Oaxaca: Private Lunch in Maguey Fields with Mezcal Tasting

Imagine sitting among vast maguey plants, savoring delicious local foods, with the aroma of smoky mezcal wafting around you. This tour offers just that—an intimate, two-hour escape into the heart of Oaxaca’s traditional flavors. For $215 per person, you’ll be picked up from your hotel, transported to lush maguey fields, and treated to a homey, private lunch paired with an impressive mezcal tasting with over 10 distinct flavors. It’s a chance to enjoy authentic tastes while learning about Mexico’s iconic spirit from knowledgeable guides.

Two things we particularly love? First, the hands-on, freshly grilled lunch that features staples like tlayudas and memelas, giving us a true taste of local street-food classics. Second, the variety of mezcal — not just sipping, but tasting and learning about the different types of maguey used to produce these spirits. The only potential downside? It’s a relatively short experience, so if you’re craving a deeper dive into mezcal or Oaxaca’s culinary scene, you might want to combine it with other tours.

Ideal for travelers who want a concentrated cultural experience that combines food, drink, and scenic countryside, this tour is perfect for foodies, spirit enthusiasts, or anyone curious about Oaxaca’s rich culinary traditions. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy small groups and personalized attention rather than large, commercialized tours.

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Key Points

Authentic Experience: Enjoy a private, intimate meal in the maguey fields, away from crowded restaurants.
Flavorful Tasting: Over 10 mezcal varieties plus pulque and mezcal cremes offer a delightful journey through local spirits.
Local Cuisine: Sample classic tlayudas, memelas, chapulines, and local sauces, freshly prepared on-site.
Educational Element: Learn about the mezcal-making process and the different maguey varieties from your guide.
Convenient & Comfortable: Includes round-trip transportation from your Oaxaca hotel, making logistics hassle-free.
Limited Group Size: Small group setting (up to 10), ensuring personalized interaction and a relaxed atmosphere.

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A Deeper Look at the Experience

Transportation & Logistics

From the moment we booked, we appreciated the convenience of hotel pickup. In Oaxaca, where street traffic can be lively and confusing, having a private transfer ensures you’re relaxed and ready for your adventure. The tour lasts about two hours, a perfect window to enjoy without feeling rushed. The small group size means we felt like guests in someone’s backyard rather than just another face on a bus.

The Maguey Fields & Setting

Arriving at the maguey fields, we’re greeted by the bustling sight of tall, sturdy maguey plants, which are the backbone of Oaxaca’s famous mezcal. The setting is refreshingly rustic—no commercial tourist traps here. Guides like Juan, who led our tour, made the environment feel warm and authentic, sharing stories about how the plants are cultivated and harvested.

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The Traditional Lunch

The highlight for many is the lunch cooked on-site using a traditional grill. We loved the way the flavors burst through simple ingredients like tlayudas—large, crispy tortillas topped with beans, cheese, and meats—and memelas, thick corn cakes with toppings. The pulque and mezcal cremes added a creamy, boozy twist to the tasting. Authenticity matters, and here, every bite tasted like a slice of Oaxaca’s everyday life. One reviewer quoted, “The food was simple but so flavorful, like eating in a friend’s backyard.”

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Mezcal Tasting & Education

More than just a drink, mezcal is a complex, nuanced spirit. With over 10 flavors to sample, you get a real taste of how different magueys and production methods influence flavor profiles. Our guide, María, explained how each maguey variety contributes to the spirit’s taste, making the tasting both educational and enjoyable. We appreciated that the tasting was open bar, including pulque and mezcal cremes, allowing us to explore beyond just sipping.

Authenticity & Value

Many travelers find the cost of $215 reasonable considering the personalized experience, quality food, and wide selection of mezcal. The small group size ensures attention from your guides and a more relaxed environment than larger tours. As one reviewer put it, “It felt like a private dinner in the countryside with excellent drinks and genuine stories.”

Practical Tips

Bring sunscreen, a hat, and your camera—southern Mexico can be sunny!
Wear comfortable clothes suitable for being outdoors and standing around.
Remember, smoking isn’t allowed, so if you’re a smoker, plan accordingly.
Note: this tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users due to terrain.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re a food lover or spirit enthusiast, this experience offers a tasty, relaxed way to connect with Oaxaca’s culinary traditions. It’s particularly suited for travelers seeking an authentic, small-group experience with local guides who share insights beyond basic facts. If you prefer extensive wine or spirit tastings or want to explore more about mezcal production, consider this tour as a flavorful appetizer rather than a deep dive.

The Sum Up

This private lunch in the maguey fields with mezcal tasting is a straightforward, engaging way to taste Oaxaca’s core flavors without the crowds or commercial feel of larger tours. You’ll come away with more than just a few photos—you’ll have experienced Oaxaca’s culinary soul in a setting that feels both genuine and personal.

Perfect for those who appreciate delicious, simple food, and want a hands-on introduction to mezcal, this tour offers real value. It’s a chance to enjoy a scenic, relaxed environment while learning about the drinks and dishes that make Oaxaca famous. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned spirit lover, this experience adds a memorable, tasty chapter to your journey.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
The experience is about 2 hours, including transportation, the meal, and mezcal tasting.

Is transportation included?
Yes, your private transport from your hotel in Oaxaca is included, making logistics easy and stress-free.

Can I taste a variety of spirits?
Absolutely. You’ll sample over 10 different mezcal flavors, plus pulque and mezcal cremes, providing a broad tasting experience.

Is the tour suitable for children?
The experience is designed for adults, especially given the alcohol tasting. It’s not recommended for children or those under 18.

What should I bring?
Wear comfortable clothes, bring sunscreen, a hat, and your camera to capture the scenic surroundings and delicious food.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility in your travel plans.

This tour offers a genuine taste of Oaxaca’s culinary and spirit traditions, all wrapped in a relaxed, intimate setting. It’s a great way to connect with local culture, enjoy fantastic food, and learn from knowledgeable guides—making your trip all the more memorable.