Exploring the rich cultural tapestry of Oaxaca through a full-day tour is an enticing prospect. This guided journey promises to immerse visitors in the region’s natural wonders and historical marvels, from the iconic Montezuma cypress to the captivating ruins of Mitla. With a blend of sightseeing, hands-on experiences, and tastings, the tour offers a well-rounded introduction to Oaxaca’s diverse heritage. Whether you’re a first-time traveler or a seasoned explorer, this comprehensive excursion might just uncover hidden gems that leave you eager to discover more.
Key Points
- A full-day tour priced at $51.26 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and an option to reserve now and pay later.
- Highlights include visiting the world’s widest tree, exploring the mineral-rich waterfalls of Hierve el Agua, and touring the Mitla archaeological site.
- Offers a guided workshop on wool-based weaving in Teotitlan del Valle and a wine tasting and shopping experience in Santiago Matatlan.
- Duration of 3 hours with a small group limited to 15 participants, including round-trip transportation, travel insurance, site access, and a certified guide.
- Allows for swimming in the therapeutic waters of Hierve el Agua and provides insights into the history and cultural significance of the sites visited.
Tour Overview and Pricing
This full-day tour offers an immersive exploration of Oaxaca’s wonders. Priced from $51.26 per person, the tour provides free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later.
Lasting 3 hours, the small-group experience is limited to 15 participants and is wheelchair accessible. The tour includes round-trip transportation, travel insurance, site access, and a certified guide.
Guests can expect to visit the world’s widest tree, Hierve el Agua’s mineral-rich waterfalls, the Mitla archaeological site, a weaving workshop, and a wine tasting in Santiago Matatlan.
Looking for more options in Santa Maria Del Tule? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Itinerary Highlights
The tour begins with a visit to the Santa María del Tule, home to the widest tree in the world at over 2,000 years old. Guests will spend 30 minutes exploring this natural wonder.
Visitors spend 30 minutes exploring the Santa María del Tule, home to the widest tree in the world at over 2,000 years old.
Next, the group heads to Hierve el Agua, a photo stop with a guided tour and the opportunity to swim in the mineral-rich waterfalls, lasting 3.5 hours.
The tour then explores the Mitla Archaeological Zone, with a 1.5-hour guided tour of the ancient "city of the dead."
Finally, guests visit a workshop in Teotitlan del Valle to learn about wool-based pedal looms and natural dyeing, followed by wine tasting and shopping in Santiago Matatlan.
Santa María Del Tule
Visitors to the Oaxacan Wonders Tour will start their journey at the Santa María del Tule, home to the widest tree in the world.
This 2,000-year-old Montezuma cypress measures over 190 feet in circumference, towering over the small town.
Guests will have 30 minutes to:
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Admire the tree’s massive, twisted trunk
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Explore the surrounding gardens and plaza
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Snap photos from multiple angles to capture its sheer size
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Listen to the guide’s insights about the tree’s history and cultural significance
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Venture inside the tree’s hollowed-out interior to get a unique perspective
Hierve El Agua
After visiting the colossal Montezuma cypress at Santa María del Tule, the Oaxacan Wonders Tour takes guests to the breathtaking natural wonder of Hierve el Agua.
The tour allows for a photo stop and guided tour of this unique site, where mineral-rich waterfalls cascade over dramatic cliffs. Visitors can even swim in the cool, therapeutic waters.
The tour spends 3.5 hours exploring Hierve el Agua, providing ample time to fully appreciate this natural marvel.
More Great Tours NearbyMitla Archaeological Zone
Following the Hierve el Agua visit, the Oaxacan Wonders Tour takes guests to the Mitla Archaeological Zone.
This ancient city, once the religious and administrative center of the Zapotec civilization, offers a glimpse into the region’s rich history.
Visitors can explore the site’s intricate stone carvings, admire the well-preserved architecture, and learn about the cultural significance of this important archaeological site.
Key highlights include:
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Guided tour of the Mitla ruins
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Observation of the unique "fretwork" stone carvings
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Understanding the significance of the "City of the Dead"
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Exploring the site’s plazas, temples, and palace structures
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Gaining insights into the Zapotec people and their traditions
Teotitlan Del Valle
After visiting the ancient Mitla Archaeological Zone, the Oaxacan Wonders Tour takes guests to the vibrant town of Teotitlan del Valle.
Here, they’ll experience a workshop on wool-based pedal looms and natural dyeing. Visitors will observe skilled artisans weaving intricate textiles and learn about the region’s centuries-old weaving traditions.
The tour spends an hour in Teotitlan del Valle, providing a glimpse into the town’s rich cultural heritage and the craftsmanship of its weavers.
This stop offers a hands-on, immersive experience that highlights Oaxaca’s renowned textile arts.
Santiago Matatlan
The final stop on the Oaxacan Wonders Tour is Santiago Matatlan, where visitors can indulge in a wine tasting and explore the local shops.
Guests spend 2 hours in this charming town, discovering the region’s renowned mezcal and artisanal crafts.
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Savor the complex flavors of Oaxacan mezcal during a guided tasting.
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Browse the vibrant local markets for one-of-a-kind textiles, pottery, and other handmade souvenirs.
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Visit a traditional mezcal distillery to learn about the production process.
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Explore the town’s historic streets and architecture.
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Enjoy free time to wander and soak up the lively atmosphere.
Transportation and Accessibility
The Oaxacan Wonders Tour starts from the Zócalo and utilizes a van for transportation between the various stops on the itinerary. This allows for smooth transitions and easy access to the sites.
The tour includes a separate entrance to skip the lines, making the experience more efficient. The van is wheelchair accessible, ensuring the tour is inclusive for all participants.
The transportation is provided as part of the tour package, along with round transfers, travel insurance, and certified guide services. This comprehensive approach enhances the overall convenience and accessibility of the Oaxacan Wonders Tour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
According to the tour overview, outside food and drinks are not included in the tour. However, the tour allows participants to bring their own snacks and beverages to consume during the trip.
Is There a Bathroom Break During the Tour?
Yes, there are bathroom breaks during the tour. The itinerary includes scheduled stops at different locations, which allows participants to use the facilities as needed throughout the day.
How Much Physical Activity Is Involved in the Tour?
The tour involves moderate physical activity. There’s walking at the sites, including a visit to the mineral springs at Hierve el Agua, but overall the pace is leisurely. Comfortable shoes are recommended to fully enjoy the day’s activities.
Can I Book the Tour in a Language Other Than English?
The tour is available in languages other than English. Customers can select their preferred language when booking the tour, ensuring a comfortable and informative experience. The guide will provide the tour in the selected language throughout the day.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
According to the tour overview, the standard duration is 3 hours. However, there’s no mention of an option to extend the tour. Customers can check with the tour provider if they’d like a longer experience.
The Sum Up
The Full-Day Tour of Oaxacan Wonders offers an enriching exploration of Oaxaca’s cultural and natural highlights. At $51.26 per person, it’s a well-rounded experience that showcases the iconic Montezuma cypress, the stunning Hierve el Agua waterfalls, the Mitla archaeological site, a weaving workshop, and a wine tasting, with round-trip transportation and a certified guide. It’s an accessible and practical way to take in Oaxaca’s wonders.
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