Oaxaca: Legends Tour Mezcalbús

If you’re planning to spend an evening in Oaxaca and want to combine entertainment, local storytelling, and some sightseeing, the Oaxaca: Legends Tour Mezcalbús might catch your eye. While it’s a short ride—just about an hour—it promises an engaging way to hear the city’s most popular myths and legends, all from the comfort of a lively bus.

What makes this tour stand out is its affordable price point—only $7 per person—and the fact that it offers a casual, interactive way to get a glimpse of Oaxaca’s personality. Two features we particularly like are the entertaining guides who bring stories to life and the scenic viewpoints where you can get a fresh perspective on the city. On the flip side, a potential downside is that the mezcal tasting promised isn’t always included, so don’t go expecting to sip mezcal unless the tour explicitly states it will be part of the experience.

This tour could be a good fit for travelers who enjoy stories and city views, are on a budget, or want a relaxed way to spend an evening in town. It’s not a deep cultural dive, but it can be a fun, lighthearted addition to your Oaxaca itinerary.

Key Points

• Affordable Price: At just $7, it’s a budget-friendly way to experience the city at night.
• Storytelling Focus: The highlights are the legends and myths, shared by a lively, engaging guide.
• Scenic Views: You’ll visit key viewpoints such as the city lookout and notable neighborhoods.
• Short and Sweet: The tour lasts about one hour, making it easy to fit into an evening.
• Mixed Reviews on Mezcal Tasting: While advertised, some reviewers didn’t get to taste mezcal as promised.
• Good for Fun: It’s particularly enjoyable if you like storytelling and a relaxed, social atmosphere.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect From the Oaxaca: Legends Tour Mezcalbús

This tour is designed as an easy, evening city experience, perfect for those wanting to learn about Oaxaca through stories and sights, without a hefty time commitment or high price. The tour begins and ends in front of the tour operator’s office at Av. José Maria Morelos #701, just a block from the Zócalo, central Oaxaca.

As you hop aboard the Mezcalbús, you’ll be guided through the city’s streets, visiting viewpoints and neighborhoods that reveal both the physical and cultural landscape of Oaxaca. The route includes popular spots like the Zócalo, the Ex-Marquezado Neighborhood, the Azucenas Roundabout, and La Soledad Neighborhood. These stops offer a chance to enjoy views and hear stories that animate the city’s history and legends.

The Route and Stops

The scenic lookout is a highlight, giving you a chance to take in Oaxaca’s skyline lit up at night. The neighborhoods such as Ex-Marquezado and La Soledad are charming areas, often filled with local life and color, providing a more intimate feel of the city’s pulse.

The Guide and Storytelling

Most reviews praise the guide’s entertainment skills, describing them as lively and engaging. One reviewer mentioned, “The tour guide was very entertaining, we had a good time, and they told us a few legends.” It seems the storytelling aspect is a strong point, turning a simple city tour into an amusing experience filled with myths and local tales.

Mezcal Tasting—A Mixed Bag

While the tour lists mezcal tasting as included, several reviews note that this didn’t materialize for them. One reviewer commented, “They didn’t give us mezcal,” and another echoed this, saying, “They told us a few legends, but what I didn’t like was that they advertise a mezcal tasting but don’t actually give you any mezcal.” It appears that the mezcal tasting is not guaranteed and may be more of an advertised feature than a consistent part of the experience.

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Duration and Group Size

The hour-long tour means you get a quick, lively snapshot of Oaxaca, which is ideal if you’re short on time or want a low-commitment activity. It’s a group experience, likely involving several other travelers, which adds to the social vibe but might reduce the intimacy of the storytelling.

Is It Worth the Price?

At just $7, this tour is hard to beat in terms of value. It’s not a deep dive into Oaxaca’s history or culture but a fun, lighthearted way to see parts of the city while hearing some local legends. Keep in mind that if you’re expecting a genuine mezcal tasting, you might be disappointed, but if you’re okay with that, it offers a cheerful and inexpensive way to spend an hour.

The Experience from a Traveler’s Perspective

We love the idea of combining storytelling with sightseeing, especially in a city as colorful as Oaxaca. The viewpoints and neighborhoods visited are visually appealing and give a sense of the city’s layout and character. The guide’s narration makes the tour lively, and many guests find it enjoyable despite some inconsistencies with the mezcal aspect.

However, the negative reviews about the mezcal tasting and reservation process suggest you should manage expectations. It’s more about the stories and views than a full-fledged culinary experience.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is perfect for budget travelers or those looking for a casual, entertaining way to explore Oaxaca in the evening. It’s well-suited for adults who enjoy stories and scenic viewpoints but might not be ideal if you’re expecting a comprehensive cultural tour or a guaranteed mezcal tasting.

If you’re traveling with kids or seeking a formal, in-depth cultural experience, you might want to look elsewhere. But if you want a fun, social activity that offers a quick taste of the city’s charm and legends, it’s a good pick.

The Bottom Line

The Oaxaca: Legends Tour Mezcalbús offers an easy, affordable, and enjoyable way to experience the city after dark. While it’s not a comprehensive culture, its storytelling and scenic stops make it a memorable little adventure. The mixed reviews highlight the importance of managing expectations—especially regarding the mezcal tasting—so be sure to clarify what’s included before you go.

Overall, if you’re after a lighthearted evening, a few laughs, and some nice views, this tour can add a dash of local flavor to your Oaxaca trip. Just keep in mind it’s more about fun stories and views than a deep dive into mezcal or history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for families?
While the tour is generally light and fun, it’s primarily aimed at adults who enjoy storytelling and city views. It’s not specifically marketed as family-friendly, so consider your children’s interest in myths or their comfort with bus rides and city sights.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts about one hour, making it a quick, manageable activity that can easily fit into an evening schedule.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins and ends in front of the tour operator’s office at Av. José Maria Morelos #701, just a block from Oaxaca’s main square, the Zócalo.

Is the mezcal tasting always included?
Not necessarily. Some reviewers mention that they didn’t receive mezcal during their tour, so it’s possible that the tasting isn’t guaranteed or might be more of an advertisement.

What language is the tour conducted in?
The tour is conducted in Spanish. If you don’t speak the language, having a translation app or guide might help you catch all the stories.

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

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly, lively way to get a taste of Oaxaca’s stories and viewpoints in just an hour, the Oaxaca: Legends Tour Mezcalbús might be worth considering. Just go with the right expectations, and it can be a charming little addition to your evening in this vibrant city.

You can check availability for your dates here: