Private Tour: Monte Albán, Hierve el Agua & Mezcal in Oaxaca

Four major sites in one day: ruins, waterfalls, weaving and mezcal, without piecing together the logistics yourself.

A private eight-hour guided tour of Oaxaca's most important archaeological and natural sites (Monte Albán, Teotitlán del Valle, Hierve el Agua and a mezcal distillery) with certified local guides, all park entries, and air-conditioned vehicle transport included. The tour combines pre-Zapotec ruins, handwoven textiles made on traditional looms, a swim in petrified mineral pools, and a tasting of artisan mezcal. Food is your choice at local markets or restaurants along the way. Mezcal tasting is for guests 21 and older.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Monte Albán2h · entry included
2. Teotitlán del Valle1h
3. Tlacolula Market1h
4. Hierve el Agua2h · entry included

Explore Oaxaca's highlights

• Visit Monte Albán archaeological zone
• Explore Teotitlán del Valle textile town
• Enjoy local gastronomy for lunch
• Visit Hierve el Agua petrified waterfalls
• Experience mezcal tasting and process

The experience

Eight hours covers ground that would take days to arrange on your own. Monte Albán sits only 20 minutes from the city and holds the largest archaeological zone in Oaxaca: a Zapotec capital where a certified guide walks you through the site and explains the historical detail. From there the route moves to Teotitlán del Valle, 30 kilometers out, where the entire textile process unfolds on large wooden looms: wool washed in the river, carded by hand, dyed with natural colors from insects and plants, then woven into rugs, jackets, sarapes and tapestries using designs that range from traditional Zapotec patterns to reproductions of contemporary painters. The work is 100 percent handmade.

A stop at Tlacolula Market or a local restaurant gives you time to eat. The guide will point you toward the best option for what you want, though food is on your own tab. Then the drive continues 70 kilometers to Hierve el Agua, a natural wonder of petrified waterfalls nestled in the Sierra Mixe mountains. The mineral pools sit at the top of the formation, and if weather permits, you can swim in three separate pits. Bring a bathing suit and towel. The view from above the waterfall is the kind of thing that stops conversation.

The day closes with a mezcal tasting at an artisan distillery, where you'll see the production process and try more than 15 different flavors: all 100 percent handmade. The tasting is available to guests 21 and older. Throughout the tour, an air-conditioned vehicle handles the driving and parking, and water or gatorade is provided. You choose the vehicle type at checkout: a luxury sedan, GMC AT4 Acadia, standard SUV, Toyota Hiace minivan, Chevrolet Suburban, or Mercedes Benz sprinter, depending on group size and preference.

What’s included

• All park and site entries (Monte Albán and Hierve el Agua).
• air-conditioned vehicle with parking.
• water and gatorade throughout the day.
• mezcal tasting with more than 15 flavors.
• certified local guide in English or Spanish.
• hotel pickup.

Options for this experience

6 options

Luxury SedanUp to 2 per booking · Guide in English or Spanish · 5 departure times: the first at 06:00, the last at 09:00Private luxury sedan tour lasting 8 hours, with water and Gatorade provided. Vehicles: Mazda, BYD or JeTour. Pickup is included.

Sport utility vehicle (SUV)Up to 4 per booking · Guide in English or Spanish · 5 departure times: the first at 06:00, the last at 09:00Private SUV tour lasting 8 hours, with water and Gatorade in an icebox with drinks. Vehicles: BYD Song Plus, JeTour T2, Mazda CX5 or Subaru Crosstrek. Pickup is included.

GMC AT4 Acadia in BlackUp to 6 per booking · Guide in English or Spanish · 5 departure times: the first at 06:00, the last at 09:00Premium private tour lasting 8 hours, with water and Gatorade in an icebox. Vehicle: GMC AT4 Acadia Black. Pickup is included.

See 3 more options

Chevrolet Suburban LTUp to 7 per booking · Guide in English or Spanish · 5 departure times: the first at 06:00, the last at 09:00Premium private tour lasting 8 hours, with water and Gatorade in an icebox. Vehicle: Chevrolet Suburban LT. Pickup is included.

Toyota Hiace (Minivan)Up to 10 per booking · Guide in English or Spanish · 5 departure times: the first at 06:00, the last at 09:00Private tour lasting 8 hours in a Toyota Hiace, with water and Gatorade in an icebox. Vehicles: Toyota Hiace, Photon CS2 or Ford Transit. Pickup is included.

Mercedes Benz sprinterUp to 20 per booking · Guide in English or Spanish · 5 departure times: the first at 06:00, the last at 09:00Private Mercedes Benz Sprinter tour lasting 8 hours, with water and Gatorade in an icebox. Vehicles: Mercedes Benz Sprinter or Volkswagen Crafter. Pickup is included.

You pick the guide language when booking.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day5 departure times: the first at 06:00, the last at 09:00

Book up to3h before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight 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.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcome

Operated by Tour Guide Oaxaca Travel

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to see Oaxaca's major archaeological and natural sites without spending days coordinating separate visits and transport: the fixed route and certified guide compress what would otherwise be a multi-day itinerary into a single day, and all entries and vehicle logistics are arranged before you arrive.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

What exactly is Monte Albán and why is it the main stop on this tour?

Monte Albán is the largest archaeological zone in Oaxaca and was the capital of the Zapotec civilization. A certified guide leads you through the site and explains its historical significance, making it the centerpiece of the day's route.

Can I actually swim at Hierve el Agua, or is it just for looking?

Hierve el Agua has three mineral pools where you can swim if weather permits. Bring a bathing suit and towel. The guide will let you know what conditions allow on the day you visit.

How does the mezcal tasting work and who can participate?

The tour includes a stop at an artisan mezcal distillery where you'll see the handmade production process and taste more than 15 different flavors. Only guests 21 and older can participate in the tasting.

Is food included in the tour price?

Food is not included, but the tour stops at Tlacolula Market or a local restaurant where your guide will recommend options that match what you're looking for. You pay for your meal separately.

What's the difference between the vehicle options at checkout?

The tour is available in six vehicle types: a luxury sedan, GMC AT4 Acadia, standard SUV, Toyota Hiace minivan, Chevrolet Suburban, or Mercedes Benz sprinter. Choose based on your group size and comfort preference. All are air-conditioned and include pickup from your hotel.

How far is each stop from Oaxaca, and how much driving is there?

Monte Albán is 20 minutes away, Teotitlán del Valle is 30 kilometers out, and Hierve el Agua is 70 kilometers from the city. The eight-hour tour includes all driving time, with an air-conditioned vehicle and parking handled for you.