Oaxaca: Hierve el Agua, Mitla & Mezcal Day Trip from City

Summary

Hierve el Agua springs and ancient Mitla with mezcal tasting

You’ll stand beneath Oaxaca’s ancient Tule tree, watch Zapotec weaving in Teotitlán del Valle, wander through Mitla’s mysterious ruins, and soak up views at Hierve el Agua before tasting smoky mezcal right where it’s made. Expect laughter, new flavors, and moments that stick long after you’re back home.

What’s the experience like?

"You ever seen a tree this big?" That’s what our guide, Daniel, asked as we craned our necks up at the Tule tree just outside Oaxaca. Honestly, I hadn’t — it was like staring at a living wall of green and gnarled wood, older than most countries. The air smelled faintly sweet, almost earthy. We’d barely left the city but it already felt like we’d stepped into some other time.

The drive out to Teotitlán del Valle was quiet except for Daniel’s stories — he pointed out little roadside shrines and told us how his abuela still weaves rugs with cochineal dye. We got to watch women work those old looms, their hands moving so fast I couldn’t keep track. I tried to say “gracias” in Zapotec and just got a big grin in return (and probably mangled it). The colors in that workshop — reds from bugs, blues from indigo — felt deeper than anything you’d see in a store back home.

Mitla was next. The stonework there is wild — all these geometric patterns carved by hand centuries ago. Daniel explained how Mitla means “place of rest” in Zapotec; it did feel strangely calm even with the sun beating down and tourists wandering around snapping photos. I leaned against one of those old walls for a second just to feel the coolness of the stone. Lunch was somewhere between stops — honestly can’t remember what I ate because my mind was still on those patterns.

Hierve el Agua came last. You hear about petrified waterfalls but seeing them is something else: white rock spilling down the cliffside, pools catching the late afternoon light. Some kids were splashing around while we sat on a warm stone ledge with mezcal from a nearby distillery (the smoky kind that clings to your tongue). I didn’t expect to laugh so much trying all those different flavors — or to feel so small standing above that valley with nothing but wind and distant voices below. Still think about that view sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Mitla, Teotitlan, Mezcal, Hierve el Agua

• Visit Mitla archaeological zone
• Explore Teotitlan del Valle wool mats
• Tour mezcal distillery and tasting
• Admire petrified waterfalls at Hierve el Agua
• Free time to eat

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Oaxaca to Hierve el Agua?

The full-day tour lasts approximately 8-10 hours including all stops.

Is lunch included on this Hierve el Agua & Mitla tour?

No set lunch is included but there is time given for you to eat during the tour.

Are entry fees covered for Mitla or Hierve el Agua?

Entry fees are not specifically mentioned; check directly with your operator before booking.

Is hotel pickup included in this Oaxaca day trip?

The tour includes transportation and bilingual guide but confirm specific pickup details when booking.

Can infants or people with mobility needs join this tour?

The tour is wheelchair accessible and infants can join with proper seating arrangements.

Do you visit a real mezcal distillery on this day trip?

Yes, you’ll visit an actual mezcal distillery to see the process and taste different varieties.

What should I bring for Hierve el Agua & Mitla day trip?

Bring water, sunblock, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, hat/cap, light sweater, camera.

What’s included

Your day includes transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle with a bilingual guide throughout Oaxaca’s valleys; travel insurance is provided for peace of mind; plus you’ll get time at each stop to explore or relax before returning to Oaxaca City in the evening.