Monte Alban, Ancestral Mezcal, Alebrijes and Black Mud Tour
Description
Discover Monte Alban with a local bilingual guide who shares little-known truths about Zapotec culture. You taste ancient mezcal in an authentic palenque, seeing the traditional production process step by step. You know the craft workshops of black clay and alebrijes, with local artisans who work in front of you, preserving centuries-old techniques. Convenient transport between each point, collected from your accommodation in the historic center, so that all day is dedicated to living the Oaxacan culture.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Our native local guide will welcome you at the entrance to Monte Albán and accompany you on a walking tour of this impressive archaeological site. You will walk among temples, ceremonial squares and ancient Zapotec tombs as you learn about the history, architecture and worldview of this pre-Hispanic civilization. Throughout the tour, the guide will share historical data, curiosities and explanations about the astronomical and cultural importance of Monte Albán. You will also have free time to explore on your own and take panoramic photographs of the Oaxaca Valley.
Palenque de mezcal ancestral We will visit a traditional palenque of mezcal, where a master mezcalero will show us the complete artisan process of making mezcal, as has been done for generations. We will see how agave pineapples are cooked in earthen ovens, how they are ground with stone tahona and fermented in wooden tubs, and finally how it is slowly distilled in copper or mud stills. The tour includes a guided tasting of artisan mezcals, where you will learn to distinguish the aromas, flavors and techniques that make Oaxacan mezcal unique.
Workshop of alebrijes in San Antonio Arrazola In San Antonio Arrazola we will visit a family workshop of artisans dedicated to the elaboration of alebrijes, the famous wooden figures carved and hand painted with vivid colors and unique designs. Our local host will explain the process from the selection of copal wood, carving, natural drying and fine brush decoration. Travelers will be able to observe the craftsmen in action, learn about the symbolism behind the designs and ask questions about this artistic tradition that has transcended borders. They will also have time to admire or purchase pieces directly from the workshop.
Buffet lunch (optional) During the tour, we will stop for lunch at a typical buffet restaurant in the region (optional and not included). Here travelers can enjoy a wide variety of traditional Oaxacan dishes, such as mole negro, tlayudas, memelas, tamales, regional stews and local desserts. The restaurant offers vegetarian options and comfortable spaces to relax before continuing with the tour. Food and drinks are at the expense of the traveler, and it is not mandatory to participate in this stop.
Black clay workshop in San Bartolo Coyotepec In San Bartolo Coyotepec we will visit an artisan workshop where the famous black mud is made, a unique ceramic from Oaxaca renowned for its dark shine and elegance. Our guide and local artisans will explain the whole traditional process: from clay extraction, hand or lathe modeling, to quartz polishing and baking underground. Travelers will be able to watch the work live and learn how this ancient technique has been handed down for generations. They will also have the opportunity to admire decorative and utilitarian pieces, and purchase crafts directly from the workshop if they wish.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Additional pickup details travelers should know If you are in a hotel, hostel or Airbnb accommodation within the historic center of Oaxaca, you can request direct pickup. Make sure your full address is registered when booking. If Viator has a list of available hotels, you will select your hotel during the booking process. If your hotel is not listed, you can enter your name manually. Viator Documentation + 1 Alternatively, you can find us at Teatro Macedonio Alcalá, an easy reference point in the center, if you prefer not to use the service from accommodation. Your guide will carry a sign with the name of the tour and identifiable dress so you can recognize it without problem. If your accommodation is outside the historic center, pickup may not be available, or a nearby meeting point may be required. This detail will be confirmed by reviewing the pickup option during booking.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(30)
Michelle was a wonderful guide. If you go, ask for her.
Go as early as possible…👍🏽 Bring an umbrella and water, comfortable clothing… The enjoyment will be based on how prepared the guide is…
Monte Alban was great, the guide made a lot of effort in explaining things in English & Spanish. Just be mindful that the tour may take up to 8.5 - 9 hours instead of 7 due to some small delays or traffic. Keep that in consideration while planning your day.
Angel our guide was so kind and helpful. His English was excellent and had lots of great information. Edwardo our driver was one of the best we’ve had. Careful and slow at all the tempes even in the pouring rain. Each stop was interesting and we never felt rushed. The wood carving and black pottery were favorites.
Adrian was very friendly and fluent in English and Miguel was a great driver! Not very much communication about pickup; we understood that we would be picked up by our hostel, but instead (after texting and calling) we were guided to the van.
This tour far exceeded expectations. Our guide, Michelle, was so knowledgeable and just a delight. We learned so much about each of our stops - Monte Alban, the mezcal ancestral, the Alebrijes and the pottery. It was a tour for 6 and the other couple on our tour was also delightful. A wonderful day all around.
Great experience, fun, interesting and well organised. Perfect for someone like me and my partner visiting Mexico for the first time. The guides were also fantastic, very knowledgeable and fun! Highly recommended!
This was a great day learning about Oaxacan history and culture. Leonardo was an excellent guide with tons of knowledge and an entertaining way of sharing it. We were with another couple who only spoke Spanish, but he was very good about enlisting help from others so that we wouldn't have to hear the Spanish-English back and forth. Lunch at La Consentida was delicious. Overall, a very good day.
The tour overall was very good and our guide, Michelle was outstanding. There was also an interesting variety of activities. That said, the lunch was no that good and not worth the cost. The only other thing was the tour did not take me back o the point of departure as advertised. The walk was not far but a bit much for me following a full day of touring, climbing and adjusting to the altitude.
I really enjoyed the tour, the general of the tour, Silver, was very friendly all the time and kept an eye on everything. Sair the driver was also very friendly. Leo the guide in Monte Alban was sensational, very friendly and his style makes him fun and easy to understand, there is no way to get bored. My only suggestion is that the van felt tight and the air conditioning was not enough. Water bottles were not included as per the tour description.
