Day Trips in Oaxaca: 6 Lined Up by Price and Hours

1.Monte Alban Guided Half Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 880 reviews · 3 to 4 hours (approx.) · from $32Our pick

Travel from central Oaxaca to Monte Albán in about 30 minutes, then explore the Zapotec archaeological site with an English or Spanish guide. Guides such as Miguel explain the ruins, valley, and culture before you get free time for photos and independent exploring. Return by shuttle when you are ready, including later hourly departures.

“Half day is the perfect option for seeing Monte Alban. We'll worth it to go the guided route. Better suited for those with no mobility issues.”

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2.Monte Alban Half-Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 492 reviews · 4 hours · from $31Best value

Travel by van from central Oaxaca to Monte Albán for a four-hour guided visit. A bilingual guide such as Antonio, Daniel, Moses, or José explains Zapotec culture, pyramids, stelae, tombs, and the ball court, then gives you time to explore independently. Transportation and hotel or Airbnb drop-off are included, but the archaeological-site ticket is extra.

“Amazing tour with an even better guide. Our guide, whose name I forgot, was an absolute gem. He had an immense amount of passion for the history of Monte Albán while & exuded in his presentation. PLUS, he lent me $1,500 pesos to ensure I could purchase a piece of art which in turn helped the indigenous folk who are still keeping their practices alive.”

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3.Half day tour to Monte Albán

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 420 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $32

Travel from Oaxaca City to Monte Albán in an air-conditioned vehicle, then walk through the Zapotec capital with a local English-speaking guide. Expect the Grand Plaza, Los Danzantes, tombs, temples, ball court, South Platform, museum, and free time for photos. Guides such as Antonio, Daniel, Moses, and Monserrat have led this tour.

“Great experience, incredibly knowledgeable guide that added rich details! Made the trip memorable, despite an unexpected local marathon that caused a detour and delay to the Monte Alban tour. Creative adjustment !”

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4.Monte Alban, Alebrijes & Black Clay Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 217 reviews · 7 hours · from $52

Visit Monte Albán with a bilingual guide, then see alebrijes carved in Arrazola and black clay pottery made in San Bartolo Coyotepec. The small group is limited to six, with guides such as Ede, Jose, or Ariana assigned according to the day. Lunch is optional and costs extra.

“The guide was amazing. He had very interesting information about everything, and his way to explain it to the group was super funny. The buffet was also delicious. The tour ended few hours later, I would recommend to be prepared for it. (In this case it didn’t affected us)”

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5.Mount Albán & Cuilapam de Guerrero Full-Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 110 reviews · 8 hours · from $38

Spend eight hours visiting Monte Albán, the Dominican convent at Cuilapam de Guerrero, Arrazola wood-art workshops, and San Bartolo Coyotepec black pottery makers. A certified English- or Spanish-speaking guide handles transport from Quinta Real Oaxaca, while entrance fees, lunch, drinks, and souvenirs remain your responsibility.

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6.Monte Alban, Alebrijes & Black Pottery: Oaxaca Essential Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 99 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $42

Spend about eight hours exploring Monte Alban and two important craft towns outside Oaxaca City. A bilingual guide such as Ede, Jeshua, or Gabriel leads the day, with round-trip transport in an air-conditioned minivan. Expect striking valley views, copal wood carving, black clay pottery, and a small group of up to eight people.

“My family and I had a wonderful time because the tourist guide Roberto with his knowledge and his very nice. Attitude make my Birthday wonderful., Monte Albán, the food and the environment around the places were fantastic, thank you.”

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