Caminos del Condoy: Boiling water, Mitla. Mezcal

Thinking about exploring some of Oaxaca’s most iconic spots in a single day? This Caminos del Condoy tour offers a well-rounded experience that takes you through natural wonders, ancient ruins, and local traditions. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler wanting a quick overview, this trip promises a mix of stunning scenery and cultural insights.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the petrified waterfalls of Hierve el Agua are truly something to see—imagine water that has hardened into stone, creating otherworldly formations. Second, the visit to the paleolithic Tule Tree, which has stood for centuries, offers a glimpse into nature’s resilience. The tour also includes a stop at a mezcal distillery, giving you a taste of Oaxaca’s iconic spirit.

On the downside, this tour can feel a little rushed, especially if you’re someone who loves lingering at each site. With a full schedule packed into just 10 hours and around 40 people in the group, finding quiet moments might be tricky. Plus, some fees like entrance to Mitla, Tule Tree, and Hierve el Agua aren’t included, so you’ll want to budget for those.

This kind of tour suits travelers who want a comprehensive day trip without the hassle of planning multiple stops on their own. If you’re okay with a busy schedule and appreciate guided insight, it’s a solid way to hit many highlights in one go.

Key Points

• Natural Wonders: See the famed petrified waterfalls of Hierve el Agua, a must-see for their surreal beauty.
• Cultural Highlights: Visit the ancient Tule Tree and the archaeological site of Mitla for a taste of local history.
• Local Flavors: Enjoy a visit to a mezcal distillery, where you can sample traditional spirits.
• Value: At just $16 per person for a full-day adventure, it offers good value, though entrance fees are extra.
• Guided Experience: Knowledgeable guides enhance your understanding of each place, making the visit more meaningful.
• Group Size & Timing: Expect a large group, which may feel rushed but allows for a lively sharing of the experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

The Petrified Waterfalls of Hierve el Agua

The star of the tour is typically Hierve el Agua, which features natural mineral formations that resemble cascading waterfalls. These are not typical waterfalls but mineral deposits that have solidified over thousands of years, creating stunning, cliff-hugging pools and formations. Visitors often describe the views as breathtaking, with some reviewers mentioning that the “boiling water” feature looks almost surreal—like a scene from another planet.

Most travelers love the opportunity to walk along the terraces and take photos of the panoramic vistas. The pools are also great for a quick dip if you brought your swimsuit. Just keep in mind that access to the “Boiling Water” feature involves entrance fees that aren’t included in the tour price, so be prepared to pay those separately.

The Tule Tree

Next, you’ll stop at the famous Tule Tree, a massive, ancient tree with a trunk that measures over 14 meters in circumference. It’s estimated to be around 2,000 years old, making it a living testament to the resilience of nature. Visitors often find it fascinating to see such a giant that’s stood for centuries.

Access to the Tule Tree requires a small entrance fee, which isn’t included in your tour cost. Reviews highlight how impressive it is to stand next to such a monumental living organism. It’s a quick stop, but definitely memorable.

San Pablo Villa de Mitla

Mitla is an archaeological site with a distinctive architecture characterized by intricate stone mosaics. The tour includes a visit here, giving you a glimpse into the pre-Hispanic cultures that once thrived in Oaxaca. Some reviews suggest that the site is worth seeing, but note that entrance fees aren’t included, so you might want to budget accordingly.

One tip from travelers is to consider hiring a special guide at Mitla to deepen your understanding of the ruins—some mention paying about 200 MXN per group for a more in-depth explanation. This could be worthwhile if you’re particularly interested in archaeology.

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Mezcal Tasting and Distillery Stop

No trip to Oaxaca would be complete without tasting its iconic mezcal. The tour includes a visit to a mezcal palenque, where you can learn how this spirit is made, from the agave plant to the distilling process. Usually, there’s an opportunity to sample different varieties, which many find both fun and educational.

Reviews often praise the friendly guides for their enthusiasm and knowledge, making the experience more enjoyable. Remember, tasting is part of the overall experience, but the cost of the mezcal isn’t included in the tour price, so plan to buy some if you wish.

Practical Considerations and Tips

• Timing: The tour departs at 8:30 am and returns around 7 pm, so it’s a full day. Arriving 10 minutes early at the meeting point is recommended.
• Cost & Value: The tour is quite affordable at $16, but keep in mind that entrance fees are extra—budget around a few dollars per site. The inclusion of transportation and insurance makes it a hassle-free option.
• What to Bring: Pack a hat, sunscreen, change of clothes, comfortable shoes, and a camera. It’s also smart to bring cash for entrance fees and souvenirs.
• Group Size & Atmosphere: Expect a large group, which can feel a bit crowded, but guides try to keep things engaging. A smaller group might be better if you prefer a more intimate experience.
• Accessibility: The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, those with mobility issues, or anyone uncomfortable with heights or long walks.

Authentic Experiences and Feedback from Travelers

One traveler from Uruguay gave a perfect 5-star review, highlighting that “the boiling water is amazing” and that the other stops were “really interesting.” Many appreciated the knowledgeable guide, who made the experience more enjoyable.

Another traveler from the US mentioned feeling “a little rushed” but acknowledged that with such a packed schedule, that’s sometimes unavoidable. They suggested hiring a special guide at Mitla for a deeper dive into the archaeological site, which could be a good idea if you’re especially interested in history.

A traveler from Spain praised the experience as “filled with so many different things,” noting that each stop was given enough time, and emphasizing the energetic guide, Alex, who “made the experience even more fun.”

Final Thoughts on the Tour

This Caminos del Condoy experience offers a well-rounded glimpse of Oaxaca’s natural and cultural treasures. It balances stunning landscapes, ancient ruins, and local traditions—all within a budget-friendly price. The inclusion of transportation and insurance simplifies logistics, so you can focus on enjoying each stop.

While the schedule can feel tight, especially with larger groups, the variety of sights makes it worthwhile for those eager to explore multiple highlights in one day. If you’re someone who enjoys guided tours and doesn’t mind a bit of a busier day, this trip could be a good fit.

However, if you prefer more time at each site or are traveling with specific accessibility needs, you might want to consider private options or longer, more relaxed tours. Still, for a snapshot of Oaxaca’s best known spots, this tour hits many of the key points with good value and knowledgeable guides leading the way.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour is generally geared toward adults, especially since it involves long periods of walking and some site-specific restrictions. Children over 1 year old might enjoy it if they’re comfortable with bus rides and walking, but always check with the provider for specifics.

Are the entrance fees included?
No, entrance fees for the Boil the Water, Mitla, and Tule Tree are not included. Travelers should budget for these additional costs.

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

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a hat, extra clothes, sunscreen, cash, a camera, and a daypack are recommended. Also, biodegradable insect repellent if you plan to spend time outdoors.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 10 hours, from 8:30 am to around 7 pm, making it a full but manageable day trip.

Is the tour available in English?
The guide speaks Spanish, so if you need English, check with the provider beforehand to see if other language options are available.

What if I want a more in-depth experience at Mitla or Hierve el Agua?
You might consider hiring a local guide at Mitla for a deeper explanation, which some travelers suggest to enrich the visit.

If you’re looking for a cost-effective, diverse day exploring Oaxaca’s highlights—with natural marvels, ancient sites, and a taste of mezcal—this tour offers a solid option. Just be prepared for a busy schedule and some extra entrance fees, and you’ll come away with a rewarding snapshot of this vibrant region.

You can check availability for your dates here: