Full-Day El Tule, Mitla & Hierve el Agua Tour from Oaxaca

Exploring Oaxaca in a Day: A Review of the Full-Day El Tule, Mitla & Hierve el Agua Tour

If you’re planning a visit to Oaxaca and want to make the most of your limited time, a guided tour like this might catch your eye. This particular day trip from Oaxaca promises visits to some of the region’s most iconic sites — Tule’s enormous tree, the Zapotec ruins of Mitla, the breathtaking petrified waterfalls of Hierve el Agua, and even a stop for mezcal tasting. It’s a packed itinerary, designed to give you a taste of Oaxaca’s diverse attractions without having to rent a car or figure out transport logistics yourself.

What we really appreciate about this tour is how it combines convenience with education. The fact that transportation, a guide, and hotel pickup are included means you can relax and focus on soaking up the scenery and stories. Plus, the tour’s small-group size makes it more personal than large buses. On the flip side, it’s a long day — about 10 hours — which might be tiring, especially if you’re not used to such packed schedules. Still, if you’re someone who loves to maximize sightseeing with a trusted guide, this trip will probably suit you well.

This tour suits travelers who want a comprehensive yet manageable way to explore Oaxaca’s outdoor and archaeological highlights. It’s especially good if you’re short on time but still crave a genuine experience, complete with local insights and authentic sites. Be aware, though, that some attractions, like Hierve el Agua, might be closed unexpectedly, and admission fees aren’t included, so you should budget extra for entrance tickets.

Key Points

• All-in-one experience: Combines natural wonders, archaeological sites, and cultural stops in a single day.
• Comfortable transport: Air-conditioned minivans and hotel pickup make logistics simple.
• Guided commentary: Knowledgeable guides add context and stories that enrich your visit.
• Flexible stops: Free time at some sites allows personal exploration.
• Value for money: At $59.99, it offers a lot for a relatively low price, considering transportation and guiding included.
• Potential downsides: Long day, some sites require extra entrance fees, and Hierve el Agua might be closed without prior notice.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

Tule Tree
We start with the Tule Tree, famous for being the widest in the world. It’s quite a sight, and it’s easy to see why it’s so celebrated — this ancient tree has been standing for over 2000 years, and it’s a powerful symbol of Oaxaca’s natural heritage. Since the admission is included, you can spend about 20 minutes marveling at this natural wonder. Reviewers mention being impressed by its size and history — “the Tule Tree is incredible, you can’t miss it,” one shared.

Mitla Archaeological Site
Next, we visit Mitla, which showcases the impressive architecture of the Zapotec civilization. The site offers intricate stone mosaics and well-preserved structures that tell stories of a long-lost culture. The tour’s guide provides commentary here, helping you understand the significance of the ruins. Keep in mind, admission isn’t included, so you’ll need to budget for this, but many say it’s worth it: “Mitla is a must-see for anyone interested in indigenous culture or archaeology,” a traveler noted. You get about 50 minutes to wander, take photos, and soak in the atmosphere.

Teotitlán del Valle
Then, we take a break at a local Zapotec craft house in Teotitlán del Valle. This stop is perfect for those interested in authentic local crafts. You can see how they dye wool and make traditional textiles, and you’ll have the chance to purchase genuine handmade items — a great way to support local artisans. Many reviews highlight this as a highlight, with comments like “buying directly from the craftsman made the experience even more meaningful.”

Hierve el Agua
One of the star attractions, Hierve el Agua, features natural mineral pools and those famous “petrified waterfalls.” The views here are spectacular, and it’s a favorite for photos. However, it’s important to note that the tour only spends about 60 minutes here, which might feel rushed given how stunning the scenery is. Unfortunately, there are some caveats: Hierve el Agua is sometimes closed, and this was noted as a disappointment by some travelers. Also, entrance fees are not included, so prepare to pay on-site. Several reviews mention how breathtaking the views are, with one stating, “I couldn’t believe how surreal the waterfalls looked.”

Mezcal Tasting at El Rey de Matatlán
Finally, the tour offers a chance to learn about mezcal production, tasting some of the local varieties. The visit to the mezcal factory is free, and many find it a tasty, educational end to the day. It’s a relaxed way to wind down, and you’ll get to savor different flavors of this iconic Mexican spirit. Reviewers mention enjoying this part and appreciate the opportunity to understand mezcal’s cultural significance.

Practicalities and What This Means for You

Transportation & Group Size
The tour uses a small, air-conditioned van, capped at 18 people, which keeps things intimate and comfortable. The driver and guide are often praised for their friendliness and knowledge — “Ede and Marcos were wonderful,” a reviewer shared. The hotel pick-up and drop-off are convenient, especially if you’re staying in central Oaxaca, saving you the hassle of navigating public transport early in the morning.

Timing & Duration
Starting at 8:00 am, the tour runs for about 10 hours — a full day of sightseeing. This is ideal if you want a rundown, but it’s quite a long stretch, especially in the heat. You might find the day a little tiring, but most travelers feel it’s worth the effort, given the variety of sites covered.

Cost & Value
At $59.99 per person, this tour offers a lot of value. For that price, you get transportation, guide commentary, and the chance to see several iconic sites. Entrance fees aren’t included, so do budget for those separately. Several reviews echo that you’ll get good bang for your buck, especially considering the convenience.

What to Bring
Since some sites have entrance fees, bring cash. Comfortable shoes are a must for walking around archaeological sites and Hierve el Agua. Also, pack sunscreen, water, and maybe a hat — the tour is outdoors and can get hot.

What Past Travelers Say

Most reviews are positive, praising the guides for their knowledge and friendliness. Many mention how well-organized and enjoyable the day is, especially appreciating the chance to see multiple sites without the stress of self-driving. One review highlights the flexibility at some stops, saying, “the group and transport were very nice, and they allowed us some time to explore on our own.”

However, it’s worth noting that some travelers experienced issues with last-minute site closures, especially Hierve el Agua, or found the last row in the van a little cramped. A common theme is that the tour runs long, but most agree the sights and stories make it worthwhile.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Tour?

This full-day Oaxaca trip is perfect if you’re after an efficient way to cover key highlights with guided insight, especially if you prefer not to rent a car or navigate public transport. It suits travelers who enjoy natural scenery, archaeological sites, and cultural experiences, and who don’t mind a long day on the go.

If you’re keen on learning about local crafts, tasting mezcal, and seeing stunning landscapes, this tour hits many of those notes. Just be prepared for the potential disappointment if Hierve el Agua ends up closed, and remember to bring extra cash for entrance fees.

For those who value comfort and convenience, the small-group setting, hotel pickup, and air-conditioned transport add a lot to the overall experience. However, if you’re looking for a more relaxed pace or have specific accessibility needs, this might feel a bit rushed.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for travelers with mobility issues?
The tour involves walking around archaeological sites and outdoor areas, which could be challenging if you have mobility problems. It’s best to check with the provider for specific accessibility options.

Are meals included?
No, food and drinks are not included in the tour. You’ll have the opportunity to buy lunch or snacks during the day, especially at the stops with local eateries.

How much should I budget for entrance fees?
Since the tour does not include site admissions, you’ll need to pay separately at places like Mitla and Hierve el Agua. Be prepared for additional costs depending on which sites you want to visit.

What is the group size?
The tour caps at 18 travelers, which helps keep the experience personal and manageable.

What if Hierve el Agua is closed?
It’s possible Hierve el Agua might be closed without prior notice. If that happens, the guide will likely suggest an alternative or adjust the schedule accordingly.

Can I customize the tour?
Since it’s a scheduled group tour, customization options are limited, but the small group allows some flexibility at stops.

In all, this tour offers a practical, engaging way to see some of Oaxaca’s best sights in one day. It’s suited for travelers eager to learn and explore without the hassle of planning every detail themselves. Just keep in mind the long hours and extra costs for entrance fees, and you’ll have a memorable day discovering Oaxaca’s natural and cultural treasures.