Magical Route Oaxaca Tule, Mitla, Boil Water and Mezcal

A Full-Day Journey Through Oaxaca’s Natural Wonders and Cultural Treasures

If you’re after a well-rounded glimpse of Oaxaca’s natural beauty and cultural heritage, this tour offers a compelling mix. For around $65, you get roughly nine hours of exploring some of the most iconic sights and learning about local traditions, guided by personable experts. We’ll visit the towering Tule Tree, a natural marvel with the world’s widest trunk, and then head to Mitla, famed for its intricate stone mosaics. The trip continues to Hierve el Agua, where mineral-laden waterfalls create breathtaking vistas, capped off with a visit to Santiago Matatlan, the capital of mezcal.

One aspect we especially appreciate is how the tour balances natural attractions with craft and archaeological sites, giving a rounded taste of Oaxaca’s diverse appeal. The visit to Tule is a photo-worthy moment, and the stop at Hierve el Agua offers some of the best viewpoints in the region. Plus, the visit to a traditional palenque in Matatlan lets you see how mezcal is crafted by hand—an experience that feels authentic and uncommercialized.

A possible consideration is the tour’s tight schedule—while it packs a lot into nine hours—and some travelers might prefer more time at each stop. Also, food isn’t included in the price, and you’ll need around MX$220 if you want to enjoy the buffet. But overall, this tour is a great value for those eager to cover a lot of ground and get a genuine feel for Oaxaca.

This experience suits travelers who love a mix of nature, archaeology, and local crafts. It’s especially good if you want to see multiple highlights without the hassle of planning each visit yourself. If you’re interested in mezcal, the visit to Santiago Matatlan is a definite highlight, particularly for those curious about traditional Mexican spirit-making.

Key Points

• Diverse itinerary: Combines natural wonders, archaeological sites, and local crafts.
• Authentic experiences: Visit a traditional mezcal palenque and learn about local weaving with natural dyes.
• Value for money: For just over $65, you get a full day of guided exploration and transportation.
• Guided insights: Knowledgeable guides enrich your understanding of each site, making the visit more meaningful.
• Limited food options: Food isn’t included, so budget for a meal or snacks if needed.
• Tour size: Groups are small, with up to 20 travelers, allowing for a more personal experience.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

This tour kicks off early at 7:00 am from Oaxaca’s historic center, with a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle ready to whisk you between stunning sites. The group size is capped at 20, which helps keep the experience intimate and allows guides to tailor explanations to your interests.

First Stop: Santa María del Tule

Within an hour, you arrive at Santa María del Tule to see the world’s widest trunk. This enormous monolithic tree, over 1,200 years old, is an incredible sight. We loved the way our guide explained its historical significance, and it’s easy to spend a few moments marveling at its massive, gnarled bark—a natural monument. Many reviews highlight how impressive and surprising this tree is, making it a perfect photo stop and a symbol of Oaxaca’s natural wonders.

Second Stop: Teotitlán del Valle

Next, we head to Teotitlán del Valle, renowned for its handwoven wool mats dyed with natural pigments. Here, you’re invited to see artisans at work, crafting textiles using traditional methods. It’s fascinating to watch the entire process—from shearing sheep, dyeing wool with plants like cochineal, to weaving intricate patterns. This stop is not just about admiring the finished product but understanding the cultural importance of weaving in this community. One reviewer especially appreciated the chance to learn about the entire process firsthand.

Third Stop: San Pablo Villa de Mitla

In Mitla, you’ll explore one of Mexico’s most unique archaeological sites. Its geometric stone mosaics—the grecas—are unlike anything else in Mesoamerica. During the guided tour, you’ll learn about the site’s significance, which dates back to pre-Hispanic times. The intricate stonework and its preservation make Mitla a highlight. While some might find the site’s layout compact, the explanations provided make it well worth the visit. One reviewer praised the interesting and captivating guide, especially for sharing insights about the site’s importance.

Fourth Stop: Hierve el Agua

The highlight for many is Hierve el Agua, a natural marvel featuring petrified waterfalls formed by mineral deposits over thousands of years. The site offers some of the best views in Oaxaca, with panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains. You can walk along the mineral terraces and take in the surreal landscapes. The 1-hour visit is enough to appreciate the scenery, snap photos, and perhaps dip your toes in the cool water pools. We loved how the views combined natural wonder with a sense of serenity that’s hard to find elsewhere.

Fifth Stop: Santiago Matatlan

The tour concludes in Santiago Matatlan, the mezcál capital of the world. Visiting a palenque—a traditional mezcal distillery—offered an authentic peek into this iconic Oaxacan craft. You’ll learn about the artisan process, from roasting agave to distillation, and can opt for tasting a variety of mezcals. One review called this stop the “auto-translated” highlight, emphasizing the deliciousness and authenticity of the experience. It’s an excellent opportunity to understand why mezcal is so central to Oaxaca’s identity and culture.

Practical Details and Value

For $65, this tour delivers a packed itinerary, offering access to five key sites with transportation and guided explanations included. The price is quite reasonable considering the diversity of experiences, especially since entrance fees for the archaeological site and Hierve el Agua are covered. However, food isn’t included, so budgeting around MX$220 for a buffet or snacks is advisable.

The tour begins early, at 7 am, and ends back in Oaxaca’s city center, making it feasible to combine with other activities or rest afterward. The group size keeps things manageable, and the comfortable vehicle ensures a smooth ride between sites.

Authenticity and Reviews

Reviewers praise the attentiveness of guides and the interesting explanations. One mentioned that their guide, Eduardo, recommended good local dishes, adding to the experience. The overall positive feedback highlights how this tour balances informative narration with opportunities to witness local craftsmanship and natural beauty.

Potential Drawbacks

With such a full schedule, some travelers might find the pace a little brisk, especially if they prefer soaking in each location at a leisurely pace. Also, the absence of included meals means extra planning if you want to enjoy local cuisine without rushing.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This tour is best suited for those eager to see a variety of Oaxaca’s highlights in a single day. It appeals to travelers interested in nature, archaeology, and artisan crafts, especially if they enjoy learning about local traditions firsthand. It’s also ideal for first-time visitors wanting a curated experience without the stress of organizing transportation or entrance logistics. And if mezcal piques your curiosity, the final stop in Matatlan is a definite bonus.

Final Thoughts

This full-day tour of Oaxaca offers a well-balanced look at some of the region’s most iconic sights, combining natural landscapes, archaeological sites, and craft traditions. Its value lies in the variety of experiences, guided commentary, and the chance to see both natural and cultural treasures without the hassle of planning everything independently.

While it’s ambitious and rather packed, it’s perfect for curious travelers who want an efficient, meaningful introduction to Oaxaca’s diverse offerings. The tour is especially recommended for those who appreciate a personable guide, authentic experiences, and stunning vistas, all at a reasonable price.

Whether you’re new to Oaxaca or a seasoned visitor, this tour ensures you’ll leave with memorable sights, stories, and maybe a bottle of mezcal in hand. It’s an excellent way to deepen your appreciation of this vibrant region’s natural beauty and cultural richness.

FAQ

• What is the meeting point for the tour?
  The tour starts at Quinta Real, 5 de Mayo 300, in Oaxaca City’s historic center.

• How long does the tour last?
  Approximately 9 hours, beginning at 7:00 am and ending back at the meeting point.

• Is food included in the price?
  No, meals are not included but can be purchased separately, with an estimated cost of MX$220 for the buffet.

• What is the maximum group size?
  Up to 20 travelers, which helps keep the experience intimate.

• Are entrance fees included?
  Yes, access to all the sites listed—including Tule, Mitla, Hierve el Agua, and the mezcal distillery—is covered.

• What should I bring?
  Comfortable shoes, sun protection, water, and money for snacks or souvenirs.

• Who is the tour suitable for?
  It’s ideal for those interested in natural sights, archaeology, artisan crafts, and authentic mezcal experiences.

• Can I cancel the tour?
  Yes, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.

• Is this tour accessible for all travelers?
  Most travelers can participate, though physical mobility at sites like Hierve el Agua may vary.

• How do I book the tour?
  Via the provided link, with confirmation received immediately after booking.

This tour offers a practical, engaging way to see Oaxaca’s highlights without feeling rushed, perfect for curious minds eager to explore beyond the usual.