New Friends and Mezcal Tasting Deluxe in Oaxaca city!

If you’re headed to Oaxaca and love the idea of tasting authentic mezcal while soaking up local city vibes, this tour might just be a perfect fit. It’s a compact, 2.5-hour experience that takes you through some of the most emblematic mezcalerias in the heart of Oaxaca, combining education, tasting, and a social atmosphere.

What really stood out to us is how this tour creates a cozy environment for meeting fellow travelers and locals alike. Plus, the guides are clearly passionate and knowledgeable, making the experience not just about drinking but genuinely understanding mezcal’s cultural roots. That said, it’s worth mentioning that the activity is somewhat focused on the tasting and city walk, so if you’re after a more comprehensive food or cultural tour, you might want to look elsewhere.

For anyone curious about mezcal or keen on a relaxed, social outing that’s easy to fit into an evening, this tour fits the bill. It’s especially good for solo travelers, couples, or friends who want a laid-back way to get to know Oaxaca’s spirits and its vibrant streets.

Key Points

• Small group size ensures personalized attention and a more intimate experience.
• Knowledgeable guides help you understand the history and culture of mezcal in a relaxed setting.
• Three stops at iconic mezcalerias provide a well-rounded tasting experience.
• Custom tastings at La Mezcaloteca offer insight into the different types of mezcal from local communities.
• Optional rooftop bar at the end adds a scenic spot to unwind, though drinks are not included.
• Perfect for social travelers looking to meet new people and learn about local traditions.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Tour Experience

Introduction and Meeting Point

The tour begins right at Plaza Cruz de Piedra, an easy-to-find spot in Oaxaca’s centro. Your guide will be waiting there, and from the start, it feels friendly and low-key. The group is limited to just 10 people, which means everyone gets more personalized attention — a big plus if you’re someone who prefers avoiding large, noisy tours.

Walking Through Oaxaca’s Streets

The first part of the tour involves a brief walk (around 10 minutes) through the charming streets of Oaxaca, giving you a taste of the city’s local vibe. Our guide is full of stories about Oaxaca’s history, architecture, and culture, setting a relaxed, friendly tone. It’s a good chance to get your bearings and chat with fellow travelers.

La Mezcaloteca: The Heart of Mezcal Knowledge

Next stop is La Mezcaloteca, a spot revered for its depth of knowledge about mezcal. The reviews highlight this place as an “informative and high-quality” spot that’s well worth the visit. Here, you’ll spend about 45 minutes exploring the library-like space filled with bottles and information.

The guide explains the origins, production methods, and regional variations of mezcal, making this stop more than just a tasting. It’s like attending a mini-lecture, but one that’s engaging and designed to give you useful insights. Expect to try three types of mezcal, each representing different communities in Oaxaca, which helps you understand the diversity of this traditional drink.

One review noted, “This place is a library full of knowledge about mezcal,” emphasizing how educational this stop is. Many say it’s a highlight because of how much they learn about the spirit’s cultural importance and production.

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Walking to the Next Mezcalerias

After the first tasting, you’ll walk for about 10 minutes to the next spot, El Hijuelo Mezcalería. This is where the experience gets more personalized, as you’re given the option to choose two types of mezcal based on your preferences. The guide helps you compare and select, which is a great way to understand what you like and develop your palate.

Guests often appreciate the relaxed vibe here, with one reviewer stating, “They let you choose what you want to try, so it feels very tailored.” The focus is on quality and your taste rather than just quantity.

Rooftop Bar Finale

The last stop is a rooftop bar with views over Oaxaca, where the tour concludes. Drinks here are not included, but it’s a lovely setting to unwind, chat more, and soak up the city atmosphere. It’s optional, so if you’re ready to call it a night, you can head out, but many find this a fitting way to end the evening.

Some reviews mention the rooftop as a highlight, praising the scenic views and chill ambiance. Others note that since drinks aren’t included, you might want to budget a little extra if you plan to enjoy a few cocktails.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Included

• Three types of pure mezcal from Oaxaca’s communities, served at La Mezcaloteca. The quality and variety are often praised, making it a good value for anyone interested in authentic mezcal.
• Two additional mezcal tastings at El Hijuelo, with options to choose based on your preferences.
• A knowledgeable tour guide fluent in both English and Spanish, who shares insights into Oaxaca’s culture and the spirit’s history.
• The experience offers a small group setting — limited to 10 participants — encouraging interaction and personalized attention.

Not Included

• Food is not part of the experience, so plan to eat before or after.
• Drinks at the rooftop bar are not included, so bring some extra cash if you want to sip a cocktail or two while enjoying the view.

Practical Details

Duration and Timing

This tour lasts about 2.5 hours and is often available in the evening, making it a flexible addition to your day in Oaxaca. It’s designed to be relaxed, giving you plenty of time to savor the tastings and absorb the guide’s stories.

Price and Value

At $71 per person, the tour offers good value, considering it includes three different mezcal tastings and a knowledgeable guide. The small group size enhances the experience, helping you learn more and ask questions comfortably.

Accessibility and Suitability

The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women or those over 95 years old, mainly due to the alcohol consumption. Also, it involves walking between stops, so comfortable shoes are recommended.

Real Traveler Insights

Multiple reviews emphasize the strength of the guides, calling them “very knowledgeable” and praising their friendliness. One reviewer mentioned, “The guide’s knowledge about mezcal and Oaxaca’s culture made the experience truly enriching.” Others highlight the social aspect, with comments like, “It’s a great activity to meet new people and make friends.”

Some travelers appreciated the flexibility — the optional rooftop bar and the ability to choose mezcal types made the experience feel personalized. A few pointed out that since drinks are not included at the end, budgeting for extra beverages is a good idea.

On the downside, a small number of reviewers noted that the activity doesn’t include food, so you might want to plan accordingly. Also, since the last stop is optional, some may prefer a more structured end to their evening.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal if you’re seeking a relaxed, social way to learn about mezcal and Oaxaca’s local culture. It’s perfect for solo travelers, couples, or friends who want a laid-back evening with good company and great drinks. If you’re looking for a detailed, in-depth food or cultural tour, you might find this a bit narrow in scope—but if your main goal is tasting and socializing, it hits the mark.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after an authentic, friendly introduction to Oaxaca’s mezcal scene, this tour offers a well-balanced mix of education, tasting, and city strolling. The small group size and passionate guides make it feel more like hanging out with friends than a formal tour. The variety of stops, from the library-like La Mezcaloteca to the scenic rooftop, keep things interesting without feeling rushed.

While it’s not a comprehensive cultural or culinary experience, it’s a solid choice for those who want a taste of Oaxaca’s spirit and its social side. Remember, it’s quite flexible in timing and style, so if you’re curious about mezcal or want to meet fellow travelers, this could be just what you’re looking for.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for everyone?
It’s not suitable for pregnant women or people over 95 years old, mainly due to alcohol restrictions. It involves walking, so comfortable shoes are advised.

Do I need to eat beforehand?
The tour doesn’t include food, so it’s best to have a meal or snack before you go to fully enjoy the tastings.

Are drinks included at the rooftop bar?
No, drinks are not included at the rooftop bar, so plan to pay extra if you want to enjoy a cocktail while taking in the views.

Can I join this tour if I don’t speak Spanish?
Yes, the guide is fluent in both English and Spanish, ensuring you’ll understand the stories and explanations.

How many people are in the group?
Limited to 10 participants, which keeps the experience intimate and allows for more interaction.

What’s the duration of the tour?
About 2.5 hours, usually in the evening, making it an easy addition to your day.

Is transportation included?
No, it’s a walking tour, so you’ll meet at La Cruz de Piedra and walk to the stops.

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

If you’re aiming for an authentic, social introduction to Oaxaca’s mezcal, this tour ticks a lot of boxes. It’s educational, relaxed, and full of local flavor — a fine way to spend an evening enjoying one of Oaxaca’s most beloved traditions.

You can check availability for your dates here: