and their coffee is organic, certified bird-friendly and shade grown.
Be sure to bring some cash in pesos so you can purchase a bag of coffee to take home.
10. Soak Up the Serenity at Cascada Arcoiris (Rainbow Waterfall)
A hidden attraction at Pluma Hidalgo is the pretty Cascada Arcoiris (Rainbow Waterfall) located just outside town (location). To reach the falls, hike the winding (mostly shaded) trail or take a moto taxi. The cost is $MXN 300 for the 15 minute ride.
While it’s not as impressive as Las Cascadas Mágicas, another top day trip from Huatulco, or El Chiflón waterfall in Chiapas, it’s well worth experiencing if you can fit it into your itinerary.
Set within a deep forest the waterfall plunges down a steep cliff, and when the sunlight hits the misty spray, it creates a subtle rainbow effect.
Don’t forget your bathing suit and towel. You can step beneath the spray to cool off and take a refreshing break.
It’s a quiet, peaceful spot that feels hidden away from everything.
11. Enjoy a Traditional Oaxacan Lunch
No road trip in Oaxaca would be complete without a fabulous lunch stop for Oaxacan food.
On one of our recent day trips to Pluma Hidalgo coffee country we stopped at Finca Don Gabriel, a short distance outside town at the crest of a mountaintop.
It features inspiring views and breezy outdoor tables. It’s also fun to explore the small onsite museo del cafe while waiting for lunch.
Accompanied by tortillas made on a comal, the set lunch included a chile relleno, a tamale and various grilled meats.
12. Witness the Sunrise from a Pluma Hidalgo Hotel
Finca Don Gabriel
If you’re looking for a Pluma Hidalgo hotel with a beautiful setting it’s worth considering Finca Don Gabriel which offers economical rooms to rent for overnight stays.
While the rooms are very simple, there is the added bonus of fantastic views, an outdoor swimming pool, a Oaxacan temazcal, hiking trails and waterfalls. The stars at night are incredible.
Finca San Antonio
This small, family-run hotel is located slightly further from the heart of Pluma Hidalgo but is still close enough to be able to drive into town. Finca San Antonio features offers comfortable rooms with private bathrooms, balconies, and beautiful garden or mountain views. There’s free parking.
Guests can relax by the pool, enjoy the verdant gardens and dine at the on-site restaurant. It serves Oaxacan cuisine with some vegetarian options.
13. Buy Some Pluma Hidalgo Coffee
For me, the simply prepared Oaxacan coffee I sampled in Pluma Hidalgo was among the best cups of coffee I’ve ever tasted.
Coffee fans can purchase bags of whole bean coffee at Casa Semilla, one of the coffee farms or a shop such as Fila Diamante.
Another option is to buy pluma coffee in La Crucecita. Oro Verde located on the west side of Bugambilia at the corner of Guanacastle sells organic coffee, tea and chocolate at fair prices. Terra Cotta
Pro Tip: A coffee grinder designed for French Press brewing is a must-have. I always use mine, whether it’s for my first cup in the morning or a special treat like an Iced Coffee Frappé or a Spanish Carajillo coffee cocktail.
Final Thoughts
If you’re planning a visit to Huatulco on a cruise ship excursion or a longer vacation, it’s definitely worth making time to experience Oaxaca’s coffee culture.
Be sure to plan ahead to make space in your suitcase for all the coffee you’re going to want to tote home!
Three Levels Tour Cost and Details
Tomas Vicente Contreras led my Three Levels Tour featuring Pluma Hidalgo coffee country. He speaks Spanish, English, Zapotec and several other languages.
The 3 Levels of Huatulco Tour includes the services of the guide, transportation, maps and water. Lunch is an extra cost. Minimum six people per van. Smaller groups can be accommodated in a smaller vehicle but the cost increases. The vehicle is a newer model and has AC. That’s very welcome at the sweltering lower elevations.
Bring extra money for lunch, souvenirs, snacks, shopping and tips.
Homie Tours also offers day trips to Mazunte, Puerto Escondido and Snorkeling.
What to Pack: Bring insect repellent with DEET. (Read about how to protect yourself from dengue, zika and chikungunya)
More Coffee Tours: Love Coffee? Check out this article on Where to Find the Best Coffee in the World
And that’s not the end of things to do in Huatulco and Puerto Escondido! Read our Essential Puerto Escondido Travel Guide for more information. Get tips on hotels, beaches, things to do, day trips and more in Oaxaca.
Or go directly to these posts:
Day Trip to Roca Blanca – Untouched Mexico
Beginner’s Guide to Puerto Escondido Beaches
Best Restaurants in Puerto Escondido
Quick Tips: How to Get from Huatulco to Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca
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This post was originally published in 2017 and was republished in 2025 after a onsite visit with information on new attractions and images.