Hierve el Agua, Tule Tree, Mitla tour: Four stops in one day

Four archaeological and natural stops, one long morning into afternoon

A 12-hour guided tour of Oaxaca visiting the ancient Tule Tree, a traditional weaving workshop in Teotitlán del Valle, the Mitla Archaeological Site, and Hierve el Agua's petrified waterfalls, with mezcal tasting and air-conditioned transport included. Entrance fees to three sites are paid separately in cash. Lunch is also separate. Available in English or Spanish with a live guide. Minimum age 14.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Tule Tree40m
2. Teotitlán del Valle40m
3. Mitla1h
4. Hierve el Agua2h

Explore Oaxaca's natural and cultural sites

• Visit the legendary Tule tree
• Visit traditional textile workshop
• Visit Mitla Archaeological Site
• Explore petrified waterfalls at Hierve el Agua
• Tour traditional mezcal distillery and taste mezcal

The experience

The day starts at the Tule Tree, a 2,000-year-old giant that is the main draw for most visitors to this part of Oaxaca. From there you move to Teotitlán del Valle to watch weavers at work in a traditional textile workshop: no entrance fee, just the chance to see how the rugs are made and buy directly if you want. The route then takes you to Mitla, one of the most visually complex archaeological sites in the region, where the stonework and geometric patterns are what people come back to photograph.

Hierve el Agua is the afternoon anchor: a natural formation of petrified mineral deposits that look like frozen waterfalls cascading down a mountainside, with natural pools at the top where you can swim if you bring a suit. The site sits at elevation and the walk around it is moderate but steady. On the return to the city, the tour stops at a traditional mezcal distillery where you taste several expressions and learn how the spirit is made using methods passed down through generations: roasting agave in earthen pits, grinding, fermenting and distilling by hand. The mezcal samples are included. The distillery itself charges no entrance fee.

The vehicle is air-conditioned and the guide speaks English or Spanish. The full day runs 12 hours from pickup, so plan for an early start and a late return. Entrance fees to the Tule Tree, Mitla and Hierve el Agua are paid in cash on site and are not included in the tour price. Lunch is also separate and available as a buffet in Oaxaca. This itinerary works best for travelers comfortable with a full day of driving and walking at moderate pace across four different sites.

What’s included

• Air-conditioned transport between all four sites.
• a live guide in English or Spanish.
• mezcal tasting at a traditional distillery with samples of multiple expressions.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

AgesAdult (14 to 65 years) · Under 14: can't be booked

GroupUp to 16

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.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 16.11

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Oaxaca by locals

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to see Hierve el Agua's petrified waterfalls and Mitla's archaeological detail in a single day without renting a car or navigating between sites yourself. The guide handles the route and timing, and the long morning-to-evening schedule fits all four stops into one trip.

Traveler reviews

4.73★★★★★★★★★★

1,183 verified traveler reviews

5 ★991

4 ★112

3 ★48

2 ★17

1 ★15

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What exactly is Hierve el Agua and can you swim there?

Hierve el Agua is a natural wonder formed by mineral-rich water flowing down a mountainside, creating deposits that look like petrified waterfalls. The site has natural pools at the top where swimming is possible if you bring a bathing suit and towel.

Is lunch included, and what are the entrance fees I need to pay?

Lunch is not included and is available separately as an Oaxacan buffet. Entrance fees are paid in cash on site: Tule Tree is 20 MXN, Mitla Archaeological Site is 210 MXN, and Hierve el Agua is 70 MXN. The textile workshop in Teotitlán del Valle and the mezcal distillery have no entrance fees.

Is this tour physically demanding?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels, though it involves a full 12-hour day with walking at several sites, including a moderate walk around Hierve el Agua at elevation. It is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or pregnant travelers.

What is included in the mezcal tasting at the distillery?

The mezcal tasting samples several expressions of the spirit, each showcasing different flavors and aromas. You learn about the artisanal production process (roasting agave, grinding, fermenting and distilling), and the samples are included in the tour price. The distillery visit itself has no entrance fee.