Mexico · OAXACA TOURS

The 15 Best Oaxaca Tours & Day Trips

45 tours  ·  from $8

The valley holds mezcal palenques, a Zapotec city on a levelled hilltop and villages that each keep their own market day. These 15 sort them by price, driving time and whether lunch is included or found.

Hierve el Agua, Tule Tree, Mitla and Mezcal Distillery Tour - The Tule tree makes an easy first stop
Ancient Ruins Tours, Ancient Ruins Tours in Oaxaca, Mezcal Tastings, Mezcal Tastings in Oaxaca, Oaxaca Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Hierve el Agua, Tule Tree, Mitla and Mezcal Distillery Tour

1.Hierve el Agua, Tule Tree, Mitla and Mezcal Distillery Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,094 reviews · 12 hours (approx.) · from $55Our pick

Travel from Oaxaca City to the ancient Tule tree, a Teotitlán del Valle weaving workshop, Mitla, and Hierve el Agua. You’ll also visit a traditional mezcal distillery with tastings. Guides such as Adriel, Miguel, Andrea, and Kevin are praised for energy and local insight, though the long day, walking, mixed-language groups, and sales focus may not suit everyone.

“This was a wonderful and full but really flowing day. Our tour guide Andrea was awesome and helpful and everyone in the tour gelled really well! We got to see almost everything we wanted in just one day and the vibes were high the entire time- starting with the service at the cute cafe that is situated in Oaxaca by Locals. Weather was perfect and we learned so much about the rich culture of this region of Oaxaca from the Zapotecs to contemporary time. The tree is also a spiritual experience… it has such a profound energy. I recommend this experience -100 percent!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Explore Hierve el Agua, Mitla, Tule, Textile and Mezcal for a day - Teotitlán del Valle and the work behind a wool rug
Ancient Ruins Tours, Ancient Ruins Tours in Oaxaca, Mezcal Tastings, Mezcal Tastings in Oaxaca, Oaxaca Tours, Tour Reviews

Explore Hierve el Agua, Mitla, Tule, Textile and Mezcal for a day

2.Explore Hierve el Agua, Mitla, Tule, Textile and Mezcal for a day

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,043 reviews · 11 hours (approx.) · from $75Top rated

Spend about 11 hours exploring Oaxaca’s best-known sights with an English-speaking guide such as Luis or Pavel. Walk and swim at Hierve el Agua, visit Mitla and the Tule Tree, watch wool rugs being made in Teotitlán, and taste mezcal. Transport, water, and site admissions are included, but lunch costs extra.

“Perfect whole - day tour - even 11 hours, but it wasn't to log for us. All day was perfect organized. Our guide Luis was very helpful and cooperative man, always answering on all the questions and trying to introduce us to local culture. The high light for us Hierve el Aqua - we recommend to chose longer trip - the views are just incredible. Highly recommended !”

Check availability →Read our full review

Monte Alban Guided Half Day Tour - Arriving at Monte Albán
Ancient Ruins Tours, Ancient Ruins Tours in Oaxaca, Day Trips, Day Trips in Oaxaca, Guided, Half-Day, Oaxaca Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Monte Alban Guided Half Day Tour

3.Monte Alban Guided Half Day Tour

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

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.”

Check availability →Read our full review

From Oaxaca de Juarez: Hierve el Agua and Mezcal Distillery - The walk is beautiful, but not effortless
Mezcal Tastings, Mezcal Tastings in Oaxaca, Oaxaca Tours, Tour Reviews

From Oaxaca de Juarez: Hierve el Agua and Mezcal Distillery

4.Hierve el Agua and Mezcal Distillery

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 615 reviews · 8 hours · from $64

Spend three unhurried hours hiking, swimming, and taking photos at Hierve el Agua, then visit a mezcal distillery for a guided tasting. English-speaking guides such as Leon, Stephany, and Margarita share regional stories along the way. Pickup, park entry, transport, and tastings are included, while food is extra.

“It was amazing. Our guide Leon was very attentive and went an extra mile to make sure everyone is comfortable and have a great time. The team of Leon and Don Pepe (driving) was great during our tour. Offering an authentic experience from the locals.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Oaxaca de Juarez: Monte Alban Half-Day Tour - The 30-minute ride from central Oaxaca
Ancient Ruins Tours, Ancient Ruins Tours in Oaxaca, Day Trips, Day Trips in Oaxaca, Half-Day, Oaxaca Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Oaxaca de Juarez: Monte Alban Half-Day Tour

5.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.”

Check availability →Read our full review

AUTHENTIC OAXACA CULTURAL FOOD TOUR, eat like a local. - Santo Domingo and Macedonia Alcala set the scene
Food Tours, Food Tours in Oaxaca, Oaxaca Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

AUTHENTIC OAXACA CULTURAL FOOD TOUR, eat like a local.

6.Authentic Oaxaca Cultural Food Tour, eat like a local.

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 462 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $114

Start with Aurora, Betsaida, Ellie, or another Me Encanta Oaxaca guide at Santo Domingo and walk through central Oaxaca, tasting more than 24 foods and drinks at three markets and two street stalls. Expect corn-based dishes, exotic fruit, mezcal, mole, grilled meats, chocolate, and local history. Come hungry and wear comfortable shoes.

“this was an amazing experience—a great way to learn about and experience oaxacan cuisine. betsaida and her whole team took great care of us, giving us so much insight on the history and culture of oaxaca while introducing us with the tastiest dishes, fruits, and drinks. she is engaging, passionate, warm, and attentive, and made sure the whole group had a wonderful time. her team also worked hard to make sure everything ran smoothly. it was a delightful tour from start to end!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Oaxaca: Tule, Mitla & Hierve el Agua, & Mezcal Tour - Starting with the Tule Tree
Ancient Ruins Tours, Ancient Ruins Tours in Oaxaca, Mezcal Tastings, Mezcal Tastings in Oaxaca, Oaxaca Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Oaxaca: Tule, Mitla & Hierve el Agua, & Mezcal Tour

7.Tule, Mitla & Hierve el Agua, & Mezcal Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 456 reviews · 10 hours · from $75

Spend 10 hours beyond Oaxaca City with hotel pickup, an English and Spanish speaking guide, and air-conditioned transport. See the Tule Tree, Mitla, Teotitlán weaving, and Hierve el Agua, then finish with a mezcal tasting. Guides such as Ede, Miguel, and Jeshua are praised for warmth and clear explanations, though the mezcal stop is brief.

“As the manager of a tour company myself, I was very impressed with the organisation of this tour. It’s a very very long day but everything is timed perfectly. And it’s great for anyone who wants to see lots of things in one day. Some people have said there’s not enough time at the petrified waterfalls, but I really think there was. I had more than enough time to enjoy it and move on to the next thing without getting bored. It’s absolutely beautiful up there. But I found 90 minutes of beauty more than sufficient. You don’t need hours in awe of it. So, overall it was a very…”

Check availability →Read our full review

Half day tour to Monte Albán - Pickup from Oaxaca and the ride uphill
Ancient Ruins Tours, Ancient Ruins Tours in Oaxaca, Day Trips, Day Trips in Oaxaca, Half-Day, Oaxaca Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Half day tour to Monte Albán

8.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 !”

Check availability →Read our full review

Oaxaca: Monte Alban Guided Archaeological Tour - From central Oaxaca to the hilltop ruins
Ancient Ruins Tours, Ancient Ruins Tours in Oaxaca, Guided, Oaxaca Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Oaxaca: Monte Alban Guided Archaeological Tour

9.Monte Alban Guided Archaeological Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 419 reviews · 3.5 hours · from $33

Travel from central Oaxaca to Monte Albán in an air-conditioned van, then explore the former Zapotec capital with a bilingual guide. You’ll see the ball court, tombs, astronomical structures, museum, and broad Oaxaca Valley views. Guides such as Julio, Manuel, Ivan, and Fernando have earned praise for making the site clear and engaging, though English and Spanish are spoken together.

“Pickup from hotel was great. Julio our guide was excellent. Very happy with the half day tour.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Boil the water and distillery mezcal tour - The drive from Oaxaca to Hierve el Agua
Mezcal Tastings, Mezcal Tastings in Oaxaca, Oaxaca Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Boil the water and distillery mezcal tour

10.Boil the water and distillery mezcal tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 413 reviews · 8 hours (approx.)

Spend three hours at Hierve el Agua for hiking, views, and a possible swim, then learn how mezcal is made and taste several varieties. English-speaking guides such as Margarita, Estefania, Leon, and Braulio lead the day. Expect an eight-hour outing from central Oaxaca, with a small-group feel and occasional bakery stop.

“The hike was great. An hour and 15 mins for the 'long' variety. Waterfalls are great, but the real treat is the ponds for swimming with a view. Maguerita, our guide was awesome and super fun to hang out with. The distillery tour was fun and they sent above and beyond for the mezcal tasting. We tasted 7 different mezcals (some more than once) and a handful of cremas as well. Let's just say that we got our moneys worth during the tasting. 10/10 will recommend. Salud.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Immersion Tour and Oaxaca Markets, All gastronomy included - Tejate, pulque, and the older side of Oaxacan food
Food Tours, Food Tours in Oaxaca, Markets, Oaxaca Tours, Shopping Tours, Shopping Tours in Oaxaca, Tour Reviews, Tours

Immersion Tour and Oaxaca Markets, All gastronomy included

11.Immersion Tour and Oaxaca Markets, All gastronomy included

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 386 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $59

Walk from central Oaxaca to its huge local market with guides such as Brian or Yahel, tasting about 20 foods and drinks. Try traditional tacos, quesadillas, grilled meats, tejate, pulque, baked goods, moles, grasshoppers, and more. The tour lasts about three and a half hours, welcomes omnivores and vegans, and ends where it begins.

“Value was horrible. We certainly didn’t leave super full. We only had two full sized items then a pinch of a few other things. The group way too large to navigate the crowded market. We didn’t try very many things. Didn’t learn or taste any fruits or veggies. I’ve been on other food tours and this one missed the mark. Highly unsanitary. We were all pinching and licking things over and over. Don’t do this your if your a germophob. Guide asked us if we would like to try a drink. We all said yes. Didn’t say they weren’t included in the $55. Had to pay extra. He took some…”

Check availability →Read our full review

Flavors of Oaxaca: Cooking Class with No Set Menu and Local Market Tour - Mole, masa, and the changing menu
Cooking Classes, Cooking Classes in Oaxaca, Food Tours, Food Tours in Oaxaca, Markets, Oaxaca Tours, Shopping Tours, Shopping Tours in Oaxaca, Tour Reviews, Tours

Flavors of Oaxaca: Cooking Class with No Set Menu and Local Market Tour

12.Flavors of Oaxaca: Cooking Class with No Set Menu and Local Market Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 333 reviews · 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $75

Start at Casa Crespo with a market walk, then return to cook a changing Oaxacan menu with Oscar, Emily, or another instructor. You may grind masa, make mole, prepare tortillas, and mix drinks. The small-group format encourages hands-on work, though larger groups can mean more prep than cooking.

“Very informative and interactive! Food was excellent and filling. Very warm and hospitable people and the tour guide was very friendly”

Check availability →Read our full review

Oaxaca Conmigo Private Tours - Mitla Explains Zapotec Design in Detail
Oaxaca Tours, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours

Oaxaca Conmigo Private Tours

13.Oaxaca Conmigo Private Tours

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 274 reviews · 3 to 9 hours (approx.)

Oaxaca Conmigo Private Tours lets you build a private Oaxaca outing around your interests. Choose archaeological sites, Hierve el Agua, village workshops, markets, or mezcal distilleries. Guides such as Jesús, Tony, Felix, and Armando provide English-language help, hotel pickup, clean air-conditioned transport, and flexible pacing for groups of up to two.

“We had a wonderful experience with Oaxaca Conmigo Tours. Our guide, Tony, was accommodating and flexible, making sure we maximized our time, and did just the things we were excited to do. Conversation was genuine and informative during our drive. We made a stop for an authentic breakfast at Comedor Citali on the way to Hierve El Agua. Per Tony's suggestion we arrived at early to beat the crowds and the heat. Tony procured a wonderful local guide while at Hierve el Agua. The tour far exceeded our expectations. We had a wonderful hike, took in multiple views, all while receiving fascinating history of the site. The stop was made…”

Check availability →Read our full review

Traditional Oaxaqueña Cooking with Grandma's Recipes - Chileajo and the lesson in mild Oaxacan flavor
Cooking Classes, Cooking Classes in Oaxaca, Oaxaca Tours, Tour Reviews

Traditional Oaxaqueña Cooking with Grandma’s Recipes

14.Traditional Oaxaqueña Cooking with Grandma’s Recipes

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 260 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $90

Meet Chef Adhey Andrade and her husband Enrique at Jardín Conzatti, then ride to their home for a hands-on Oaxacan cooking class. You’ll make salsas, chileajo, chile rellenos, fresh fruit, and hot chocolate while learning family recipes in English or Spanish. Transport and ingredients are included.

“Chef Adhey and her husband Enrique invited us into their beautiful home and provided the highlight of our week in Oaxaca. You learn amazing cooking techniques from a professional who has cooked all over the world. The music, drinks, camaraderie were amazing. Don’t miss the chance to eat this well and have this much fun!”

Check availability →Read our full review

The Real Traditional Oaxaca culinary Cooking experience - The Garden and Market Decide What You Cook
Cooking Classes, Cooking Classes in Oaxaca, Food Tours, Food Tours in Oaxaca, Oaxaca Tours, Tour Reviews

The Real Traditional Oaxaca culinary Cooking experience

15.The Real Traditional Oaxaca culinary Cooking experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 251 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $100

Spend about five hours cooking at Quinta Brava in Santa Cruz Xoxocotlan. With Miguel Angel, Jose, and their team, you’ll visit a local market, gather garden ingredients, make tortillas from nixtamalized corn, taste several moles, and prepare a full Oaxacan meal in a wood-fired ranch kitchen.

“The class was amazing! We don’t typically do group things like this ever, but something about it changed our mind. And we are so happy it did. The entire group was just delightful. Chef was so fun and informative. We happily recommend to anyone who wants to learn about Oaxacan cuisine, the act of cooking it, history of ingredients; or if you just want to have a great time, lots of laughs, and maybe a few beers while you’re at it. It was an experience we very much treasure!”

Check availability →Read our full review

New in Oaxaca Tours

★ 5.0Canyoning in the Oaxacan Coast CanyonsFrom $10076 reviews
★ 4.9The Mezcal JourneyFrom $10578 reviews
★ 4.9Street Art with an artistFrom $3732 reviews
★ 4.8Vegetarian Cooking ClassFrom $70139 reviews
★ 4.9Traditional Oaxacan Cooking Class with Market VisitFrom $13380 reviews
★ 4.6San Martín Tilcajete, Jalieza & Ocotlán Crafts RouteFrom $4648 reviews
★ 4.7Mount Albán & Cuilapam de Guerrero Full-Day TourFrom $38110 reviews
★ 4.9Monte Albán, Hierve el agua, Mezcal and TeotitlánFrom $14548 reviews
★ 4.2Monte Alban and the Art of OaxacaFrom $4299 reviews
★ 4.5Mezcal AdventureFrom $11344 reviews
★ 3.9Legends Tour MezcalbúsFrom $834 reviews
★ 4.4Early Arrival at Hierve el Agua + Pickup + AdmissionFrom $52105 reviews
★ 4.7Hierve el Agua & Mezcal Distillery Small-Group TourFrom $7040 reviews
★ 4.7Full Day Guided Tour on the Hierve el Agua RouteFrom $4379 reviews
★ 5.0Art Printing Workshop with a Local ArtistFrom $3472 reviews

Keep browsing

Ancient Ruins Tours251Cenote Tours220Snorkeling Tours251Food Tours110Museums43Walking Tours52
Scroll to Top

The Mexican index

Stone, saltwater, freshwater or a comal.

Ancient sites

Every RuinChichén ItzáTeotihuacánCobáMuseums

In the water

Cenote SwimsReef SnorkellingTurtlesDivingWhale Sharks

Food and drink

Food ToursCooking ClassesMezcalTequilaMarkets

Out of town

Balloon FlightsWaterfallsOff-Road DaysWalking TrailsCanyons