Things to do in Oaxaca

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.

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.

We will pick you up at 1:00 pm from your hotel and travel north for about 1 hour until we reach the small fishing village of Zapotalito. Here you will enjoy a boat tour through the lagoons, learning about 5 islands and going through small channels made of mangroves. You will get to see birds throughout the trip and enjoy the amazing landscapes that the National park offers. On arrival you will be able to order a delicious meal and have a swim in the crystal clear waters of Chacahua. After this, you will take a small hike to the “Arc of Love”, on this beach you will experience an amazing sunset. You will then return to the boat at around 8:00 pm to enjoy a boat trip back to Zapotalito, along the way you will stop to see the “Bioluminescence”, having time to swim in it if you wish. Finally we will head back to our land transport, which will take us back to Puerto Escondido arriving at around 10:00 pm.

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.

The experience begins with pickup from your hotel in Puerto Escondido and heads to a preserved beach. Join a local nature conservation group and learn about the different species of sea turtles and the measures being taken to help protect them since they became an endangered species. Learn about the lives of the sea turtles, then help them reach the ocean from their nest on the beach. There’s plenty of time to take photos of this magical experience, and soak up views of the sunset. By the end of the evening, you’ll have learned more about this endangered species, taken part in the effort to protect them, and made unforgettable memories.

Start the day at 6:00 AM with pickup from your hotel in Puerto Escondido. Head straight to the beach to board your early-morning sightseeing boat. Over the course of your 3-hour cruise, gaze at the stunning, crystal-clear waters of the Pacific Ocean, revelling in the beauty of the Oaxacan coast. Keep your eyes open for the panoply of sea life that call the waters surrounding Puerto Escondido home. Spot marine life such as whales, dolphins, or massive sea turtles. As you jet through the waters, your expert captain will find the best spots to give you the best chance of seeing the sea’s most beautiful marine life. Relax as you cruise through the calm waters, enjoying the sunrise over the pristine sea, and let nature surprise you with its beauty. After your cruise, you’ll head back to the dock to get the transportation back to your hotel.

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.

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.

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.

At 3:30 pm, we will pick you up from your hotel in Puerto Escondido and travel to the community of San José Manialtepec by van. The journey should take only 20 minutes. Upon arrival, the saddled horses will be waiting for you, and you can embark on a fantastic adventure through some of the most extraordinary spots in San José Manialtepec. On the backs of your well-trained horses, you will journey deep into the jungle and cross up to four different spots along the Manialtepec River. This is the perfect way to explore the beautiful rural landscapes and discover unique trees such as the ceiba, which is considered sacred by different pre-Hispanic cultures. After crossing the jungle, you will arrive at one of the coastal Manialtepec lagoon banks, where you will get into canoes and paddle to the other side. Don't forget to look back! You won't want to miss the delightful sight of the horses swimming behind us while crossing the lagoon. You will arrive at the "Puerto Suelo" Beach, where you can enjoy the sunset while riding on the beach. The locals will be waiting for you and kindly offer the warmth of a bonfire with some delicious snacks - the perfect way to restore your energy after our activities! We will then get back on the horses and return to our starting point. From there, we will take you back to your hotel in Puerto Escondido, and our estimated arrival time is 9 pm.