Oaxaca: Barrel-Bus Tour with Pulque, Agave & Mezcal Tastings

Oaxaca: Barrel-Bus Tour with Pulque, Agave & Mezcal Tastings
Location: Oaxaca, Mexico
Duration: 7 hours
Rating: 3.3/5 (from 4 reviews)
Price: Not specified (consider value when booking)
Provider: Enjoy Oaxaca

Imagine cruising through Matatlán in a quirky barrel-shaped bus, visiting vibrant agave fields, enjoying fresh pulque at a traditional pulquería, and exploring two local mezcal distilleries with guided tastings. We love that this tour offers a well-structured day with a mix of culture, scenery, and spirits—plus the chance to learn directly from local producers. The English explanations at each stop make it accessible, and the AC transport back ensures you’re comfortable after a full day.

However, a potential consideration is the small group size—a maximum of 18 travelers—which keeps things intimate but might fill up quickly during peak seasons. This tour suits travelers who appreciate a balanced, educational experience with authentic local flavor and don’t mind a full day of exploring. If you’re curious about mezcal, want a fun ride through the countryside, and enjoy tasting spirits in their native setting, this could be a rewarding choice.

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: Visit agave fields, a pulquería, and two mezcal distilleries with guided explanations in English.
• Unique Transport: Ride a barrel-bus through the streets and fields of Matatlán—an experience in itself.
• Cultural Insights: Learn how mezcal and pulque are made and taste fresh samples at each stop.
• Comfort & Convenience: Air-conditioned transportation from Oaxaca and back, making the day easy and enjoyable.
• Limited Group Size: Max 18 travelers for a more personal tour experience.
• Potential for Purchase: Opportunity to buy mezcal and other local products, though there’s no obligation.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Oaxaca Barrel-Bus Tour

We’ll start with the basics—this tour is designed to give you a comprehensive look into Oaxaca’s most iconic spirits. It’s ideal for curious travelers who want to see how mezcal and pulque are made and taste them in authentic settings, all while enjoying the colorful scenery and lively local culture.

The Itinerary and Experience Breakdown

The tour kicks off with hotel pickup in Oaxaca, where you’re whisked away by air-conditioned vehicle to the heart of mezcal country—Santiago Matatlán. This area proudly bills itself as the World Capital of Mezcal, and rightfully so. Once there, your first stop is a family-run palenque—a traditional mezcal distillery—where the process begins.

What makes this tour stand out is the barrel-bus ride. In our experience, this quirky, locally loved vehicle adds a fun touch, making the journey feel like a true adventure rather than just a series of stops. The guide, Julio, (from a review) was notably knowledgable and fluent in both English and Spanish, making explanations clear and engaging. We loved the way he moved easily between languages, ensuring everyone understood the process and significance of each site.

Visiting the Agave Fields

Next, the barrel-bus transports you to agave fields, where you’ll see firsthand how these spiky plants are cultivated and harvested. This part of the tour is particularly valuable because it bridges agriculture and spirits, showing that mezcal isn’t just a drink but an agricultural product rooted deeply in local life. Travelers like Theresa appreciated the insightful explanations provided here, as she noted, “we learned about the cultivation, harvesting, and the origin of Oaxaca’s iconic spirit.”

The views of green agave plantations are striking, especially with the backdrop of the Sierra Madre mountains. We loved the way the guide explained the different types of agave and the process from plant to bottle. For many, this is the highlight—seeing where the spirit begins.

Pulque Experience at a Traditional Pulquería

After the fields, the tour makes a stop at a pulquería, a traditional bar dedicated to pulque, a fermented beverage made from agave sap. Here, you get a guided tasting of fresh pulque, often served straight from the tap or in small glasses.

The environment feels very authentic and local, a place where Oaxacan families and locals gather. It’s a chance to taste a less commercial side of agave spirits, which is quite different from the smoky mezcal. Cate’s review highlighted how much she enjoyed the pulque stop, noting that “the production of pulque was fascinating, and tasting the fresh pulque was definitely a highlight.”

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Mezcal Distillery Tours

Back in the barrel-bus, the journey continues to two different mezcal distilleries, both described as local-run and family-operated. These visits are where the magic of mezcal production becomes clear—roasting the agave in traditional pits, crushing with a tahona (stone mill), fermenting in wooden vats, and finally distilling.

At each distillery, the guide provides in-depth explanations—most notably at the first palenque, where you learn about roasting, milling, fermentation, and distillation. Taste testing is a highlight here; you’ll sample artisanal mezcales with no pressure to buy, but many visitors leave with a bottle or two as souvenirs. Theresa appreciated this part, saying, “The guided tastings and explanations made the experience memorable.”

The second distillery offers an additional tasting, with an option to purchase lunch and sip on a mezcal cocktail made on-site. This relaxes the pace and adds a convivial touch to the day.

Return and Reflection

After the final tasting, the group boards the air-conditioned vehicle for the relaxing ride back to Oaxaca. It’s a good time to reflect on what you’ve learned and enjoyed, especially if you’ve picked up a bottle or two.

What We Love About the Tour

One of the most praised aspects, supported by reviews, is the knowledgeable guides, especially Julio, who makes the experience engaging and clear. His ability to explain complex processes simply and his personable manner add tremendous value.

Another standout is the stunning scenery—the agave fields and mountain views are picturesque, giving a tangible sense of local terroir. The combination of fun transportation (the barrel-bus) and authentic stops makes this tour feel genuine rather than staged.

Considerations for Travelers

While the tour is well-organized, it’s worth noting that transportation is operated by a Spanish-speaking driver, so travelers should be comfortable with basic Spanish or prepare for some language barriers outside the guide’s explanations. The group size, limited to 18, helps ensure a more intimate experience but can fill up during busy times.

The tour not suitable for those with mobility issues, back problems, or high blood pressure—since walking at the stops and the physical nature of the process might be challenging.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for spirits enthusiasts, curious travelers, and those who want to see the authentic side of mezcal production. It’s perfect if you appreciate a well-structured day with English explanations and a personal touch from knowledgeable guides. If you’re interested in culture, enjoy scenic views, and want a fun, educational outing, this tour offers solid value.

FAQs

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 7 hours, including transport, stops, and tastings.

What is included in the price?
The tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off in Oaxaca, transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, the barrel-bus ride, guided visits to agave fields, pulquería, and two distilleries with tastings, and English explanations at key stops.

Can I buy mezcal during the tour?
Yes, there’s the opportunity to purchase mezcal and other local products, though there’s no obligation to buy.

Is the transport comfortable?
Yes, the return ride is in an air-conditioned vehicle, providing comfort after a full day.

Are the explanations available in English?
Yes, the guide provides detailed explanations in English during all key stops.

How many people typically join the tour?
The maximum group size is 18, which fosters a personal experience.

Is the tour suitable for children or people with mobility issues?
It’s not recommended for those with mobility issues, back problems, or high blood pressure due to walking or physical activity involved.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes and clothes are recommended, as the day involves walking in agave fields and around distilleries.

Does the tour operate rain or shine?
Most outdoor stops are weather-dependent; it’s wise to check the weather forecast and dress accordingly.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

To sum it up, this Oaxaca Barrel-Bus Tour with Pulque and Mezcal Tastings offers a fun, authentic, and educational look into Mexico’s iconic spirits. It’s a great fit for those who value local culture, enjoy scenic drives, and want expert insights into mezcal production. While it’s not tailored for those seeking a leisurely or fully accessible experience, it rewards curious travelers with stunning views, memorable tastings, and genuine connections to Oaxaca’s agave heritage.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby