Oaxaca De Juarez’s 15 Best Tours & Things To Do

Oaxaca De Juarez is a city bursting with color, history, and flavor. Its lively markets, ancient ruins, and world-famous mezcal make it a prime destination for exploring Mexico’s rich cultural tapestry. Whether you’re into archaeology, food, or artisan crafts, Oaxaca offers a wide array of activities that appeal to all interests.

For example, a visit to Hierve el Agua offers stunning natural rock formations—like frozen waterfalls—and the chance to swim in mineral-rich pools, while a mezcal tasting gives insight into Mexico’s iconic spirit.

Some tours stand out because they combine several experiences, like visiting Mitla, the Tule Tree, and Oaxaca’s vibrant markets—all in one day. These options give you a full taste of the region’s heritage and traditions, making Oaxaca a perfect place for immersive day trips and cultural adventures.

If you’re a history lover, the Monte Alban half-day tour is a highlight, while foodies will appreciate the market and cooking classes that reveal Oaxaca’s culinary secrets.

Quick Overview

Our list covers a range of tours—from natural wonders like Hierve el Agua (see more) to archaeological sites like Monte Alban (see more). You’ll find cultural experiences such as art workshops, market visits, and rugs and pottery tours.

For food lovers, the Oaxacan food and markets tour and mole workshop offer flavorful insights. And for those interested in spirits, the Mezcal Journey (see more) provides a deep dive into mezcal production.

Now, let’s explore each of these exceptional experiences in detail.

1. From Oaxaca de Juarez: Hierve el Agua and Mezcal Distillery

At number 1, this full-day tour takes you to Hierve el Agua, one of Oaxaca’s most photographed natural sights. The rock formations resemble frozen waterfalls, and you can hike around or take a dip in the mineral-rich pools. The tour includes a visit to a mezcal distillery, where you can sample different varieties and learn about the production process.

Rated 4.8/5 from nearly 500 reviews, this experience offers excellent value at $54 per person for eight hours of adventure.

What makes this tour stand out is the combination of breathtaking scenery and a cultural tasting experience. The guide will share insights into mezcal’s history and production, making it more than just sightseeing. Plus, the pools at Hierve el Agua offer a refreshing way to cool off after your hike. It’s ideal for travelers who love nature, outdoor activity, and a good drink.

Bottom line: This tour balances natural beauty with culture, perfect if you want a comprehensive, affordable day in Oaxaca.

2. Oaxaca: El Tule, Mitla, and Hierve el Agua Tour with Mezcal

Number 2 on our list offers a 10-hour deep dive into Oaxaca’s cultural highlights. You’ll visit the Tree of Tule, a massive and ancient Montezuma cypress said to be over 2,000 years old. Next up is Mitla, an archaeological site known for its intricate stonework, and then Hierve el Agua for more spectacular petrified waterfalls.

The tour concludes with a tasting at a local mezcal distillery. With a 4.7/5 rating from over 400 reviews, the $71 price includes transportation and expert commentary.

This tour’s strength lies in its well-rounded approach—covering archaeology, natural beauty, and local traditions. The guide provides context about Zapotec culture at Mitla and the significance of the Tule Tree. It’s a good choice if you want to get a broad cultural overview coupled with unique landscapes. The experience of tasting mezcal at the end adds a flavorful finish.

Bottom line: Excellent for travelers who want a comprehensive day trip featuring archaeology, nature, and local customs.

3. Check out Hierve el Agua, Mitla, the Tule Tree, Rugs, and a Mezcal Distillery Tour

Rated 4.9/5 from 222 reviews, this 11-hour tour provides a thorough exploration of Oaxaca’s highlights. You’ll see the petrified waterfalls of Hierve el Agua, visit a local distillery to taste mezcal, explore Mitla’s archaeological ruins, and learn about textile arts in Teotitlán del Valle. The tour is priced at $49 per person, making it quite accessible for a full-day experience.

What’s special here is the focus on Oaxacan heritage, from ancient ruins to traditional weaving techniques. The tour balances outdoor activity with cultural insights, and the included mezcal tasting is a highlight. It’s suitable for travelers interested in both history and crafts, with enough time to explore each site comfortably.

Bottom line: Ideal if you want a deep cultural experience that mixes natural beauty, archaeology, and artisanal crafts.

4. Oaxaca de Juarez: Monte Alban Half-Day Tour

For around $29, this half-day tour introduces you to Monte Alban, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the ancient Zapotec capital. The guided 2.5-hour tour covers key pyramids and plazas, with scenic views of the Oaxaca Valley. The tour lasts just four hours, making it perfect for those on a tight schedule or wanting a quick but enriching experience.

This site is an archaeological marvel, and the guide’s explanations bring the ruins to life. The relatively short duration makes it an easy add-on, but the site’s size means you’ll see the main highlights without feeling rushed. It’s especially good for travelers with limited time but a keen interest in ancient civilizations.

Bottom line: A straightforward, affordable introduction to Oaxaca’s archaeological treasures—great for history enthusiasts or those with a busy schedule.

5. From Oaxaca: Monte Albán and Art Craft Towns Day Trip

This 7-hour full-day trip combines archaeology with artisan crafts, perfect if you want to see both history and local art. The tour visits Monte Alban, then moves on to Coyotepec, famous for black pottery, and Teotitlán del Valle, known for traditional rug weaving. It’s priced at $49 per person and rated 4.7/5 from 191 reviews.

What sets this tour apart is the focus on regional craftsmanship—you’ll get to see artisans at work and learn about their techniques. The visit to an Alebrije workshop adds a colorful dimension. It’s ideal for travelers who want a hands-on experience of Oaxacan arts and culture alongside archaeology.

Bottom line: Perfect for art lovers and those who want an insider’s view of Oaxaca’s vibrant crafts scene.

6. Oaxaca: Food and Markets Tour

Rated 4.9/5 from 90 reviews, this 2.5-hour walking tour offers a delicious introduction to Oaxacan cuisine. You’ll explore local markets, sampling traditional foods and sweets that the city is famous for. For only $53, it’s an affordable way to taste authentic flavors and learn about regional ingredients.

What makes this tour special is the focus on local produce and specialties, giving you firsthand insights into Oaxaca’s culinary world. It’s perfect for foodie travelers eager to experience the city’s vibrant market scene and try dishes like tlayudas or mole. The guide shares stories about the ingredients, making it as educational as it is tasty.

Bottom line: An excellent choice for those eager to discover Oaxaca’s culinary secrets in a lively market setting.

7. Oaxaca: Vegetarian Cooking Class

Rated 4.8/5 from 104 reviews, this 3.5-hour class offers a hands-on experience in making traditional Oaxacan vegetarian dishes. The class includes a visit to a local market to pick ingredients, followed by cooking and sharing the meal together. Cost is $65 per person.

This tour is unique because it combines culinary education with culture. The instructor’s knowledge of local ingredients and techniques makes it more than just a cooking lesson—it’s a flavorful journey into Oaxacan food culture. It’s ideal for food lovers who want to learn recipes they can recreate at home.

Bottom line: Great for vegetarians and anyone interested in authentic, local cuisine.

8. The Mezcal Journey

Rated 4.9/5 from 60 reviews, this 7-hour tour offers a full immersion into mezcal culture. You’ll walk through agave fields, visit an artisanal distillery, and enjoy unlimited tastings paired with Oaxacan food. The experience costs $98, offering a rich and comprehensive look at mezcal.

The highlight is the chance to see every stage of mezcal production, from agave to bottle, with knowledgeable guides explaining the craft. The included local lunch makes this a well-rounded experience for spirit enthusiasts. It’s suitable for those who want to deepen their appreciation of Mexico’s national spirit.

Bottom line: An excellent choice if you’re passionate about mezcal and want a hands-on, educational experience.

9. Oaxaca de Juarez: Art Printing Workshop with a Local Artist

Rated 5/5 from just 43 reviews, this 3-hour workshop lets you learn about Oaxacan printmaking. Guided by a local artist, you’ll create your own print, exploring the social messages behind the art. Cost is $33, making it an affordable and meaningful activity.

What makes this experience distinctive is its focus on art as social commentary. You get to participate actively and leave with a piece of your own work. It’s ideal for creative travelers or those interested in understanding Oaxaca’s contemporary art scene.

Bottom line: Unique opportunity to engage with local art and create a lasting souvenir.

10. Oaxaca: Traditional Oaxacan Cooking Class with Market Visit

Rated 4.8/5 from 72 reviews, this 5.5-hour experience takes you into the heart of Oaxaca’s gastronomy. You start by shopping in the bustling markets, then learn to prepare authentic regional dishes. The class costs $125 per person, offering a deep culinary immersion.

This tour excels in teaching regional recipes and the story behind each dish. The market visit is a highlight, exposing you to the ingredients that make Oaxaca cuisine so special. It’s perfect for serious foodies who want practical skills and cultural knowledge.

Bottom line: Highly recommended for culinary travelers eager to cook and eat like a local.

11. Oaxaca: Monte Alban Guided Archaeological Tour

Rated 4.2/5 from 374 reviews, this 3.5-hour tour offers a guided exploration of Monte Alban. You’ll discover the remnants of the Zapotec civilization, including pyramids, ball courts, and terraces, with scenic views of the valley. It’s priced at $30.

The guide’s insights make the site’s features come alive, with enough time to see the main monuments without feeling rushed. It’s a great way to get a concise yet informative introduction to Oaxaca’s archaeological sites, perfect for history buffs or first-timers.

Bottom line: An affordable, accessible tour that covers the highlights of Monte Alban efficiently.

12. Oaxaca: Oaxacan Mole Workshop with a Traditional Cook

Rated 4.7/5 from 76 reviews, this 3.5-hour cooking class focuses on Oaxacan mole, one of Mexico’s most famous sauces. You start with a market tour, then learn to prepare different moles from scratch. The experience costs $60.

Participants love the hands-on approach and the opportunity to understand flavor combinations, history, and techniques. It’s perfect for food lovers interested in one of Oaxaca’s signature dishes. The class also emphasizes local ingredients and the cultural importance of mole.

Bottom line: An engaging and flavorful way to learn about Oaxaca’s culinary craft.

13. From Oaxaca: Hierve el Agua and Teotitlán del Valle

Rated 4.3/5 from 148 reviews, this 8-hour tour combines the natural beauty of Hierve el Agua with a visit to Teotitlán del Valle, a traditional Zapotec town. You’ll see the petrified waterfalls, taste mezcal, and explore local textile artisans. Cost is $53 per person.

The tour offers a rich mix of nature, culture, and craft, making it suitable for travelers who want a full-day experience. The visit to Teotitlán del Valle’s weaving cooperatives gives insight into local traditions, while the natural pools at Hierve el Agua offer relaxation.

Bottom line: Perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive day combining outdoor scenery and cultural authenticity.

14. Street Art with an artist

Rated 5/5 from 20 reviews, this 2-hour tour explores Oaxaca’s street art scene. Led by a local artist, you’ll visit murals and graffiti spots, learning techniques and the stories behind the art. The cost is $35.

This tour offers a fresh perspective on Oaxaca’s contemporary culture. It’s engaging and interactive, especially for those interested in visual arts and urban creativity. It’s a quick but meaningful way to see a different side of the city.

Bottom line: Great for art lovers wanting an insider’s view of Oaxaca’s modern artistic expressions.

15. Oaxaca: Monte Albán, Hierve el agua, Mezcal and Teotitlán

Finally, this 9-hour private tour offers a personalized trip covering Monte Alban, Hierve el Agua, mezcal tasting, and Teotitlán del Valle. The all-inclusive price of $136 includes transportation, guided visits, and admissions.

Ideal for travelers who want a flexible, in-depth experience, this tour’s private setting allows for personalized attention and a tailored itinerary. It’s perfect if you prefer a more relaxed pace and comprehensive coverage.

Bottom line: Best suited for those seeking a full, customizable exploration with expert guidance.

How to Choose Your Perfect Oaxaca Tour

When choosing among these options, consider your interests and schedule. If natural scenery is your priority, the Hierve el Agua and Mezcal Distillery offers stunning landscapes and tastings (see more). For history buffs, the Monte Alban half-day or full archaeological tours are ideal, especially if you want in-depth insights (see more).

Food lovers should look at the market and cooking classes, which bring Oaxaca’s flavors right to your plate (see more, see more).

Budget travelers might prefer shorter, focused experiences like the Street Art Tour or the half-day Monte Alban. Those with more time and a desire for variety might enjoy the full-day combined trips or the private tour for a personalized touch. Booking early is recommended, especially for popular activities like the Mezcal Journey or art workshops.

Oaxaca De Juarez offers a rich palette of experiences—whether you’re exploring ancient ruins, tasting authentic cuisine, or learning artisanal crafts.

For first-timers, the Monte Alban and Hierve el Agua tours provide iconic highlights, while seasoned travelers might prefer the full-day comprehensive trips or the private custom options. No matter your style, booking in advance ensures you don’t miss out on these memorable adventures.