Monte Albán tour with alebrijes and black clay workshops

Three stops across the Valley of Oaxaca: the 2,000-year-old ruins, the artisans who carve alebrijes, and a black clay workshop

This guided tour combines Monte Albán, the major pre-Columbian archaeological site in Oaxaca, with visits to two working craft workshops in San Antonio Arrazola and a stop at Cuilápam Convent. A live guide in English or Spanish explains the history and architecture at each stop over eight hours, with air-conditioned transport included throughout. The tour suits anyone interested in both archaeology and the living crafts of the region.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit Monte Albán and local workshops

• Explore Monte Albán archaeological site
• Visit alebrijes workshop
• Tour Cuilápam Convent
• Visit black clay workshop

The Experience

The day starts at Monte Albán itself, where the guide walks you through the most important structures of this 2,000-year-old site and explains the history embedded in the layout and stonework. From there, the route moves to San Antonio Arrazola to visit an alebrijes workshop—the place where artisans hand-carve and paint the fantastical wooden creatures that are one of Oaxaca's signature crafts. You watch the creation process and see how each piece comes together.

The tour also includes a stop at one of the region's important black clay workshops, where you see how potters work with the dark clay that is another emblematic craft of the Valley of Oaxaca. Between the archaeological site and the two workshops sits Cuilápam Convent, an architectural landmark the guide points out as one of the most beautiful convents in the state. Air-conditioned transport moves you between all four stops, so the day holds together without navigating on your own.

What’s included

• Air-conditioned vehicle transport between all stops.
• live guide in English or Spanish.
• guided explanation of Monte Albán's history and architecture.
• visits to an alebrijes workshop in San Antonio Arrazola and a black clay workshop.
• stop at Cuilápam Convent.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for back problems

Operated by Oaxaca by locals

Is this one for you?Choose this if you want a guide's interpretation at each stop—the archaeology, active craft workshops, and colonial architecture all explained in context rather than explored independently.

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Top questions

What exactly is Monte Albán and why is it worth a full stop on this tour?

Monte Albán is a major pre-Columbian archaeological site with more than 2,000 years of history. The tour includes a guided explanation of the most important structures and the history of the place, which is why it anchors the day rather than a quick drive-by.

Can I actually see how alebrijes and black clay are made, or is it just a shop visit?

The alebrijes workshop in San Antonio Arrazola shows you the creation and elaboration process of these carved wooden figures, and the black clay workshop demonstrates how potters work with the material. Both are working spaces where the guide explains the craft itself.

How long does this tour take and what's included in the price?

The tour runs eight hours and includes air-conditioned vehicle transport between all stops, plus a live guide in English or Spanish who explains the history and crafts at each location.

Is this tour physically demanding, or can someone with limited mobility join?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. However, it is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or pregnant travelers, so check those conditions before booking if they apply to you.

What's the minimum age for this tour?

The minimum age is 14 years old.