Private custom Oaxaca tour – Design your perfect day

Highlights

Inclusions

Itinerary

1. Explore the grandeur of Monte Albán, one of the ancient Zapotec capitals built on top of a mountain. As you tour its wide squares, temples and platforms, you will discover the history of a civilization that dominated the Central Valleys of Oaxaca for centuries. From above, you will enjoy breathtaking panoramic views, while knowing the cultural, political and spiritual significance of this World Heritage Site. More than an archaeological visit, it is a trip to the heart of the Zapotec world.

   2 h

2. Step into a traditional Zapotec workshop where black mud comes to life. Here you can witness the whole process behind one of Oaxaca’s most emblematic crafts: from how mud is molded by hand to the delicate polish that gives it its characteristic shine. As you watch the craftsmen work, you will discover techniques that have been handed down from generation to generation, transforming the earth into unique pieces full of identity.

   1 h

3. Discover the magical world of the alebrijes in San Martín Tilcajete, a town renowned for bringing to life these colorful and fantastic figures carved in wood. In a family workshop, you will see how a simple piece of cup is transformed into a characterful piece, from the initial carving to the meticulous hand painting process. Each design is inspired by imagination, nature and the Zapotec worldview, resulting in unique figures full of symbolism and detail. Rather than crafts, alebrijes are expressions of identity, creativity and living tradition.

   1 h

4. Visit Santo Tomas Jalieza and get into one of the oldest textile techniques in Oaxaca: the waist loom. Here, local craftswomen will show you how they skillfully and patiently create completely hand-woven pieces, using methods dating back to pre-Hispanic times. You will observe the process from the assembly of the loom to the weaving of each thread, where tradition, technique and dedication are intertwined to bring each piece to life. An intimate experience that connects with the essence of artisan work and the cultural legacy of the region.

   40 min

5. Santa Catarina Minas is one of the most traditional regions in the production of ancestral mezcal in Oaxaca. Here you will know a completely ancestral process that has remained virtually intact over time: from hand milling to distillation in clay pots. Guided by master rockers, you will discover the difference between industrial and ancestral mezcal, understanding how each step influences its aromas, textures and flavors. The experience culminates with a tasting that reflects the unique character of this tradition, deeply linked to the land, history and identity of Oaxacan.

   1 h

6. Hierve el Agua is a unique site known for its petrified waterfalls formed over thousands of years. From above, you can admire spectacular views of the mountains and, if you wish, enjoy their natural pools of mineral water. This is a place where nature and time have created a truly extraordinary formation, offering an experience that combines beauty, tranquility and wonder. An ideal space to disconnect and connect with the natural essence of Oaxaca.

   2 h

7. the archaeological area of Mitla is renowned for its intricate stone mosaics perfectly assembled. Unlike other archaeological sites, Mitla stands out for its geometric details and deep spiritual significance, being an ancient ceremonial center and connection to the underworld. As you tour its courtyards and structures, you will discover the symbolism and history that make this place a unique cultural gem in Mexico. An experience that combines art, architecture and ancestral worldview.

   1 h

8. Travelers will visit an artisanal mezcal factory, where they will know step by step the traditional process of making mezcal, from cooking agave in stone ovens to distillation in copper stills. They will learn about the different types of agave, the techniques transmitted from generation to generation and the cultural importance of mezcal in Oaxaca. At the end, they will enjoy a guided tasting, where they can taste different varieties of mezcal and learn to identify its aromas, flavors and unique characteristics.

   Passes by

9. Visit Teotitlán del Valle, a Zapotec town renowned for its ancestral tradition in making wool mats. In a family workshop, you will know the complete process: from obtaining natural dyes to weaving on wooden looms, where each piece comes to life with designs full of symbolism. You’ll learn how pre-Hispanic and colonial techniques combine to create true textile artworks, handcrafted with patience and dedication. More than a visit, it is an immersion in a living tradition that continues to weave history generation after generation.

   1 h

10. We will stop to meet the oldest Mexican in existence, (the tule tree) with more than 2000 years of age this incredible Sabino proves us to be the tree with the widest trunk in the world, you can admire its enormous size as well as the whimsical figures that form around the trunk and know the history about this beautiful natural beauty.

    30 min

11. Visit the temple of Tlacochahuaya, a little-known gem that shelters one of the most surprising interiors of Oaxaca. Upon entering, you will discover its walls and ceilings completely covered with paintings and decorative details that reflect a unique blend of indigenous art and colonial tradition. Quiet and full of history, this place offers a more intimate and contemplative experience, away from the crowds. A hidden treasure that reveals the cultural and spiritual wealth of the region

    40 min

12. Immerse yourself in local life by visiting the traditional Tlacolula Market, one of the most authentic and vibrant of the Central Valleys, which comes alive only on Sundays. Here you will find a mixture of colours, aromas and flavours: from typical food prepared at the time to local products, textiles and handicrafts. It is the perfect place to observe the daily life of the communities of the region and taste Oaxacan specialties in a genuine and full of energy.

    Passes by

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.

Reviews

Ratings come from 34 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.

Know before you go

How it compares in Oaxaca City

• Its from-price is 261% above the median of the 545 experiences we list in Oaxaca City.
• It is longer than most of them.
• By number of reviews it ranks 75 of 545.
• The operator lists free cancellation on it.

About Oaxaca City

Oaxaca City is the colonial capital of Oaxaca state, a stone-built highland city of markets, mole, mezcal and Zapotec ruins nearby.

Oaxaca de Juárez sits in a high valley at about 1,500 metres, its centre built of pale green stone around a shaded zócalo. The baroque church of Santo Domingo, with its gilded interior, and the attached former convent, now a cultural museum, are the grandest sights. Streets run with market stalls, painted walls and courtyard cafés, and the historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

See all 545 experiences in Oaxaca City