Private custom Oaxaca tour – Design your perfect day





Description
This is not a traditional tour, it is a completely personalized experience designed around you. Instead of following a fixed itinerary, you will have the freedom to choose the places that most interest you: from archaeological areas and traditional villages to artisan workshops and natural wonders. What really makes this experience unique is the guide behind it. The main attractions of Oaxaca are distributed in different valleys, so not all can be combined in a single day without sacrificing the quality of the tour. Our team is in charge of designing the best route according to your interests, ensuring a well organized and unhurried experience. Designed for private groups, this tour offers flexibility, comfort and a much more authentic way to discover Oaxaca. More than a tour, it’s having a local expert design your perfect day.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Explore the grandeur of Monte Albán, one of the ancient Zapotec capitals built on top of a mountain. As you tour its wide squares, temples and platforms, you will discover the history of a civilization that dominated the Central Valleys of Oaxaca for centuries. From above, you will enjoy breathtaking panoramic views, while knowing the cultural, political and spiritual significance of this World Heritage Site. More than an archaeological visit, it is a trip to the heart of the Zapotec world.
Step into a traditional Zapotec workshop where black mud comes to life. Here you can witness the whole process behind one of Oaxaca’s most emblematic crafts: from how mud is molded by hand to the delicate polish that gives it its characteristic shine. As you watch the craftsmen work, you will discover techniques that have been handed down from generation to generation, transforming the earth into unique pieces full of identity.
Discover the magical world of the alebrijes in San Martín Tilcajete, a town renowned for bringing to life these colorful and fantastic figures carved in wood. In a family workshop, you will see how a simple piece of cup is transformed into a characterful piece, from the initial carving to the meticulous hand painting process. Each design is inspired by imagination, nature and the Zapotec worldview, resulting in unique figures full of symbolism and detail. Rather than crafts, alebrijes are expressions of identity, creativity and living tradition.
Visit Santo Tomas Jalieza and get into one of the oldest textile techniques in Oaxaca: the waist loom. Here, local craftswomen will show you how they skillfully and patiently create completely hand-woven pieces, using methods dating back to pre-Hispanic times. You will observe the process from the assembly of the loom to the weaving of each thread, where tradition, technique and dedication are intertwined to bring each piece to life. An intimate experience that connects with the essence of artisan work and the cultural legacy of the region.
Santa Catarina Minas is one of the most traditional regions in the production of ancestral mezcal in Oaxaca. Here you will know a completely ancestral process that has remained virtually intact over time: from hand milling to distillation in clay pots. Guided by master rockers, you will discover the difference between industrial and ancestral mezcal, understanding how each step influences its aromas, textures and flavors. The experience culminates with a tasting that reflects the unique character of this tradition, deeply linked to the land, history and identity of Oaxacan.
Hierve el Agua is a unique site known for its petrified waterfalls formed over thousands of years. From above, you can admire spectacular views of the mountains and, if you wish, enjoy their natural pools of mineral water. This is a place where nature and time have created a truly extraordinary formation, offering an experience that combines beauty, tranquility and wonder. An ideal space to disconnect and connect with the natural essence of Oaxaca.
the archaeological area of Mitla is renowned for its intricate stone mosaics perfectly assembled. Unlike other archaeological sites, Mitla stands out for its geometric details and deep spiritual significance, being an ancient ceremonial center and connection to the underworld. As you tour its courtyards and structures, you will discover the symbolism and history that make this place a unique cultural gem in Mexico. An experience that combines art, architecture and ancestral worldview.
Travelers will visit an artisanal mezcal factory, where they will know step by step the traditional process of making mezcal, from cooking agave in stone ovens to distillation in copper stills. They will learn about the different types of agave, the techniques transmitted from generation to generation and the cultural importance of mezcal in Oaxaca. At the end, they will enjoy a guided tasting, where they can taste different varieties of mezcal and learn to identify its aromas, flavors and unique characteristics.
Visit Teotitlán del Valle, a Zapotec town renowned for its ancestral tradition in making wool mats. In a family workshop, you will know the complete process: from obtaining natural dyes to weaving on wooden looms, where each piece comes to life with designs full of symbolism. You’ll learn how pre-Hispanic and colonial techniques combine to create true textile artworks, handcrafted with patience and dedication. More than a visit, it is an immersion in a living tradition that continues to weave history generation after generation.
We will stop to meet the oldest Mexican in existence, (the tule tree) with more than 2000 years of age this incredible Sabino proves us to be the tree with the widest trunk in the world, you can admire its enormous size as well as the whimsical figures that form around the trunk and know the history about this beautiful natural beauty.
Visit the temple of Tlacochahuaya, a little-known gem that shelters one of the most surprising interiors of Oaxaca. Upon entering, you will discover its walls and ceilings completely covered with paintings and decorative details that reflect a unique blend of indigenous art and colonial tradition. Quiet and full of history, this place offers a more intimate and contemplative experience, away from the crowds. A hidden treasure that reveals the cultural and spiritual wealth of the region
Immerse yourself in local life by visiting the traditional Tlacolula Market, one of the most authentic and vibrant of the Central Valleys, which comes alive only on Sundays. Here you will find a mixture of colours, aromas and flavours: from typical food prepared at the time to local products, textiles and handicrafts. It is the perfect place to observe the daily life of the communities of the region and taste Oaxacan specialties in a genuine and full of energy.
Yagul, an ancient Zapotec city less visited but full of history and authenticity. Unlike the most crowded sites, here you can tour its structures in a quiet atmosphere, exploring palaces, courtyards and an imposing fortress located high on the hill. From this elevated point, you will enjoy panoramic views of the valley, while knowing the strategic and cultural importance that this settlement had in its time.
Casa Viviana in Teotitlán del Valle is a place where the tradition of making beeswax candles is kept alive as an essential part of the local culture. Here you can see how, from natural wax, handcrafted candles used in celebrations, rituals and festivities of the community are created. You will learn about the process step by step, from wax preparation to molding techniques, while discovering the cultural and symbolic meaning that these pieces have in the daily life of the people.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
We pick up all the passengers at your hotel or abb, the guide will meet them in the lobby of your accommodation and if he does not find them he will communicate by telephone.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Reviews(32)
Fernando provided an experience we will always hold near in our hearts. His attention to detail, passion for history, and calm nature made for the perfect guide. He was not rushed and catered the tour to our interests and questions. The tour provides an authentic, curated experience. Monte Alban and visiting a 5th generation wool artisan family were the absolute highlights. Rest assured, this is the best tour you can take to capture a slice of the beautiful Oaxacan culture. My family and I couldn’t be happier with the experience! Thank you, Fernando!
Excellent day with Fernando. Super friendly, helpful, knowledgeable and informative. We saw both Monte Alban and Mitla in the same day and loved it. Cannot recommend highly enough. Felt very safe and it was 100% worth spending the extra to have a private tour. Fernando is trained and qualified and clearly loves what he does.
We have booked a lot of tours around the world on Viator, this one does not disappoint. It was an absolutely fantastic day. Fernando was such a great guide, spoke excellent English and took lots of photos of us!
Fernando did an absolutely fantastic job! He was so good natured and positive, was deeply knowledgeable about the archaeological sites, and was a safe driver. We thoroughly enjoyed our day with him exploring Monte Alban and Mitla, stopping to see the Tule tree, eating a delicious lunch, and learning about the art of rug weaving in Teotitlan del Valle. Highly recommended!
We had a deep and thorough visit to Monte Alban and Mitla with additional stops for lunch, and the Turk tree and Teotitlan. Our guide , Jaime, was absolutely wondert, with deep historical and cultural knowledge.
Private tours can of course be pricey for solo travelers but if you have the budget I highly recommend, especially if you can't drive or would struggle to navigate the vicinity of Oaxaca by yourself. I had time constraints and specific goals for the day trip, and this was the only tour I could find that would go both to Monte Alban and Mitla. I had an incredible time and was able to learn a ton about the indigenous cultures and communities of the region, including comparative insights regarding sites I had previously visited near Mexico City and in Guatemala. I also learned that many tour guides in Mexico go through years of study before obtaining a license to guide tourists around important archaeological sites, meaning they are very knowledgeable and eager to share their knowledge with visitors. Miguel (who stepped in to replace Fernando as he wasn't feeling well) was extremely well-informed and did an amazing job accommodating my interests (including a quick pit stop at a mezcal distillery on the way back to Oaxaca city) and time constraints (an early afternoon bus ride back to CDMX). All in all, if you have an interest in Mesoamerican cultures and sites in the Oaxaca region, I highly recommend this tour.
Our guide Cesar was extraordinary - he was extremely professional and knowledgeable about the ruins and the many Mesoamerican civilisations. He also explained to us how the communities around Oaxaca City live and how they interlace their ancient traditions in the present. He brought us to visit local Mezcal artisans as well as master weavers which was extremely insightful. He truly enhanced our experience with his witty and funny comments. Would definitely recommend to anyone visiting Oaxaca!
We had a wonderful tour with Fernando today. He is very personable and knowledgable about all the places we went. We started at Monte Alban. It is a must to see! It was truly a highlight of our trip to Oaxaca!
Extraordinary guide, driver and tour; highly recommended as first dive in Oaxaca. On this same trip we returned for more tours.
Fernando was fantastic. Knowledgeable, engaging, great English, caring, interesting—and interested in us, too. His interpretation of all the key sites added personal and community flavor to the experience. Very comfortable transportation and a stop off at a great restaurant for lunch made the day perfect. Pick up and drop off at our rental was flawless. We felt that we were in good hands and thoroughly enjoyed taking one of our four days in Oaxaca to experience the history and culture of the area.



