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Things to do in Oaxaca de Juarez

Our most recommended things to do in Oaxaca de Juarez

Oaxaca: El Tule, Mitla, and Hierve el Agua Tour with Mezcal

1. Oaxaca: El Tule, Mitla, and Hierve el Agua Tour with Mezcal

Experience the sights, culture, and flavors of Oaxaca on a multi-stop guided tour. Visit the town of Teotitlán del Valle to discover unique hand-made rugs and see the Mitla Archaeological Zone. Stop at the Tree of Tule and learn how to make the local mezcal drink before trying it yourself. Following pickup, stop first at the world-famous tree called the Árbol del Tule or Tree of Tule. This tree is a millenary ahuehuete, one of the biggest trees in the world weighing up to 509 tons. Next, head to the town of Teotitlán del Valle, where they use ancestral techniques to make and paint rugs, most featuring one-of-a-kind personal designs. Then, make an hour stop at Hierve el Agua to explore the famous petrified waterfalls. The Mitla Archaeological Zone is another must-see stop, so that's next on the itinerary. This city has some of the most important architectural evolution achievements. Admire elaborately decorated walls and much more. Before drop-off back in Oaxaca, learn about the mezcal (an alcoholic drink made from the sap of an agave). Get to know about the process of making this drink and enjoy tasting different mezcal flavors.

From Oaxaca: Hierve el Agua Waterfalls and Mezcal Tasting

2. From Oaxaca: Hierve el Agua Waterfalls and Mezcal Tasting

Start your tour by being picked up in Oaxaca early in the morning by your driver and start the ride. Stop at Teotitlán del Valle, a village of weavers in which you will learn how they use ancient techniques to paint wool and wave rugs forming majestic designs. The next stop will be Hierve el agua, the petrified waterfalls one of 30-meter height, and another one of 12-meter height. Admire these waterfalls that are formed by carbonated water and offer beautiful views of the mountains, perfect to take great photos. Get a chance to swim in the mineral pools and take a walk with local guides and take in the spectacular surroundings of nature. The last stop is a Mezcal Factory where you will learn the process of the elaboration of the authentic mezcal and also get to taste some of the different flavors of Mezcal. Stop for the opportunity to purchase a nice lunch. Return to your accommodation in Oaxaca at the end of your tour.

From Oaxaca: Monte Albán and Art Craft Towns Day Trip

3. From Oaxaca: Monte Albán and Art Craft Towns Day Trip

Explore the archaeological area of Oaxaca built by the Zapotecs. Learn about its big plazas, truncated pyramids, and the court for playing tlachtli (a type of ball game). Hear about the underground passageways and more than 100 tombs at the site from your professional tour guide. Start your day by being picked up in Oaxaca City, and begin your journey to Monte Alban. Next, visit the town of Arrazola town and fall in love with the authentic wooden figures called Alebrijes. Watch the interesting creation process of these figures which involves carving and painting. Head to Cuilapam de Guerrero town and visit a Dominican Ex-monastery of the 16th-century, known for its unfinished basilica and prominent open chapel. End your magical tour in the town of San Bartolo Coyotepec and meet local artisans who specialize in black pottery (Barro negro). Learn about the techniques used since pre-Columbian times.

Oaxaca: Monte Alban and the Art of Oaxaca

4. Oaxaca: Monte Alban and the Art of Oaxaca

Immerse yourself in Oaxacan culture on this day trip. Visit the most important archaeological site in Oaxaca, Monte Albán, located in the majestic urban center. This area was known as the religious, political, and economic center of the Zapotec civilization. Walk around the square and explore the Site Museum.  Don't forget to bring your camera to take pictures from the top of the archaeological structures. Next, you'll visit San Antonio Arrazola, a magical place of colors and traditions, where the famous artisans will teach you how they carve copal wood. Learn the process of creating the magical figures called "Alebrijes", which represent the innovative spirit of the Oaxacan soul, part of an ancestral tradition of the Zapotecs. Finally, stop at Cuilapam de Guerrero, a Mixtec town famous for its 16th-century Dominican ex-monastery, and San Bartolo Coyotepec, a small town of adobe houses where you'll witness the process of making beautiful black clay figures.

Oaxaca: Monte Alban Guided Archaeological Tour

5. Oaxaca: Monte Alban Guided Archaeological Tour

Discover the Archeological Zone of the state of Oaxaca. Enjoy the convenience of being picked up from your hotel in the Oaxaca city center. Drive to Monte Albán in an air-conditioned van. Explore the ruins of the former capital of the Zapotec people, who were the dominant civilization in the area thousands of years ago. Discover the second-largest ceremonial site in Mesoamerica. Learn about the Zapotec people from your knowledgable guide. Marvel at the ancient ball court, excavated tombs, astronomical “observatory. Enjoy phenomenal views from Monte Alban. Looking out from the flat hill where the archeological site is located, you can enjoy views of the Oaxaca Valley. Visit the onsite museum and admire artifacts from the Zapotec civilization. Afterward, you will be transported back to your accommodations in Oaxaca.

Oaxaca: Mezcal Adventure

6. Oaxaca: Mezcal Adventure

During this experience, you'll be taken through the Valley of Tlacolula to Santiago Matalan. During the ride, you'll be introduced to the culture of mezcal and its geographical context. Once in Santiago Matatlán, you'll be visiting an agave plantation to learn about these plants, their life cycle, varieties, and uses. Then, visit two different mezcal distilleries to see real production going on. From a home scale family-owned business with a long tradition of making mezcal in a rustic way to another way of production more sophisticated, yet artisanal. As each maestro mezcalero gives a personal touch to every batch, each tasting on-site means immersion in the mezcal culture. Afterward, you'll make a stop for lunch in a nice and neat last distillery with a great local cuisine restaurant. By this point of the trip, you'll already know how to taste mezcal as an expert. The premium quality mezcal you’ll taste here will be great for a last toast before heading back home.

Oaxaca: Traditional Oaxacan Cooking Class with Market Visit

7. Oaxaca: Traditional Oaxacan Cooking Class with Market Visit

Discover what makes Oaxacan gastronomy so renowned. Visit a local, bustling market together with a chef to shop for the freshest of ingredients. Taste the traditional flavors and learn the techniques of Oaxacan cooking as you prepare authentic dishes alongside a chef who will explain what makes them unique for the region.  Start this fully interactive class exploring the main markets of Oaxaca city accompanied by the chef who will help you to identify the best and fresh ingredients on the list. Decide what dish to prepare between two suggestions by the chef. Then, get started cooking as you learn how to prepare one of the traditional meals that proudly represent an important cultural part of the beautiful Oaxaca state. During the lesson, the chef will also explain the benefits about each of the representative ingredients of the region, and which the locals prefer for the preparation of their dishes.  Prepare additionally some handmade tortillas and typical drinks to accompany your dish, such as Tejate, Chilacayota and Margaritas with Mezcal. Feel free to ask any question you have about and, of course, enjoy your traditional meal.

Full-Day Tour of Oaxaca

8. Full-Day Tour of Oaxaca

Get ready to discover some of the best places of Oaxaca State. Start with a visit to Santa Maria el Tule, home of one of the most extraordinary natural beauties including the  giant tree (The Tule Tree), with a height of 40 meters and a diameter of more than 50 meters. It is said it´s more than 2000 years old, which makes it perhaps one of the biggest and oldest living things in the world. You'll then make a little stop in the small town of Teotitlan del Valle, famous for its home-made textiles. One of the day's highlights will be a visit to Mitla, which in Nahuatl means "Place of the Dead". Mitla used to be a ceremonial center of the Zapotecs and it´s now famed for its outstanding mozaics on its walls, a unique style of decorating in Mesoamerica. You'll  continue the excursion with an adventurous ride to Hierve el Agua, where you'll have the chance to see the petrified waterfalls and take a refreshing dip into the mineral baths while enjoying the breathtaking landscape. Conclude the day in the most typical way; at a mezcal distillery. Learn about the traditional production process and you won´t leave before you have tasted Oaxaca´s sacred liquor.

From Oaxaca: Yagul Archaeological Site & Sunday Local Market

9. From Oaxaca: Yagul Archaeological Site & Sunday Local Market

Join a guided tour for a unique Sunday experience with a visit to the archaeological site of Yagul and San Jeronimo Tlacochahuaya. See the closest example of an original pre-Hispanic market in Tlacolula. Start your adventure by being picked up in your hotel lobby in Oaxaca City. Head to the town of San Jeronimo Tlacochahuaya to marvel at the legendary 16th-century construction. Learn about its religious art and altars. Then, visit the archeological site of Yagul, a city that flourished as an urban center after the decadency of Monte Alban. Walk with your guide and understand how it transformed as an important city back in the days after the Spanish conquest. Lastly, head to Tlacolula. Walk through one of the most popular and colorful Sunday markets in the country. This fascinating place turns into the main street of the town on Sundays. Find products, arts, and crafts made by the local people here.

Oaxaca: Downtown & Santo Domingo Temple Walking Tour

10. Oaxaca: Downtown & Santo Domingo Temple Walking Tour

Discover the downtown of Oaxaca City, its most important sites, monuments, streets, and markets, and explore the colorful and beautiful downtown with a bilingual guide and learn the city's history. You will start the tour by visiting the "Santo Domingo Temple", and learn about its beautiful Mexican baroque architecture. Walk through the corridor from Santo Domingo's Temple through the city center. Experience downtown, and enjoy the music in the kiosk of the "Zocalo", visit the "Portales" and the "Constitution Garden", and enjoy the vibe of local life while you walk through the area. Stop in a chocolate store and learn how Oaxacan Chocolate is made. Buy Oaxacan Chocolate or Mole, which is a famous salsa in Mexican food. Visit the "Mercado Benito Juarez", the most traditional market in the city, where you can buy mole, Oaxacan cheese, and crickets. Make a stop at the "Mercado 20 de Noviembre" and see the smoke hall.

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Hierve el Agua

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What people are saying about Oaxaca de Juarez

Overall rating

4.3 / 5

based on 372 reviews

This class was a highlight of our stay in Oaxaca. Learned about the local peoples, their food and traditions. The tour through the market and finding new ingredients was an adventure. The kitchen was large with room for everyone to complete their tasks that were assigned by the leader, Martin (who was an amazing organizer!) The menu that Martin devised on the fly to accommodate everyone's dietary requirements came together smoothly and the feast we all enjoyed at the end was one of the best meals we had on our trip. Will sign up again on our next trip. Highly recommend.

What a fantastic day, full of experiences and beautiful places. Ede, the guide, is one of the best guides I’ve ever had, and she organized the trip so well. It was a long day but without a single minute that was boring. We learned so much and saw so much attractions and places around Oaxaca. Each stop in this tour was enjoyable. Warmly recommended!

We had a great day. Our guide Ivan was very informative and taught us a lot about the history, politics and culture of Oaxaca!

Jose Louis was an excellent driver and guide. He was knowledgeable and fun!

We enjoyed so much our day,mezcal tasting was amazing!