Oaxaca: Monte Albán, Arrazola & Black Pottery Day Trip

Summary

Monte Albán’s ruins, alebrije artists & black pottery in Oaxaca’s valleys

You’ll stand above Oaxaca at Monte Albán’s ancient ruins, watch artists shape magical alebrijes in Arrazola, wander through sunlit arches at Cuilapam Convent, and see black pottery born from local hands in San Bartolo Coyotepec. Includes hotel pickup and an easy pace so you can actually take it all in.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed at Monte Albán was the silence—just a few birds and our guide’s voice echoing off the old Zapotec stones. We’d left Oaxaca city early, still yawning, but standing up there with the wind tugging at my shirt and the whole valley stretching out below… it didn’t feel real. Our guide, Sofía, pointed out glyphs carved into a stone slab—she said they’re probably over 1,500 years old. I tried to imagine people living up here, building these pyramids by hand. It smelled faintly of dry grass and dust; I kept brushing little pebbles off my shoes as we wandered around. If you look back at the city from up there, it’s just this patchwork of color far away.

We drove next to San Antonio Arrazola—honestly, I’d never heard of alebrijes before this trip. The workshop was full of wood shavings and half-finished creatures with wild colors. One of the artists let me try sanding a tiny jaguar (I did a terrible job; he laughed and fixed it). There was paint everywhere—on tables, on hands—and even though my Spanish is pretty shaky, somehow everyone understood each other. My fingers still smelled like copal wood when we left.

Cuilapam Convent came after that—a huge stone building just sitting quietly in the valley. The arches are open to the sky because they never finished the roof (Sofía told us why but I got distracted by sunlight pouring through). There was this old man sweeping dust from the steps who nodded at us without saying anything. It felt peaceful but also kind of heavy—I don’t know how else to put it.

The last stop was San Bartolo Coyotepec for black pottery. The clay is cool and smooth when you touch it; one woman showed us how she polishes it until it shines like obsidian. I bought a small vase that barely fit in my bag (regret nothing). Lunch was at some buffet place nearby—nothing fancy but good mole and tortillas fresh off the comal. By then we were all tired and a little sunburned, but honestly? I still think about that view from Monte Albán sometimes—you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Monte Albán and local crafts

• Visit Monte Albán ruins
• Meet artisans in San Antonio Arrazola
• Tour Cuilapam Convent
• Lunch at nearby buffet restaurant
• Admire black pottery in San Bartolo Coyotepec

Top questions

How long does this Monte Albán day trip from Oaxaca take?

This is a full-day tour starting in the morning and returning late afternoon or early evening.

Is hotel pickup included for this Oaxaca tour?

Yes, round-trip hotel transport is included for your convenience.

Will we have an English-speaking guide during the tour?

Yes, professional guides speak both English and Spanish throughout the day.

Are entry fees or meals included?

The tour includes transportation and guide; lunch is available for purchase at a buffet stop (approx 200 MXN plus drinks).

Can children or people with mobility needs join?

The tour is wheelchair accessible and offers options for infants and strollers.

What crafts will we see on this day trip?

You’ll visit San Antonio Arrazola for alebrijes (wood carvings) and San Bartolo Coyotepec for black pottery demonstrations.

Is there time to buy crafts during the stops?

Yes, there are opportunities to purchase crafts directly from artisans at both villages.

Do we visit any museums on this itinerary?

The Cuilapam Convent has an optional museum visit for an extra fee (70 MXN per person).

What’s included

Your day includes comfortable air-conditioned transport with hotel pickup and drop-off in Oaxaca city, guidance from a bilingual local expert throughout each stop—from Monte Albán’s ruins to artisan workshops—and travel insurance for peace of mind along the way. Lunch is available to purchase at a local buffet before heading back in the afternoon.