From Oaxaca: San Agustín Etla Quesillo and Papermaking Tour

If you’re looking to explore some of Oaxaca’s most distinctive crafts and local specialties in a manageable half-day, this tour is a solid choice. For $41 per person, you’ll spend about four and a half hours immersed in the world of traditional papermaking using natural fibers and indulging in Quesillo, a unique Oaxaca cheese. The tour picks you up from your Oaxaca hotel and whisks you north to the Etla District—an area rich in artisanal tradition and proud of its local produce.

Two things we particularly appreciate about this experience are the access to authentic production processes that are often hidden from travelers and the chance to see how historical buildings like the Arts Center have been transformed into lively cultural spaces. That said, the tour’s success hinges on good organization and knowledgeable guides, so some reviews indicate variable experiences there. Still, if you’re passionate about authentic local crafts and food, this tour offers a lovely glimpse into Oaxaca’s traditional industries in a relaxed setting.

This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy cultural insights, hands-on experiences, and local flavors. If you’re curious about how Oaxaca’s artisans keep their heritage alive or want to taste and see real local production, you’ll find plenty to love here. However, if you prefer a highly polished, perfectly scheduled experience, take note of some reviews mentioning organizational hiccups.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

Authentic craft experiences: See how natural fibers are turned into paper and learn the traditional processes.
Historical buildings: Visit the renovated Arts Center of St. Augustine, a former textile factory with impressive architecture and contemporary exhibitions.
Local cuisine focus: Discover the secrets of making Quesillo, an iconic Oaxaca cheese, and taste it fresh.
Comprehensive itinerary: Includes a visit to a hydro plant, a market, and a paper factory—giving a broad look at regional craftsmanship.
Small group vibe: The tour is a guided experience, with attention from bilingual guides who strive to make the visit engaging.
Variable reviews: While many praise the guides and the richness of the experiences, some note organizational issues or limited access to certain activities.

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

The tour begins with a convenient hotel pickup, where a friendly guide greets you, ready to give a behind-the-scenes look at Oaxaca’s artisanal side. The first stop is the hydroelectric plant in San Agustín Etla, a site that not only supplies energy but also symbolizes sustainable practices in the region. Here, you’ll learn how local communities utilize natural resources to produce traditional paper from materials like tree bark, flowers, and cotton. We loved the way the guide explained the traditional fiber extraction and paper-making process, which is still alive despite modern technology.

Next, the group heads to the Arts Center of St. Augustine. This building, once a textile factory from 1883, has been transformed into a vibrant cultural hub. The renovation respects its industrial roots while providing a sleek space for contemporary art and cultural exhibitions. The contrast between old and new makes it a fascinating visit, especially for those interested in adaptive reuse of historic buildings. This stop often impresses visitors, as many mention the stunning architecture and thoughtful design.

The highlight for many is the chance to learn about Quesillo—a creamy, stretchy cheese that’s a staple in Oaxaca cuisine. You’ll visit a local producer’s home, where a family demonstrates the cheese-making process, often with the help of their husband and the goats behind their house. According to a review, “The woman made 2 types of Oaxaca cheese in front of us, and it was delicious.” You’ll also taste small tortillas with pork, pairing the flavors with fresh queso, which is considered a delicacy.

Finally, the tour visits the Etla market, a lively spot where Quesillo is sold fresh. The market’s importance is twofold: it’s where the cheese originated and where locals still gather for everyday shopping. This market visit gives you a taste of regional life and an opportunity to observe local produce and culinary culture firsthand.

Transportation, Group Size, and Overall Value

The use of air-conditioned transportation ensures comfort on the roughly 20-kilometer drive out of Oaxaca’s city center, making the trip pleasant and relaxed. The group sizes tend to be small, fostering a more personalized experience, though some reviews note that guides can vary in knowledge and organization. The tour lasts about four and a half hours, providing enough time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed.

At $41, the cost is quite reasonable considering the number of stops and the chance to see artisans at work. The inclusion of a bilingual guide helps make the experience accessible for both Spanish and English speakers, though some travelers have mentioned that guides sometimes struggle to keep the group fully engaged or provide enough explanation—something to keep in mind.

The Quesillo class and paper factory visits cost extra ($7 and $2.20 USD respectively), which is a fair price for hands-on participation and entry fees. If you’re particularly interested in making your own paper or cheese, these add-ons can enrich your visit but aren’t strictly necessary to enjoy the tour’s main highlights.

Authentic Experiences and Practical Considerations

Many travelers cherish the chance to see local artisans in action, and this tour delivers that in spades. We loved the way the family demonstrated cheese making in front of us, adding a personal touch that’s hard to replicate in a museum or factory tour. The artistic transformation of the old textile mill into the Arts Center is inspiring, showcasing how Oaxaca embraces both history and modern creativity.

However, some reviews point out inconsistencies—such as arriving at the paper factory only to find the staff had already left, which can be disappointing if you’re eager to see the process firsthand. This highlights the importance of managing expectations and understanding that some elements depend on the day’s logistics and staff availability.

Another factor to consider is the organizational aspect. A few travelers noted that guides sometimes seem unprepared or that certain parts of the tour felt rushed or not fully explained. If you’re someone who loves detailed storytelling or a smoothly coordinated experience, you might find this aspect a bit variable.

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Who Would Love This Tour?

This tour is best for culture enthusiasts or culinary travelers eager to see traditional crafts and taste authentic regional specialties. It’s ideal if you’re curious about artisanal processes—like paper production and cheese making—and enjoy engaging with local families and communities. It’s also suitable for those who appreciate historic buildings and enjoy a mix of industrial history and contemporary art.

If you’re traveling with kids or have mobility issues, this tour might not be the best fit, as some parts involve walking around markets and uneven terrain. The experience is most rewarding for those who relish small group, authentic encounters rather than highly polished, corporate-style tours.

Final Thoughts

This San Agustín Etla Quesillo and Papermaking Tour offers a well-rounded glimpse into Oaxaca’s craftsmanship, culinary traditions, and cultural spaces. The combination of hands-on experiences, historic sites, and local flavors makes it a meaningful trip for those wanting to connect with Oaxaca’s roots.

While minor organizational issues may arise, the opportunity to see artisans at work and taste some of the best local cheese makes this experience worth considering. It provides good value, especially if you’re keen on exploring off-the-beaten-path aspects of Oaxaca beyond the usual tourist sites.

For travelers eager to learn, taste, and see Oaxaca’s artisan spirit in action, this tour hits the mark. If you’re after a relaxed, authentic, and reasonably priced half-day experience that combines culture and cuisine, this is a fine choice.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, the tour provides air-conditioned transportation from your Oaxaca hotel, making it easy and comfortable to reach the sites.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience takes approximately four and a half hours, including travel, visits, and activities.

What should I bring?
Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, comfortable clothes, and some cash for additional purchases or optional classes.

Are guides bilingual?
Yes, guides speak both Spanish and English, helping to make the experience accessible for most travelers.

Can I participate in making my own paper or Quesillo?
Participation in the paper-making or cheese-making classes costs extra ($2.20 and $7 USD respectively) but can add a hands-on element to your visit.

Is the tour suitable for children or people with mobility issues?
The tour isn’t recommended for those with mobility impairments or wheelchair users, as some walking or uneven terrain may be involved.

What if some stops are not available or are poorly organized?
Some reviews mention these issues; they’re part of the reality occasionally faced in small local tours. It’s worth keeping flexible and focusing on the meaningful interactions and authentic sights you will enjoy.

This tour offers a taste of Oaxaca’s craftsmanship and culinary heritage that’s hard to find elsewhere. It’s perfect for curious travelers who want a genuine, engaging, and cost-effective way to connect with local traditions.

You can check availability for your dates here: