Oaxaca: Monte Alban Day Trip & Artisan Workshops with Lunch

Summary

Monte Alban ruins, alebrijes, black clay and weaving in Oaxaca

You’ll walk ancient Monte Alban with a guide who brings its stories alive, then meet Oaxacan artisans in their homes — from woodcarvers to black clay potters and textile weavers. Enjoy a traditional buffet lunch along the way. It’s a day that lingers long after you’re back in your hotel room.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed at Monte Alban was the wind — sharp, but not cold, carrying that dry earth smell you get on hilltops. Our guide, Carlos, started talking before we’d even left the van, pointing out how the city sits right above Oaxaca. I kept squinting at the sunlight bouncing off those old stones while he explained how people built all this by hand. There’s something strange about standing where so many feet have worn the same paths for centuries. Someone behind me muttered “wow” under their breath — I think we all felt a bit small up there.

After wandering through tombs and terraces (and trying not to trip over my own feet), we piled back into the van. The drive to San Martin Tilcajete was bumpy — I nearly spilled my water twice — but when we arrived at the woodcarver’s workshop, it smelled like sawdust and paint. The artisan showed us how he turns blocks of copal wood into these wild alebrijes. I tried saying “alebrije” properly; Li laughed and corrected me (I’ll get it one day). Then came lunch — a buffet with mole negro and tlayudas. I probably ate too much but honestly, who wouldn’t?

Santo Tomas Jalieza was quieter, almost sleepy. We watched Doña Maria work her waist loom — her hands moved so fast it looked impossible. She let me touch some finished cotton cloth; it was softer than I expected, kind of comforting. By then my Spanish had hit a wall, but she smiled anyway. Last stop: San Bartolo Coyotepec for black clay pottery. The master there spun a vase so quickly it made me dizzy just watching. He talked about his family’s history with the craft while his wife brewed coffee in the corner — that earthy scent mixing with wet clay is something I still think about.

I didn’t expect to feel so connected by the end of this day trip from Oaxaca to Monte Alban and all those workshops. It’s not just ruins or crafts; it’s people letting you peek into their everyday life for a few hours. Makes you see Oaxaca differently, you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Monte Alban and local crafts

• Tour Monte Alban archaeological zone
• Visit wood carving artisan workshop
• Eat traditional buffet lunch
• Visit hip loom craftsman workshop
• Visit black mud craftsman workshop

Top questions

How long is the full day Monte Alban tour from Oaxaca?

The tour lasts approximately 8-9 hours including transfers between sites.

Is hotel pickup included for this Monte Alban day trip?

Yes, hotel or home pickup and drop-off are included within the marked area.

Are meals included on this tour?

Yes, a traditional buffet lunch at a local restaurant is included.

What artisan workshops are visited during the tour?

You’ll visit workshops for alebrijes (wood carving), black clay pottery, and waist loom textiles.

Is there an English-speaking guide on this tour?

The certified guide conducts tours in both English and Spanish as needed.

How much time do we spend at Monte Alban itself?

You spend about 1.5 to 2 hours touring Monte Alban with your guide.

Are entry fees included in the price?

The tour includes entry fees for all scheduled sites and activities.

Is this tour suitable for children or seniors?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels but not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned vehicle, guided entry to Monte Alban archaeological site, visits to three artisan workshops (wood carving alebrijes in San Martin Tilcajete, waist loom weaving in Santo Tomas Jalieza, black clay pottery in San Bartolo Coyotepec), plus a traditional Oaxacan buffet lunch before returning home in the evening.