Oaxaca’s rich cultural heritage takes center stage in the "Best of Monte Albán and Visit Two Villages Around" tour. This guided adventure promises an immersive 10-hour experience, allowing travelers to explore the ancient city of Monte Albán and discover the artisanal treasures of nearby villages. With expert commentary and insider access, the tour offers a unique opportunity to explore Oaxaca’s past and present, leaving participants with a deeper appreciation for the region’s vibrant traditions.

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Key Points

This 10-hour tour explores the ancient city of Monte Albán, a significant archaeological site in Oaxaca, with guided walks through pyramids, tombs, plazas, and palaces.
The tour also includes visits to the villages of Arrazola, known for its colorful folk art (alebrijes), and Coyotepec, renowned for its black pottery.
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation, and a certified tour guide, but excludes meals, drinks, tips, and entrance fees.
The tour is not recommended for individuals with altitude sickness or mobility impairments, as it involves uneven surfaces and stairs.
The tour operates rain or shine, and the use of drones is prohibited during the tour.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The tour, titled "Best of Monte Albán and visit two villages around," offers a comprehensive experience exploring the ancient city of Monte Albán and two nearby villages known for their unique crafts.

This 10-hour tour, priced from $31.89 per person, is available in English and Spanish. Guests can expect hotel pickup, guided walks through pyramids and plazas, and stops at the villages of Arrazola and Coyotepec.

While meals aren’t included, the tour provides a lunch break. Comfortable shoes are recommended, and drones aren’t allowed.

The tour operates rain or shine, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Looking for more options in Central Mexico? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Itinerary Highlights

Guests will explore Monte Albán, the most significant ancient city of Oaxaca and America. An expert guide will lead a walking tour through the pyramids, tombs, plazas, and palaces.

Visitors will then journey to the nearby villages of Arrazola, known for its alebrijes (colorful folk art), and Coyotepec, renowned for its black pottery.

Throughout the day, guests will stop for an included lunch. The tour provides a comprehensive look at the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the Oaxaca region.

Inclusions and Exclusions

This tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, transportation, and a certified tour guide.

However, it excludes meals, drinks, tips, and the entrance fee. Guests should come prepared with comfortable shoes as the tour involves a guided walk through the ancient site of Monte Albán.

Drones aren’t allowed on the tour, which operates rain or shine. It’s important to note that the tour may not be suitable for individuals with altitude sickness or mobility impairments.

Important Notes

Although the tour of Monte Albán and nearby villages offers a comprehensive experience, it may not be suitable for all travelers.

The tour isn’t recommended for individuals prone to altitude sickness or those with mobility impairments, as the sites involve navigating uneven terrain and stairs. Visitors are advised to wear comfortable shoes.

Plus, the use of drones isn’t permitted during the tour. The tour operates rain or shine, so participants should be prepared for various weather conditions.

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Customer Reviews

What do reviewers say about the Best of Monte Albán and Nearby Villages tour?

Based on 3 reviews, the overall rating is 3.3/5. Customers praise the quality of the bus and the expertise of the guides.

However, some criticize the late pickup and language issues during the tour. Satisfied customers recommend the knowledgeable and friendly guides.

The tour seems to offer a comprehensive experience exploring the ancient city of Monte Albán and visiting nearby villages known for their unique crafts.

But the mixed reviews suggest room for improvement in ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for all participants.

There's plenty more to explore in Central Mexico

Exploring Monte Albán

As the centerpiece of the tour, Monte Albán is the most significant ancient city in Oaxaca and all of the Americas.

Guided by an expert, visitors explore the pyramids, tombs, plazas, and palaces that comprise this archaeological gem. The guide shares insights into the city’s history as the capital of the Zapotec civilization, which flourished from 500 B.C. to 800 A.D.

Guests marvel at the impressive architecture and engineering feats of this pre-Columbian metropolis. Exploring the well-preserved ruins offers a window into the advanced civilization that once thrived in this region of Mexico.

Visiting Arrazola and Coyotepec

After exploring the ancient ruins of Monte Albán, the tour moves on to nearby villages renowned for their distinct artisanal traditions.

First, visitors stop in Arrazola, known for its production of alebrijes – vibrant, fantastical wooden figurines. Here, they witness skilled artisans carving and painting these intricate Mexican folk art pieces.

Next, the tour heads to Coyotepec, a village specializing in the creation of black pottery. Guests can observe the traditional pottery-making process and even try their hand at shaping the clay.

These cultural visits provide a deeper appreciation for the rich heritage of Oaxaca’s artisanal communities.

Tour Experience and Recommendations

Though the tour covers a significant amount of ground in a single day, visitors generally report a well-paced and informative experience.

The guided walks through Monte Albán’s ancient ruins are praised for their depth of knowledge, while the visits to the nearby villages offer a glimpse into local artisanal traditions.

However, some customers have noted issues with pickup times and language barriers during the tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Participants Bring Their Own Food on the Tour?

Participants can’t bring their own food on the tour, as the inclusions only cover transportation, the guide, and hotel pickup/drop-off. Meals are excluded, though a stop for lunch is included as part of the tour itinerary.

Is There a Limit on Luggage or Personal Items?

The tour doesn’t have any specific limits on luggage or personal items. Participants can bring what they need, but it’s recommended to pack light and bring only essential items for the day’s activities.

Are There Bathroom Breaks During the 10-Hour Tour?

The tour includes bathroom breaks throughout the 10-hour duration. Participants can use restroom facilities at various stops along the itinerary, such as at Monte Albán and the nearby villages visited during the tour.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Senior Citizens or Students?

The tour details don’t mention any discounts for seniors or students. It’s best to check with the tour provider to see if they offer any discounted rates for these groups when booking the tour.

Can the Tour Guide Provide Recommendations for Local Restaurants?

The tour guide can provide recommendations for local restaurants to visit during the tour. They’re familiar with the area and can suggest authentic dining options that complement the cultural experience of the tour.

The Sum Up

The "Best of Monte Albán and Visit Two Villages Around" tour offers an enriching cultural experience for travelers. With expert guides, visitors can explore the ancient city of Monte Albán and discover the vibrant villages of Arrazola and Coyotepec, known for their folk art and black pottery. At just $31.89 per person, this 10-hour guided adventure is an excellent way to take in Oaxaca’s rich heritage.

You can check availability for your dates here: