10 Archaeology Tours in Oaxaca That You Shouldn't Miss

March 2, 2022 Velvet Mowry

Easygoing and vibrant, Oaxaca offers the best of southern Mexican charm, pairing lively festivals and entertainment with fantastic cuisine and unique cultural attractions. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Oaxaca is home to the spectacular Macedonio Alcala Theater and a short drive from the inspiring rock formations at Hierve el Aqua.
Restaurants in Oaxaca

1. Monte Alban, Atzompa, Yagul and Mitla Archaeological Sites Day Trip

Enjoy Oaxaca
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Enjoy a full-day trip from Oaxaca and see the main archaeological sites in Oaxaca. You'll first visit Monte Alban, which is the major urban center built by the Zapotec culture. Then, you'll see Atzompa and Yagul. Finally, visit Mitla which highlights Zapotec architecture. Your tour includes round-trip transport and a guide.

Inclusions: Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only), Transport by air-conditioned minivan

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities, Admissions in Monte Alban, Atzompa, Yagul and Mitla.

Reviewed By ariele387

Notified me about the hierve el agua being closed and substituted a mezcal tour, but didn't say anything about el tule being closed also until he was asked during the tour. Probably spent 2 hours at gift shops because there's nothing to do. I felt I was tricked into this tour. Tour guide had very poor English, he would spend 5 mins talking about something in spanish then speak English for 20 secs. Terrible experience.

2. Shuttle Monte Alban

Calle de Manuel Bravo 119, RUTA INDEPENDENCIA, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., Mexico Enjoy Oaxaca
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5.0 based on 7 reviews

Choose between different schedules, to visit the archaeological site of Monte Alban, with our Shuttle service. This is a shared service at a low cost, due to the covid contingency, access is controlled. We have 3 departure times. 9:20 am 11:00 am 12:50 pm Monte Albán is open from November 24, 2020 from 10 am to 4 pm.

Inclusions: Transport by air-conditioned minivan., Pick up and drop off in the same place., Round trip, Only english speaking driver

Exclusions: Entrance fees ($80 MXN per person), Hotel pickup and drop-off, Guide

Reviewed By ariele387

Notified me about the hierve el agua being closed and substituted a mezcal tour, but didn't say anything about el tule being closed also until he was asked during the tour. Probably spent 2 hours at gift shops because there's nothing to do. I felt I was tricked into this tour. Tour guide had very poor English, he would spend 5 mins talking about something in spanish then speak English for 20 secs. Terrible experience.

3. Mitla, Tule, Tlacolula and Teotilán

Oaxaca, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., Mexico Encuentro
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

The tour will begin by visiting the majestic Tule Tree, an ahuehuete that is more than 2000 years old. From Thursday to Sunday don´t miss Mitla, a town and municipal seat in the state of Oaxaca, famous for being the site of the archaeological ruins of Mitla. The tour will continue to visit a Group of Caves with cave paintings and vestiges of past times in the Tlacolula Valley, its baroque chapel and the market. Later we will visit Teotitlán del Valle, a community where residents are dedicated to making handicrafts on a pedal loom, with wool rugs standing out. An artisan will demonstrate how they obtain the different colors with natural products such as cochineal, indigo, etc. On the route, a stop will be made at a mezcal factory to learn about its production in an artisanal way and it will be tasted.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Professional driver, Hotel pickup (selected hotels only), Guide

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities

4. Oaxaca Zapoteca Route Private

Amazing Huatulco, Oaxaca
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Enjoy an Amazing tour from Huatulco to Oaxaca for 3 days, you will discover the magic of ancient cultures, also you will visit the mezcal palenques, the city of the dead "MITLA", the Archaeological Zone. The adventure continues making the following scale to the Zapotec indigenous people of weavers "Teotitlan del valle", a place full of colors. Continue the journey where you will appreciate the famous and most notable "Tree of El Tule", And to finish this first day of adventure we arrived at the Oaxacan capital, where they will appreciate the former church of Santo Domingo de Guzmán. The second day you will enjoy this great journey where we will know Monte Alban archaeological site which is the ancient capital of the Zapotecos and one of the first cities in Mesoamerica. we willvisit a small town of adobe houses "San Bartolo Coyotepec" famous for its black pottery. you will have the opportunity to visit Artisan Villages where you will admire the wood carving artisans.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Guía Local Zapoteco certificado

Exclusions: Entradas a las zonas arqueológicas y atracciones, Comida y bebidas, Hospedaje

Reviewed By tristad2014

Tomas was easily one of the best tour guides I've ever had. Incredibly knowledgeable, and super friendly he did everything to make the tour perfect. And the work being done at La Escobilla is so important, it's a great opportunity to support a wonderful cause. And of course the baby turtles are absolutely adorable!! I couldn't recommend it more!

5. Oaxaca Antigua Full-Day Tour

Av. José María Morelos 900, RUTA INDEPENDENCIA, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., Mexico Huijatoo
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5.0 based on 6 reviews

Our tour will offer you an unforgettable experience and stay in our state, which will be visual, historical and cultural. Thanks to our certified tour guides, you will be able to give you extensive knowledge of the great history and present of the tourist attractions that surround Oaxaca.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation, Fuel surcharge

Exclusions: Snacks

Reviewed By Absolutevirgo

This tour is a must-do for the nature lover and eco-adventurer! Our guides, Mario and Luis Alberto, were charming and took great care of us as they shared the natural wonders, the stunning vistas, the unique cultural attractions and exciting recreational opportunities of the Sierras high above Oaxaca. Our group was small and our guides were passionate about sharing their culture with us and providing great service so they were flexible with the schedule allowing us to experience everything fully. We enjoyed a ypical breakfast then continued on to for a demonstration by a Oaxacan traditional wood artist. We were then treated to an amazing series of natural wonders including breathtaking scenic lookouts (one on a glass-bottomed platform - a thrill), hiked and explored caves and cenote, and we even got to do a zip line (a first for us!). They never rushed us and we were all having such a good time that they let us continue for two hours beyond what had been arranged. Speaking of breathtaking, this tour does involve physical activity, much of it at higher altitudes. You don't have to be an athelete to enjoy it, but it would definitely be most rewarding for those who can hike inclines and hop between rocks to get to all of the best spots. But, based on our experience, I'm sure that Mario and Luis would adjust the tour to make it work for those who couldn't do it all. You'll definitely come away from this experience exhilarated, with loads of memories and spectacular photos.

6. Oaxaca City Tour

Av. de la Independencia 100, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., Mexico Free Tour Oaxaca
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5.0 based on 4 reviews

The walking tour in Oaxaca aims to make you'r experience the most likeable possible in your city, our job is to introduce you to the city with our history, traditions, and local folklore that you can only experience by walking. Our guides will always try the best to put a smile on your face and at the same time teach you about this wonderful city in Mexico! The best way to get to know the best of Oaxaca with a local and in a budget friendly way and focusing only on you!

Inclusions: Professional Tour Guide

Exclusions:

Reviewed By JoanneG548

Great! Very interesting with Raoul as our guide - he was fantastic! He gave a wonderful introduction not only to Oaxaca but also overall Mexican National history and the culture, cuisine, and anything we asked about! Super helpful and insightful !!!

7. Private VIP Tour Oaxaca

Av. de la Independencia 100, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., Mexico Free Tour Oaxaca
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

The VIP tour in Oaxaca aims to make you'r experience the most likeable possible in your city, our job is to introduce you to the city with our history, traditions, and local folklore that you can only experience with us. Our guides will always try the best to put a smile on your face and at the same time teach you about this wonderful city in Mexico! The best way to get to know the best of Oaxaca with a local and in a private way and focusing only on you and your requests!

Inclusions: Professional Tour Guide , Private Vehicle (if requested)

Exclusions: Entrances , Food and Drinks

Reviewed By JoanneG548

Great! Very interesting with Raoul as our guide - he was fantastic! He gave a wonderful introduction not only to Oaxaca but also overall Mexican National history and the culture, cuisine, and anything we asked about! Super helpful and insightful !!!

8. Monte Alban Guided Half Day Tour

Alameda de Leon 2, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., Mexico Lescas Co Tours
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5.0 based on 5 reviews

We have quality service, our guides are certified but above all we have a lot of charisma and spark in what we like to do, to pamper the traveler in order to know the wonders of our state.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, travel insurance

Exclusions: Breakfast, Does not include Tickets or Admissions

Reviewed By 635klp

We didn’t want to do a full day tour so it was really easy to just use the shuttle option. Evelyn, who helped us, was very nice and I was so thankful to her and the driver when they helped me retrieve my phone after having left it in the van.

9. Private Tour: World Heritage Sites, UNESCO Monte Alban & City of Oaxaca

Guide Oaxaca
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

This is a private tour only for those who book with us. We are in no rush and you decide how long you stay in the archaeological area. We are qualified guides with in-depth knowledge of our region. Whether they are French or English speaking, our guides have passed the guide diploma and know the region inside out, not only the tourist sites, but also the local culture and history. If you need a wheelchair, baby chair or stroller, please let us know in advance. No additional charge.

Inclusions: English or French speaking guide, Air-conditioned vehicle, Professional driver, Bottled water, In addition, we offer audio guides, they are technological, with disposable headphones so that you can listen to your guide without needing to be close at all times., Entrance tickets to all visiting sites, Travel insurance in the vehicle

Exclusions: No tips, Lunch

Reviewed By Marielle0306

I would definitely recommend this if you want to check off a bunch of boxes in one day. This tour includes: Tule Tree, Mezcaleria, Teotitlan weaver's, Mitla ruins, and Hierve El Agua. They are relatively quick stops (except for Teotitlan and Hierve El Agua) but each had sufficient time to see what was there. The guide gave us information at each place, except for Hierve El Agua, which I would have liked to know more about, so I guess I'll just read about it online. Lunch was good and the driver was very good.

10. Montealban, Alebrijes, Cuilapam and Barro Negro

Catedral Metropolitana de Oaxaca, Av. de la Independencia 700, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., Mexico Oaxacan Experiences
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4.5 based on 2 reviews

Montealban is one of the places to visit if you come to Oaxaca. With more than 2,000 years of history, Montealban is unique. In addition, you can visit the workshops of alebrijes and black mud, recognized crafts of the Oaxaca Valley. You can also enjoy the architectural beauty of the Cuilapam convent.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: Breakfast

Reviewed By amellalyp

The tour was informative and the places were amazing. Just take note that when you are on a tour like this you are on limited time, we wanted to stay @ Hierve el Agua longer ): also it will take all day so take a few snacks/water.

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