Oaxaca Tours + Day Trips
If there’s one thing that defines Oaxaca, it’s the sheer number of experiences the city has to offer.
On one hand, the destination is rich in incredible monuments, delicious culinary specialties, and vibrant cultural traditions.
On the other hand, the region is filled with archaeological sites, unique hidden gems, and must-visit villages.
It can feel overwhelming on your first visit when you’re unsure which tours to prioritize and which ones to save for a second trip—because trust me, you’ll be coming back to Oaxaca!
To make things easier for you, I’ve put together a list of the most essential Oaxaca tours and ranked them in order!
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Oaxaca, the Capital of Indigenous Culture in Mexico
Oaxaca is one of the most fascinating cities for the vibrancy of its indigenous traditions.
Here, the Zapotec and Mixtec heritages are not just remnants of the past—they continue to shape the city’s identity and its people.
Indigenous influence is especially evident in Oaxacan craftsmanship, which is renowned throughout Mexico.
Each village around the city preserves a unique artisanal tradition, such as Teotitlán del Valle, where artisans weave wool rugs dyed with natural pigments, or San Bartolo Coyotepec, famous for its iconic black pottery.
Indigenous culture also thrives in Oaxaca’s signature dishes: mole, tlayudas, tamales oaxaqueños…
And of course, you can’t talk about Oaxaca without mentioning mezcal!
In short, Oaxaca is a fascinating example of cultural resilience and transmission, where indigenous traditions remain an essential part of everyday life.
One of the best ways to explore Oaxaca’s indigenous heritage is by joining some of these tours and excursions.
ALSO READ: 25 Things to Do in Oaxaca
8 Must-Try Oaxaca Tours for a First Visit
1. Free tour in Oaxaca
Oaxaca is an absolutely magical city where every street has a secret to reveal, whether it’s a colorful façade, a colonial church, a bustling square, or a talented artisan’s workshop.
With so many incredible places, it can be challenging to learn about them all on your own.
That’s why I recommend joining this free walking tour, which starts at the iconic Zócalo, where you can admire the cathedral before heading down the Andador Turístico to the stunning Santo Domingo Church.
Next, you’ll discover the Macedonio Alcalá Theater and the museum-house of Benito Juárez, an essential figure in Oaxaca’s history.
The tour continues to the former convent of San Pablo, leading to the pre-Hispanic art market and finally, a visit to Sánchez Pascuas Market, where you can explore local food specialties.
After two hours, you’ll gain a richer understanding of Oaxaca’s historic center!
2. Food tour
For me, Oaxaca is synonymous with delicious dishes and surprising drinks. Tlayudas, mole, chapulines, tejate…
The list of must-try foods is incredibly long!
You can find them in the most renowned restaurants, the most popular markets, and even at street corners.
In any case, there’s nothing better than a food tour like this one for a first immersion into the local gastronomy.
Over 4.5 hours, you’ll have the chance to taste 20 different dishes in local markets or street food stalls.
3. Day Trip to Monte Alban
If you had to choose just one excursion from Oaxaca, this would be it!
Monte Albán is an ancient Zapotec capital founded around 500 BC. Its imposing pyramids, ceremonial plazas, and intricately decorated tombs reflect the grandeur of this pre-Columbian civilization.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Monte Albán sits atop a hill, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the valley.
This half-day tour includes round-trip transportation to the site and a guided visit in English or Spanish. Of course, you’ll also have free time to take photos.
4. Day trip to Hierve el Agua
Hierve el Agua is a must-visit natural site, famous for its petrified waterfalls formed by mineral springs.
Perched on a mountainside, you can swim in small natural pools with turquoise waters while enjoying breathtaking views of the surrounding valley.
This half-day tour allows you to discover this rare geological phenomenon, shaped by millennia of limestone deposits. Including travel time, you’ll have three hours on-site to explore and relax.
5. Mezcal Tour (production + tasting)
Mezcal is the signature alcoholic beverage of Oaxaca. As you stroll through the city’s historic center, you’ll find numerous bars where you can taste this strong spirit that will certainly leave an impression.
However, I highly recommend joining a tour to learn more about the production of this precious elixir—tasting included!
The tour I suggest includes three key stops:
- A two-hour visit to a production facility in Santiago Matatlán to understand the entire process, followed by a tasting of several varieties.
- A walk through the agave fields in San Pablo Villa de Mitla to learn more about this fascinating plant.
- A traditional meal at a local restaurant, perfectly paired with mezcal!
6. Day trip to Mitla
Mitla is a village I love visiting whenever I’m in Oaxaca, especially for its Zapotec archaeological site, renowned for its stunning geometric stone patterns, unique in Mexico.
Unlike Monte Albán, which served as a political center, Mitla was primarily a religious and funerary site.
This half-day tour allows you to enjoy a guided visit to the site and learn more about its history. It also includes a stop to see the famous Tule Tree and a visit to a workshop in Teotitlán del Valle, a village known for its beautiful wool rugs.
ALSO READ: Best Hotels in Oaxaca City
7. Visit of the Sierra Norte
Few tourists realize it while strolling through downtown Oaxaca, but the city lies at the foot of a mountainous region: the Sierra Norte.
Renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, pine forests, and exceptional biodiversity, this area is home to indigenous Zapotec communities.
This excursion is perfect for nature lovers looking to recharge for 3 to 5 hours (depending on your endurance) while learning more about the local flora and fauna.
8. Day trip to Tule Tree
I’ll be honest with you—I’ve been to Oaxaca four times, and I’ve never actually visited this place! But I decided to include it in this list anyway because I know it’s a hugely popular destination for tourists.
The Tule Tree is a majestic Montezuma cypress. With a trunk over 14 meters in diameter, it’s considered one of the widest trees in the world.
At more than 2,000 years old, it stands as a symbol of longevity and spirituality for the local communities.
Most tours to Tule also include visits to other points of interest.
This one, for example, also takes you to Teotitlán del Valle and includes a mezcal tasting.
I hope this list of Oaxaca tours has helped you choose the best experiences for your next trip!
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