Full Day Private Tour of the State of Oaxaca

Exploring Oaxaca in a Day: An Honest Look at the Private Tour Experience

If you’re considering a full-day adventure in Oaxaca, this private tour offers a chance to see some of the most iconic spots in the region—without the hassle of organizing logistics yourself. While we haven’t personally taken this exact tour, the detailed itinerary and reviews suggest it’s a solid way to get a broad sense of Oaxaca’s natural beauty, archaeological sites, and local craftsmanship.

What we really like about this tour is how it combines nature, history, and culture in a single day. The visit to Hierve el Agua promises stunning natural formations and relaxing dips in mineral pools—an absolute highlight for many travelers. Plus, the inclusion of Mitla and Teotitlán del Valle gives you a taste of Oaxaca’s archaeological and textile traditions.

One potential snag? The entrance fees aren’t included in the base price, which means you’ll need to budget for additional costs like the Hierve el Agua entry ($50 MX), Mitla ($90 MX), and Tule Tree ($20 MX). For some, the extra payments might feel a bit inconvenient, especially since they add up. Nevertheless, this tour caters best to those who want a well-rounded, guided day without the stress of planning every detail.

This experience seems perfect for travelers who want a private, personalized look at some of Oaxaca’s most celebrated sites. If you prefer small group settings and expert local guides, this could be a great fit.

Key Points

• Private tour means personalized attention and flexibility in a small group (up to 6 people).
• Natural and archaeological highlights combine stunning landscapes with rich history, making for a varied day.
• Extra entrance fees aren’t included, so budget accordingly for sites like Hierve el Agua and Mitla.
• Knowledgeable guides are a major plus, providing context and answering questions along the way.
• Comfortable transportation and air-conditioning make the long day more pleasant.
• Food and additional activities are not included, so plan your meals accordingly and consider bringing snacks.

A Detailed Look at the Full Day Tour

Starting with Hierve el Agua

The day kicks off with a roughly 1.5-hour drive from Oaxaca city to Hierve el Agua. This spot is famous for its natural “petrified waterfalls” and mineral-rich pools. As you arrive, you’ll likely be captivated by the surreal mineral formations, which resemble waterfalls frozen in time.

Most travelers say that the views here are truly impressive. You get a chance to walk around, take photos, and if you’re up for it, take a dip in the natural pools. Just keep in mind, admission isn’t included here, costing about $50 MX per person. Some reviews mention that the pools are also popular for relaxing after exploring, though it can get crowded on busy days.

One thing to note: the tour allocates about 3 hours in total for this stop, which includes transportation, visiting, and some leisure time. If you’re hoping to spend a lot of time swimming or exploring every nook, you might feel a bit rushed.

Exploring Mitla’s archaeological site and crafts market

Next, you’ll visit Mitla, a smaller archaeological zone but renowned for its intricate mosaics and stonework. The site itself offers insight into the pre-Hispanic cultures that thrived here. The guide will likely highlight the importance of Mitla and share stories that bring the ruins to life.

The entrance fee to Mitla is $90 MX per person, and you’ll want to budget for that. Many travelers find Mitla to be a charming and manageable archaeological stop—small enough to explore comfortably within an hour. The adjoining markets are also noted for their local crafts, giving you a chance to browse textiles and souvenirs.

Discovering Teotitlán del Valle’s textile traditions

A highlight for many visitors is Teotitlán del Valle, where you’ll observe local artisans creating traditional wool rugs and natural dyes. Here, you get a glimpse into age-old craft techniques, from dyeing with plants to weaving intricate patterns. Many reviews appreciate the opportunity to see artisans in action and ask questions about their work.

This stop is about an hour long and free to explore, although you might be tempted to purchase a handmade piece. It’s a great way to support local artisans and learn about Oaxaca’s textile heritage firsthand.

Mezcal tasting in Santiago Matatlán

No visit to Oaxaca would be complete without tasting its famous mezcal. In Santiago Matatlán, your guide will walk you through the process of making this iconic spirit, often including a tasting session. Two hours are allocated here, giving you enough time to sample different varieties and learn about the traditional distillation methods.

Many visitors mention that the mezcal tastings can be quite engaging, especially when guides share stories about local producers and the significance of mezcal in Oaxacan culture. If you’re a fan of spirits, this part of the tour might be the highlight.

The Tule Tree and return to Oaxaca

The final stop is the impressive Tule Tree, famous for its enormous trunk and age—some say over 2,000 years old. The tour allows about 30 minutes here, which is enough to admire the tree, visit the small church nearby, and browse crafts at the market. Entrance costs $20 MX per person.

Afterward, you’ll head back to Oaxaca city, with roughly 30 minutes of travel time remaining. The return trip wraps up a full day of sightseeing, leaving you with plenty of memories and photos.

What the Tour Offers in Detail

Transportation and Comfort

Transportation is included and is in an air-conditioned vehicle, which is a big plus given the long day. Traveling in a private vehicle means you can move at your own pace, and the small group size ensures more personalized attention from your guide.

Entrance Fees and Additional Costs

While the tour cost is $323.28 per group (up to 6 people), keep in mind that several site entrances aren’t included:

• Hierve el Agua: $50 MX per person
• Mitla: $90 MX per person
• Tule Tree: $20 MX per person

Planning for these expenses is essential to avoid surprises, especially since some reviews highlight that these add up.

Food and Other Extras

Food and drinks are not included in the tour price. If you’re hungry or want to try local dishes, you’ll need to plan for meals outside the tour. Also, some might want to explore more at each site, but the schedule is fairly tight.

Tour Schedule and Duration

The day lasts about 8 hours, starting early and ending in the late afternoon. This makes it a good option for those who want an immersive experience without dedicating multiple days. Still, if you’re someone who prefers a slow pace or wants to explore leisurely, this might feel a bit rushed.

Authentic Experiences and Local Insights

One of the tour’s strengths is the knowledgeable guides. Reviews frequently praise guides for their storytelling and responsiveness. They offer valuable context that enhances your understanding of each site, especially at Mitla, Teotitlán, and the mezcal distillery.

Visitors also appreciate the stunning scenery—Hierve el Agua’s mineral formations and the grand Tule Tree are often cited as highlights. The combination of natural wonders and cultural sites creates a well-rounded picture of Oaxaca.

Potential Drawbacks

The main downside is the extra costs for entrance fees, which some might find inconvenient. Also, since the itinerary is packed into a single day, there’s limited time at each stop. If you’re someone who loves taking your time, you might prefer a more relaxed, multi-day approach.

Plus, the non-refundable policy could be a concern if your plans change unexpectedly. It’s worth making sure your schedule is firm before booking.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This full-day private experience works best for travelers who want a comprehensive, guided overview of Oaxaca’s top sights without the hassle of planning. It’s suitable for those who value personalized attention, a small group setting, and expert local guides.

If you’re traveling with others and want to enjoy a flexible, tailored day, this is a good choice. It’s also ideal for those interested in a mix of scenery, archaeology, and craft, with the convenience of transportation included.

However, if you prefer to explore at a slower pace or have specific dietary or accessibility needs, you might want to discuss your preferences with the provider beforehand.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
While the tour isn’t explicitly marketed as family-friendly, most activities are outdoors and involve walking, making it manageable for older children. It’s best to check with the provider about age restrictions or specific needs.

What should I bring for the day?
Bring comfortable shoes, sun protection, and a hat. Since meals aren’t included, consider packing snacks and water—though bottled water is provided—and some cash for entrance fees.

Are the entrance fees included?
No, the entrance fees for Hierve el Agua, Mitla, and Tule Tree are not included in the base price. Be prepared to pay approximately $160 MX per person for all site entries.

How long is the drive between stops?
The itinerary mentions about 1 hour and 30 minutes for the drive to Hierve el Agua, with shorter drives between other sites. The total travel time is factored into the full 8 hours.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Since it’s a private tour, you might be able to discuss tweaks or specific interests with the provider. It’s worth asking beforehand if you have particular sites or activities in mind.

Is food included in the tour?
No, meals and snacks are not included. You’ll want to bring your own food or plan to eat at local spots outside the tour.

What is the cancellation policy?
This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed, so be sure your plans are firm before booking.

How do I book this tour?
You can book through the provider, Transportadora Turística Cuevas, by contacting them via email or phone listed on the booking site.

To sum it up, this private full-day tour offers a balanced mix of natural scenery, archaeological marvels, and local craftsmanship, all with the benefit of personalized attention. It’s particularly suited for travelers who want a guided, hassle-free way to see Oaxaca’s highlights in a day. While extra costs and a packed schedule are considerations, many find the experience rewarding, especially with knowledgeable guides and stunning vistas along the way.

If you’re after a comprehensive, comfortable way to explore Oaxaca’s diverse offerings, this could be a worthwhile choice. Just make sure to budget for the additional site entrance fees and prepare for a full day’s adventure.