Oaxaca: Monte Albán, Hierve el Agua, Teotitlán & Mezcal Tour

Summary

Monte Albán ruins, Hierve el Agua pools, mezcal tasting and Oaxacan weaving in one day

You’ll climb ancient Monte Albán with a local guide, watch Oaxacan weavers spin color into wool at Teotitlán del Valle, float in natural pools above Hierve el Agua’s cliffs, and taste smoky mezcal where it’s made. It’s a day packed with real people and stories — you might find yourself thinking about Oaxaca long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what it feels like to stand above Oaxaca Valley with the wind tugging at your shirt and old Zapotec stones under your feet? That’s how our day started at Monte Albán — just twenty minutes from town but it felt like another world. Our guide, Juan, had this way of making the history stick; he pointed out a carving that looked almost cartoonish and said it’s probably a thousand years older than my country. I kept thinking about how quiet it was up there except for birds and someone’s distant laughter. The air smelled dusty but fresh — kind of like rain on stone.

After that we drove out to Teotitlán del Valle. The road was bumpy (I almost spilled my water), but suddenly you’re surrounded by colors — rugs hanging everywhere, women spinning wool with their hands moving so fast I couldn’t follow. One woman showed us how she crushed cochineal bugs for red dye. She let me try carding wool; I did a terrible job but she just smiled and showed me again. There was something grounding about touching the raw wool, you know? Like you’re part of some long story.

Lunch was wherever you wanted — Juan suggested Tlacolula Market so I followed his lead. The smell of grilled meat hit first, then chocolatey mole. I picked something random because honestly I couldn’t decide (and still don’t know what it was). After eating too much we headed to Hierve el Agua. The drive is longer — maybe an hour or more through winding hills — but when you finally see those petrified waterfalls… well, it’s hard not to just stare for a while. Kids were splashing in the pools and someone played music from their phone nearby. I dipped my toes in; water was cooler than I expected.

The last stop was a mezcal place outside town — not fancy, just rows of agave and smoky air from roasting pits. We tried maybe six kinds (I lost count). Each one burned differently going down but left this herbal aftertaste that stuck around even as we climbed back into the van. Li laughed when I tried to say “espadín” in Spanish — probably butchered it but no one seemed to mind.

I didn’t expect to feel so full by the end — not just from food or mezcal but from all these tiny moments stacked together. Sometimes travel days blur together but this one still sits clear in my head.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Monte Albán and local culture

• Visit Monte Albán archaeological site
• Tour Teotitlán del Valle textile workshops
• Enjoy local Oaxacan gastronomy
• Explore Hierve el Agua petrified waterfalls
• Learn mezcal production and tasting

Top questions

How long does the Monte Albán, Hierve el Agua & Mezcal tour take?

The tour is a full-day trip from Oaxaca City, covering all sites in one day.

Is lunch included on this Oaxaca day trip?

No, lunch is not included; your guide will suggest places like Tlacolula Market where you can buy food.

Can you swim at Hierve el Agua during this tour?

Yes, there are pools at Hierve el Agua where swimming is allowed if weather permits—bring a swimsuit and towel.

Is hotel pickup included on this tour?

Yes, pickup is included from your accommodation in Oaxaca City.

Do you visit a real mezcal distillery?

Yes, the tour includes a stop at an artisanal mezcal producer for tasting and learning about the process.

Are entry fees for Monte Albán included?

Yes, entry fees for Monte Albán are covered in your booking.

Is this tour suitable for children?

The tour is suitable for families; infants can ride in strollers or prams and infant seats are available if needed.

How far is Hierve el Agua from Oaxaca City?

Hierve el Agua is about 70 kilometers from Oaxaca City—roughly an hour or more by car depending on traffic and road conditions.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle (sedan or SUV depending on group size), entrance fees to Monte Albán and Hierve el Agua, parking costs and fuel surcharges covered throughout the journey—and plenty of time with local guides who’ll share stories at every stop before dropping you back off in Oaxaca City.