Oaxaca’s 15 Top Tours & Things To Do

Oaxaca is a city that truly offers something for every traveler. Whether you’re fascinated by ancient ruins, eager to explore indigenous crafts, or passionate about tasting world-renowned cuisine, Oaxaca’s diverse tours deliver. We especially love experiences like the Monte Albán, Hierve el Agua, Mezcal distillery & Teotitlán rugs, which combine history, culture, and flavor in one day.

Imagine walking through the impressive ruins of Monte Albán, learning about the Zapotec civilization, then visiting a family in Teotitlán del Valle to see traditional weaving techniques.

Cap it off with a tasting of over 8 different Mezcals at Hierve el Agua’s petrified waterfalls—a trip that hits many highlights of Oaxaca.

If you’re arriving or departing via Huatulco, consider the Private Minivan: Huatulco International Airport. It’s a reliable, hassle-free way to start or end your trip without the stress of shared shuttles. For outdoor lovers, the Amazing Walk through the Zapotec Mountains with Hot Chocolate offers an authentic hike in stunning natural scenery, perfect for those looking to connect with the landscape.

Below, we’ve compiled a list of the top tours and experiences, covering archaeology, culture, cuisine, outdoor adventures, and more. Each offers a different way to enjoy what makes Oaxaca special.

1. Monte Albán, Hierve el Agua, Mezcal distillery & Teotitlán rugs

At number 1 on our list, this full-day tour combines some of Oaxaca’s most iconic sites. You’ll start by exploring the Monte Albán archaeological site, where a guide will help you understand the Zapotec civilization’s impressive achievements.

Afterward, visit a family in Teotitlán del Valle to see traditional wool weaving using natural dyes—an authentic glimpse into indigenous craftsmanship (see more here).

Then, head to Hierve el Agua to see its unique petrified waterfalls—an extraordinary natural wonder you won’t find elsewhere.

The tour wraps up with a visit to a mezcal distillery, where you’ll sample over 8 types of mezcal paired with local food in a charming setting.

What makes this tour stand out is its rich combination of archaeology, culture, and natural beauty—all in one day. The intimate group size and expert narration make it suitable for history buffs, outdoor lovers, and anyone eager to taste authentic mezcal.

Priced at around $295.27 per group, it offers excellent value for a comprehensive Oaxaca experience. Expect a full, engaging day with plenty of opportunities to ask questions and sample local flavors.

Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers short on time who want to hit the highlights of Oaxaca without sacrificing depth or authenticity.

2. Private Minivan: Huatulco International Airport (HUX)

For travelers arriving or departing Huatulco and needing reliable transportation, this private minivan transfer offers peace of mind. It’s a quick 15-35 minute ride in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle, with help loading your luggage included. Many reviewers appreciate how stress-free and prompt the service is, with drivers waiting with a sign and providing local tips (see reviews here).

This option is ideal if you want a private, direct transfer without the hassle of shuttles or buses. It’s especially useful for families or groups with lots of luggage, offering both convenience and peace of mind. The cost per person is just $26.50, making it an economical choice for seamless airport transit.

Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers prioritizing comfort and efficiency over sightseeing—perfect for arriving or leaving Oaxaca with minimal fuss.

3. Amazing Walk through the Zapotec Mountains with Hot Chocolate

If outdoor hiking and authentic local experiences appeal, this tour offers a 5.5-hour trek through mountain trails led by local guides. You’ll visit the mirador (viewpoint), where hot chocolate is served—an indulgence after a scenic climb. Reviewers like Mariana, who found the guide “very kind and friendly,” praise the personal touch and natural beauty of the area (see more here).

The trail takes you through lush forests and offers views of mushrooms and flora, making it perfect for nature lovers who want a quiet, scenic escape.

This tour is suitable for those comfortable with a 5.5-hour outdoor walk. The focus on local guides and authentic experiences makes it stand out. The price is $63 per person, offering a good bang for your buck if you’re craving outdoor adventure with cultural flavor.

Bottom Line: Ideal for active travelers seeking a meaningful hike with the bonus of local hospitality and stunning scenery.

4. Private Day Trip to Mazunte and Zipolite

For beach lovers, this 8-hour custom trip offers visits to Zipolite, known for its laid-back vibe and expansive beach, and Mazunte, home to the Mexican Turtle Center (see more here). The day can be tailored, making it flexible for your interests. Relax on Zipolite’s sands or explore the turtle conservation center in Mazunte, where you’ll learn about sea turtle protection efforts.

The tour is perfect for those wanting a relaxed, scenic escape from the city, with plenty of time for swimming, walking, and absorbing coastal culture. At $250 per group, it’s a good value considering the personalized experience and scenic destinations. The only caveat is that it’s a full day, so it suits travelers with some extra time and a relaxed pace.

Bottom Line: A top choice for beach enthusiasts seeking a flexible, scenic day along Oaxaca’s coast.

5. Private Lunch in Mezcal Maguey Fields

If you’re interested in mezcal, this tour offers an immersive experience with a family producing wild varieties of this traditional spirit. For about $80 per person, you’ll explore maguey fields, taste six different mezcals, and learn about the artisanal process.

The access to direct prices from the producers and the chance to touch and follow each step of the process makes this tour special (see more here).

What’s unique is the focus on authentic, small-scale production, paired with a delicious lunch. This tour suits craft spirits lovers and those eager to understand Oaxaca’s mezcal tradition beyond just tasting. It’s a 3-hour experience, so ideal for those with limited time but a deep curiosity for spirits.

Bottom Line: Excellent for connoisseurs or anyone wanting a behind-the-scenes look at mezcal-making paired with local flavors.

6. MTB Guided Ride, Tule Tree & Lake Half-Day

This 5-hour mountain biking tour is perfect for adventure-seekers wanting to see Oaxaca’s natural beauty on two wheels. Starting from downtown, you’ll ride through scenic trails, passing the Tule Tree—the widest tree in the world—and the stunning Santo Domingo Tomaltepec lake.

The ride covers about 32 km, mixing cross-country trails and village paths (see details here). Reviewers note the ride’s variety and the fun of seeing both cultural landmarks and natural vistas.

Suitable for intermediate cyclists, this tour offers a good way to combine physical activity with sightseeing. The cost is $49.04 per person, making it an affordable way to get a workout and see some of Oaxaca’s scenic treasures.

Bottom Line: Best for active travelers eager to explore the countryside on two wheels.

7. Natural Dyeing and Organic Weaving Workshop in Oaxaca

This hands-on workshop lets you connect with Oaxaca’s craft traditions in a meaningful way. Led by a Zapotec artisan in Teotitlán del Valle, you’ll learn about natural dyes prepared from plants and insects, then weave your own piece on traditional looms. For $50, you participate actively in every step, from dyeing to weaving (see more here).

The experience is intimate, perfect for craft lovers or curious travelers who want a tangible souvenir. The 4-hour session emphasizes genuine cultural exchange and sustainable practices. It’s a great way to take home a handmade piece while learning about local ecology.

Bottom Line: Ideal for creative types or those interested in sustainable craft traditions.

8. Full-Day Zapotec Experience in Oaxaca

This comprehensive tour offers visits to five different locations outside Oaxaca City, each led by local women sharing their craft and stories. Highlights include weaving in Teotitlán del Valle, the red clay pottery of San Marcos Tlapazola, and a market lunch in Tlacolula.

You’ll learn about natural dyes, traditional pottery, and more, making it perfect for culture and craft enthusiasts (see details here).

Rated for its deep culture and storytelling, it costs around $340 for up to three people. The tour’s strength is in its focus on women-led families, giving you an authentic insight into Oaxaca’s artisanal industries.

Bottom Line: Great for travelers wanting a detailed, hands-on understanding of Zapotec crafts and traditions.

9. Private Oaxaca Walking Tour: Xoxocotlán Day of the Dead Altars

This 2-hour private tour takes you through Xoxocotlán’s Day of the Dead celebrations. Your guide will walk you through the altars, graves, and local customs, explaining the symbolism behind offerings, flowers, and candles (see reviews here). It’s a deeply personal way to understand how Oaxaca honors its ancestors, with opportunities to ask questions and observe local practices up close.

The tour is perfect for culturally curious travelers or those interested in Day of the Dead traditions. The personalized attention and in-depth explanations make it stand out, especially during the lively season. Costing $185 per person, it offers a meaningful, intimate experience with rich storytelling.

Bottom Line: Ideal for those wanting an authentic, detailed look at Oaxaca’s most famous celebration.

10. Sierra Norte: Full Day Tour

Seeking an all-day outdoor adventure? This 12-hour tour covers visits to Guelatao, the birthplace of Benito Juárez, the Laguna Encantada, and the medicinal hot springs of Capulálpam (see more here). It combines cultural stops with natural beauty, including a walk over the Cristal Viewpoint. The tour also features a traditional meal and optional healing massage with local healers.

Rated highly for scenery and local insights, it’s priced at about $44.57 per person, making it a long but affordable day out. The tour’s strength is its mix of cultural history and natural relaxation, suited for active travelers with a full day available.

Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers who love combining history, nature, and a bit of wellness in one day.

11. Ancestral and Traditional Knowledge Workshop

This spiritual workshop in Huautla de Jiménez offers a rare chance to experience Mazatec rituals firsthand. It’s a full-day immersion into indigenous spiritual practices, guided by local shamans. The workshop involves connecting with ancestors and nature, with limited spaces available (see more here).

Because it’s a spiritual experience, it’s best suited for open-minded, respectful travelers curious about traditional rituals.

The price is $209 per person, reflecting the depth and authenticity of the experience. It’s a unique opportunity for those interested in indigenous spirituality and traditional medicine.

Bottom Line: Best for spiritually curious travelers seeking a transformative cultural experience.

12. Teotitlán del Valle Biking Adventure

This 6.5-hour bike tour takes you through the scenic countryside, visiting Teotitlán del Valle, famous for its wool weaving, and exploring Zapotec archaeological sites like Dainzú. Covering 58 km, it combines cultural visits with outdoor activity. The tour includes riding on dirt roads and village trails, with opportunities to see local artisans at work (see details here).

It’s ideal for active travelers who want to see rural Oaxaca beyond the city, with a focus on cultural and archaeological sights. The flat rate of $65.21 per person makes it accessible for a full day of adventure.

Bottom Line: Perfect for cyclists seeking a mix of nature, archaeology, and local life.

13. Cook Mole Negro and Arroz con Leche in Oaxaca (3-Course Meal)

Food lovers will enjoy this hands-on cooking class, creating a traditional Oaxacan three-course meal. Led by a local chef, you’ll prepare Caldosa soup, mole negro, and arroz con leche. It’s a flavorful, culinary deep dive into Oaxaca’s signature dishes (see more here). The class lasts around 2.5 hours and is perfect for anyone wanting to bring home authentic recipes.

What makes this tour stand out is its approachable format and cultural storytelling, making it suitable for foodies and home cooks alike. The price of about $81.45 per person is reasonable given the personalized experience and delicious results.

Bottom Line: Excellent for culinary enthusiasts eager to learn Oaxaca’s signature dishes hands-on.

14. Oaxaca Traditional Cooking Class with UNESCO Chef

This immersive 8-hour experience connects you with a UNESCO-recognized culinary guardian. Starting with a market visit in Teotitlán del Valle, you select ingredients that you’ll use to prepare multiple moles and traditional dishes at a local family’s home. The class emphasizes family recipes, ancestral techniques, and cultural traditions (see more here).

Ideal for serious food lovers or those interested in Mexican culinary heritage, the tour offers a full day of hands-on cooking, storytelling, and tasting. Priced at around $79.20 per person, it provides fantastic value for a comprehensive, authentic experience.

Bottom Line: A must for dedicated foodies wanting to deepen their culinary knowledge and connect with local families.

15. Half Day Teotitlán del Valle Village Shared Tour

This 4-hour shared tour gives you an authentic taste of Teotitlán del Valle’s artisan culture. It includes a visit to the Museo Comunitario, the archaeological site, and the local church, along with a walk through the community that preserves its weaving traditions (see details here).

The tour emphasizes engaging with local artisans and understanding their crafts, making it ideal for those wanting a meaningful cultural experience without a full day commitment.

Rated at $25 per person, it’s a budget-friendly option for travelers who want a quick, deep dive into village life with personal interactions.

Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers with limited time who value authentic community insights.

How to Choose the Right Tour in Oaxaca

When selecting a tour in Oaxaca, consider your interests and schedule. Want a full immersion into indigenous crafts? The Full-Day Zapotec Experience provides an in-depth look, while outdoor enthusiasts might prefer the Zapotec Mountain Hike. Budget travelers will find the Half-Day Village Tour offers good value, whereas food lovers should not miss the Cooking Classes.

Timing also matters: book popular tours like the Xoxocotlán Day of the Dead well in advance during peak seasons, especially in October or early November. For outdoor activities, mornings are usually best for avoiding heat, and for cultural experiences, weekends often feature special celebrations.

To sum it up, Oaxaca offers an impressive variety of tours that suit every kind of traveler. History buffs will cherish the archaeological sites, craft lovers will find deep satisfaction in workshops, and foodies will revel in cooking classes and tasting tours.

Our top picks include the Monte Albán, Hierve el Agua, Mezcal distillery & Teotitlán rugs for a well-rounded day, and the Full-Day Zapotec Experience for those eager to go deep into local traditions. Whatever your interests, booking early will ensure you get the best spots in these popular experiences.