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Sights & Tours
Our Curated List of Tours and Activities
The link below is a list of curated experiences chosen by Dan and Deanna. Activities vary, so choose your own adventure and enjoy! Tours and Experiences Include: - Mezcal and Mole Tasting with Sommelier - Cooking Classes - Food and Market Tours - Mezcal Tours - Hierve el Agua Tours - Monte Alban Tour - Zapotec Experience - Hiking Excursion - Walking Tour of the City
Deanna and Dan's Favorite Mezcal Tour
Oaxaca is the birthplace of Mezcal. Trust us, you haven't tasted Mezcal until you've tried it here! Also note, you will be tasting A LOT of Mezcal on this tour (we're talking, like 5-8 samples at each of the 3 stops). Be sure to eat breakfast and bring snacks with you, and don't plan a fancy dinner for that night as you'll be feeling toasty/drunk that evening. That's just our recommendation after our first tour experience. "We will meet at Casa de las Bugambilias B&B and go visit 3 distilleries to learn about the traditional method of making mezcal. We will visit only family-owned Palenques to see the entire process to make artisanal mezcal and you will have a free tasting of premium mezcals. You will have the opportunity to buy bottles of the best mezcals directly from the producer. At the end of the tour, we will have lunch in a traditional restaurant in Santiago Matatlán to taste the traditional food of that region and then return to Oaxaca."
Templo de Santo Domingo
Dating back to 1555, the Templo de Santo Domingo acted as a convent and church before being used as military barracks in the 19th and 20th centuries. Today, the convent portion of the building contains the Santo Domingo Cultural Center's Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca and botanical garden. But the real feast for the eyes is the church itself, which is outfitted in baroque design, applied in gold leaf and other rich materials. And don't forget to look up: The domed ceiling is covered in medallions featuring Catholic martyrs. Even visitors who have traveled extensively and seen many of the world's most beautiful churches say the Templo de Santo Domingo wins the prize. The ceiling, they say, is unparalleled.
Jardín Etnobotánico de Oaxaca
Oaxaca’s wealth of flora has been curated and concentrated into the fabulous Jardín Etnobotánico de Oaxaca. You can stroll through a collection of almost a thousand plant species in this beautifully laid-out botanical garden, each native to the state from its cold mountains to humid tropics. It is set in the serene grounds of an old convent and also dotted with pieces of contemporary sculpture. Guided tours take around an hour and are available in English. If you love seeing and learning about the local flora and fauna when you travel, you will want to be sure to hit the botanical gardens. A visit to the botanical gardens is easily combined with the cathedral and the culture museum, as they’re all located on the same grounds.
Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca
Got two hours? You'll need it for the Museum of Oaxacan Cultures, housed in the beautiful monastery buildings adjoining the Templo de Santo Domingo. This is one of Mexico's best regional museums. The rich displays take you right through the history and cultures of Oaxaca state up to the present day, emphasizing the continuity between pre-Hispanic and contemporary cultures in areas such as crafts, medicine, and food. A gorgeous stone cloister serves as an antechamber to the museum proper. The greatest treasure is the Mixtec hoard from Tomb 7 at Monte Albán, in Room III (the first on the right upstairs). This dates from the 14th century, when Mixtecs reused an old Zapotec tomb at Monte Albán to bury one of their kings and his sacrificed servants, along with a stash of beautifully worked silver, turquoise, coral, jade, amber, pearls, finely carved bone, crystal goblets, a skull covered in turquoise and a lot of gold. The treasure was discovered in 1932 by Alfonso Caso.
Explore the Zócalo
Oaxaca's main square – formally referred to as the Plaza de la Constitución de Oaxaca, but colloquially called the Zócalo – is a must-see. Skirted by cafes and eateries and bounded by the Palacio de Gobierno (the State Government Palace) on its south side, the Zócalo is a prime spot for people-watching, picking up a souvenir or two and watching the day fade into the vibrant night. Thanks to its leafy landscaping and many trees, it's also a relaxing place to cool off in the shade.
Hierve el Agua Tour
Located about 40 miles from Oaxaca, Hierve el Agua makes a great day trip from the city. Here, you'll see two waterfall-like rock formations which were formed when mineral-rich water spilled over the cliffs and trickled down the mountainside. At the top, you can take a dip in the man-made pools while enjoying awe-inspiring views. While they're not thermal springs, the waters were said to have healing properties due to their high mineral content. The easiest way to get here is via a private tour from Oaxaca.
Biking to The Ancient Tree of El Tule Tour
"Oaxaca's FAVORITE ride. A must-do while you're here! I will be your local guide during this beautiful and safe bike ride to see the massive and ancient "El Tule" tree, which is famous for being the WIDEST tree in the world. We´ll also see part of the town of "Santa Maria del Tule", its church and its market. We'll meet in downtown Oaxaca. Then, we´ll begin our journey to El Arbol del Tule (45 min. bicycle ride). We'll ride on a nice bike lane covered with tree shades for the most part. It's mostly flat. We'll start biking out of the city first, then towards the outskirts with views of beautiful hills, and crop fields. Once we arrive in Santa Maria, we'll go directly to see El Tule tree, the colorful church and the beautiful lush gardens. Then, we'll go to the food market where we'll spend some time hanging out and getting something to eat and drink. Finally, we'll start our ride back to Oaxaca."
Monte Albán Ruins
Monte Albán, literally "White Mountain," contains the preserved ruins of a Zapotec city. Travelers will find pyramids, temples, plazas and more atop this mountain, which rises 1,300 feet above the floor of the Oaxaca Valley. For a deeper understanding of the city, which became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987, travelers can book a tour guide on-site. Keep in mind that the official licensed guides will wear a badge from the Mexico Secretary of Tourism.
Mitla Archaeological Site
This archeological site is famous for the intricate and beautiful carvings throughout the ruins. Steeped in history and mysticism, the ancient burial site of Mitla—which translates as the “Place of the Dead”—dates back to 900 BC. Notable for its mix of Zapotec and Mixtec architecture, adorned with elaborate mosaics and ornate stonework, it’s one of Oaxaca’s most important archaeological sites.
Zapotec Tour: Pottery, Textiles, & Mezcal
"We'll visit 5 different places outside Oaxaca City where in each of them you will learn about the origins of different Oaxacan handcrafts. How they're made, history, and even participate in the incredible process! Each of the workshops that we visit shows you how everything began and how they have evolved. We'll visit Teotitlán del Valle where you'll learn the wearing process of a wool rug and also the elaboration of bee's wax candles. Experience having lunch in the traditional Market of Tlacolula de Matamoros with Oaxacan food. Later we'll visit San Marcos Tlapazola to see the elaboration of red clay pottery with only three elements. And last we'll finish having a taste of the craft mezcal made in Oaxaca! Take the opportunity to meet other people that come along to live this experience in Oaxaca as well as purchase the handmade crafts of the Oaxacan villages."
Teotitlán del Valle Artisan Tour
This village just outside the city specializes in weaving wool into stunning rugs, bags, pillow covers and more. The weaver's work is so impressive. You can visit their workshops and learn about their process. The link below is for a private tour and workshop with the artisans. You won’t want to miss this! Go to Comedor Jaguar for lunch. Isabel makes the best chile rellenos and chicken molé.
Temazcal Oaxaca
The temazcal is the prehispanic version of a sweat lodge. They heat volcanic rocks over which they place medicinal herbs soaked in water to create steam within the temazcal structure. These herbs are aromatic bronchodilators that help cleanse your respiratory system and detoxify your body. At the end of the ceremony, they perform a light herbal bath to wipe away the sweat from your body. They offer cold plunges, massages and transportation as well!
Other Reputable Tour Websites
Oaxaca by Locals offers many wonderful tours, including a free walking tour of the city. Check them out at the link below! Other reputable tour companies include: Coyote Adventures https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Products-g150801-d14009719-Coyote_Aventuras-Oaxaca_Southern_Mexico.html Viator https://www.viator.com/Oaxaca-City/d50491-ttd Etnofood https://book.peek.com/s/68953fb5-5a24-4153-9aa5-8f484439b5db/aEBp6 Cocodrila Experience https://www.facebook.com/CocodrilaExperience/ Book by contacting Adriana on her phone with WhatsApp: +52 1 951 182 5446
And of Course, Shopping Recs
If words like “hand-crafted,” “artisanal,” or “natural dyes” make you reach for your wallet, brace yourself for shopping in Oaxaca City. The state of Oaxaca is home to a majority of Mexico’s indigenous groups, many of whom have strong craft traditions and whose influences converge in the capital city. TERRENAL TIENDA ARTE - Cafe, art gallery, design studio and boutique all in one! Chic items include clothing, jewelry, and home decor. Located in a beautiful barrio in the heart of Oaxaca. Open M-Sat 11-7 PM COLECTIVO 1050 - Oaxacan collective of potters and your one-stop shop for all things pottery MARCHANTA - Well-curated boutique of artisanal objects. Specializing in elevated versions of tunics and sandals from contemporary Latin designers LA TIENDA Q - Gallery and concept store with traditional clothing and everyday objects LOS BAULES DE JUANA CATA - A local store of high-quality textiles run by Remigio Mestas MERCADO BENITO JUAREZ - The city's main marketplace