Monte Albán tour from Oaxaca: Ruins, alebrijes and black clay

Three craft workshops and an ancient plaza in one morning and afternoon

This nine-hour guided tour visits Monte Albán's pyramids and plazas, then moves through three working craft studios in Oaxaca: alebrijes carving in San Antonio Arrazola, black clay shaping in San Bartolo Coyotepec, and the 16th-century Cuilápam Convent. A certified bilingual guide leads the route. Pickup starts at Hotel Quinta Real, transport and lunch are included, and children from age 8 are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Monte Albán2h · entry included
2. San Antonio Arrazola2h
3. Cuilapam Convent1h · entry included

Explore Monte Albán and local crafts

• Pick up at Hotel Quinta Real
• Guided tour of Monte Albán ruins
• Admire panoramic valley views
• Visit San Antonio Arrazola alebrijes workshop
• Tour alebrijes studio and shop
• Enjoy buffet with Oaxacan dishes
• Explore Cuilapam Convent and cloister
• Visit black clay workshop and studio

The experience

The day starts with pickup at Hotel Quinta Real and a drive to Monte Albán, where the guide walks you through the main plaza, the Dancers platform, and the pyramids of the Sun and Moon. You'll learn about the Ball Game court and stand in the valley views that frame the whole site. The archaeological access and guide are both included, so you move through the ruins without arranging entry separately.

After Monte Albán, the route shifts to living craft. In San Antonio Arrazola, you watch alebrijes artisans carving and painting wood figures (each piece gets its own design and mythical character), and see the full process from wood selection to the final painted details. The workshop studio displays dozens of finished pieces, and they're for sale if you want to take one home. Then comes a buffet of typical Oaxacan food, included in the tour price.

The Cuilápam Convent is a 16th-century building that blends indigenous and colonial architecture. The guide explains the history of indigenous resistance during the conquest and the cultural fusion that shaped the region. Finally, you visit a black clay workshop in San Bartolo Coyotepec, where artisans use ancient techniques to mold clay and achieve the signature black color through a special polishing and baking process. The studio holds decorative pieces and traditional utensils available to buy as souvenirs.

What’s included

• Pickup at Hotel Quinta Real.
• air-conditioned transport throughout the day.
• access to Monte Albán archaeological site with guided tour of the pyramids, plazas and Ball Game court.
• certified bilingual guide for the full nine hours.
• entry to the alebrijes workshop in San Antonio Arrazola where you watch artisans carve and paint.
• entry to the black clay workshop in San Bartolo Coyotepec with a demonstration of ancient molding and polishing techniques.
• access to the Cuilápam Convent with its 16th-century colonial and indigenous architecture.
• Oaxacan buffet lunch.
• traveller insurance on board the vehicle.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to3h before

AgesAdult (18 to 80 years) · Child (8 to 12 years) · Under 8: can't be booked

GroupUp to 20

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 33

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended during pregnancy

Operated by ANTEQUERA TRAVEL

Is this one for you?Book this if you're ready for a full day of walking across four stops. You'll see three craft traditions and archaeological ruins, but the fixed itinerary means you move at the tour's pace, not your own.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (8 to 12 years). Children under 8 can't be included in the booking.

What exactly is Monte Albán and why is it important?

Monte Albán is an ancient archaeological site with pyramids, plazas and courts built centuries ago. The guide explains the Ball Game and shows you the Dancers platform and the pyramids of the Sun and Moon, then you take in the panoramic views of the valley from the ruins.

Can I buy alebrijes and black clay pieces during the tour?

Yes. Both the alebrijes workshop in San Antonio Arrazola and the black clay studio in San Bartolo Coyotepec display finished pieces for sale, so you can purchase souvenirs directly from the artisans' studios.

Is lunch included, and what kind of food will I eat?

An Oaxacan buffet is included in the tour price. The meal happens after the alebrijes workshop and features typical dishes of the region.

What's the difference between alebrijes and black clay crafts?

Alebrijes are carved and painted wooden figures with vibrant colors and mythical designs. Artisans shape each one by hand and paint unique details. Black clay pieces are molded using ancient techniques and polished and baked to achieve their signature black color and shine. They include decorative items and traditional utensils.