Oaxaca: Monte Alban, Cuilapam, and Artisan Villages Tour

Oaxaca is a vibrant cultural hub in Mexico, offering a wealth of historical and artistic experiences. The Monte Alban, Cuilapam, and Artisan Villages Tour provides an immersive exploration of this rich heritage. Visitors can discover the ancient Zapotec city of Monte Alban, the colonial convent of Cuilapam, and witness the creation of traditional Oaxacan crafts. With round-trip transportation and a knowledgeable guide, this tour promises to unveil the captivating essence of Oaxaca‘s remarkable past and present. What secrets might this journey uncover?

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Key Points

This full-day tour explores the cultural heritage of Oaxaca, visiting the ancient Zapotec city of Monte Alban, the Cuilapam convent, and artisan villages.
The tour is priced from $17.66 per person and includes transportation, a live Spanish guide, and passenger insurance.
Highlights include witnessing the creation of black pottery and alebrijes, traditional Oaxacan crafts, in the artisan villages.
The tour is not suitable for children under 6, pregnant women, or wheelchair users, and smoking, pets, and weapons are prohibited.
Customer reviews mention engaging guides but suggest room for improvement in logistics and diversifying activities beyond shopping at the artisan villages.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Oaxaca: Monte Alban, Cuilapam, and Artisan Villages Tour offers visitors a full-day experience exploring the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Explore the rich cultural heritage of Oaxaca through a full-day tour of Monte Alban, Cuilapam, and artisan villages.

Priced from $17.66 per person, the 9-hour tour includes visits to the ancient Zapotec city of Monte Alban, the former convent of Cuilapam, and local artisan villages known for black pottery and alebrijes.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and pay-later booking provide flexibility.

Transportation from Oaxaca, a live tour guide, and passenger insurance are included.

However, the tour isn’t suitable for young children, pregnant women, or wheelchair users.

Looking for more options in Oaxaca De Juarez? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Itinerary Highlights

As the tour’s main highlights, visitors will first explore the ancient Zapotec city of Monte Alban, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Next, they’ll venture to the former convent of Cuilapam de Guerrero.

The tour then takes guests to:

Experience the creation of black pottery in San Bartolo Coyotepec.
Discover the making of alebrijes (colorful wooden figurines) in San Antonio Arrazola.
Enjoy round-trip transportation from Oaxaca included in the tour.
Explore these culturally rich destinations with a live tour guide available (Spanish).

Tour Details

Along with the live tour guide available in Spanish, a tour coordinator is provided to assist guests throughout the experience. Passenger insurance is included, ensuring a worry-free journey. However, the tour is not suitable for certain groups, including children under 6, pregnant women, and wheelchair users. Guests are advised to come prepared with comfortable shoes, a hat, camera, sunscreen, and water. Smoking, pets, weapons, and sharp objects are not allowed. Transportation is shared, with the type varying based on the number of participants. The meeting point is hotel pickup in Oaxaca.

| Tour Details | | |

| — | — | — |

| Live tour guide available | Spanish | – |

| Tour coordinator provided | – | – |

| Passenger insurance included | – | – |

| Not suitable for | Children under 6 | Pregnant women |

| | Wheelchair users | – |

| Meeting point | Hotel pickup in Oaxaca | – |

Important Information

Guests are advised to bring several essential items for the tour, including comfortable shoes, a hat, camera, sunscreen, and water.

The tour isn’t suitable for children under 6 years old, pregnant women, or wheelchair users. Pets, weapons, sharp objects, and smoking are also not allowed.

The transportation for the tour is shared, with the type varying based on the number of participants. Children aged 0-6 pay half the adult price, while those 7 and up pay the full price.

Minors must be accompanied by an adult, as unaccompanied minors aren’t permitted. Guests are expected to wait up to 5 minutes for the tour to depart.

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Customer Reviews and Feedback

The Oaxaca tour has received an overall rating of 4.2 out of 5 based on 6 reviews.

Passengers praised the tour guides’ engaging storytelling and humor, but had mixed reactions to the lunch options and the emphasis on shopping at the artisan villages.

Some noted the passenger pickup process as lengthy, causing delays.

While the tour generally received positive feedback, the mixed comments suggest areas for potential improvement, such as optimizing the logistics and diversifying the activities beyond shopping.

There's plenty more to explore in Oaxaca De Juarez

Exploring the Ancient City of Monte Alban

What awaits visitors at the ancient Zapotec city of Monte Albán, a UNESCO World Heritage Site? Perched atop a mountain plateau, this majestic archaeological site offers a glimpse into the rich heritage of the Zapotec civilization.

Perched atop a mountain plateau, the ancient Zapotec city of Monte Albán offers a glimpse into its rich cultural heritage.

Visitors can:

Explore the impressive ceremonial plazas, pyramids, and palace ruins that date back to the 5th century BC.
Marvel at the intricate carvings, hieroglyphic inscriptions, and astronomical alignments that showcase the Zapotec’s advanced understanding of the cosmos.
Climb the iconic Grand Plaza and take in the sweeping vistas of the Oaxaca Valley.
Discover the underground tombs and learn about the funerary practices of this ancient civilization.

Discovering the Convent of Cuilapam De Guerrero

Where does the tour next take visitors after exploring the ancient Zapotec city of Monte Albán?

The tour then visits the former convent of Cuilapam de Guerrero. This 16th-century Dominican convent features impressive stone architecture and a serene courtyard.

Visitors can wander through the tranquil grounds, admiring the intricate carvings and ornate details that showcase the convent’s rich history.

The guide will share insights into the religious and cultural significance of this historic site, allowing travelers to gain a deeper understanding of Oaxaca’s colonial past.

From here, the tour continues to immerse guests in the vibrant artisan communities nearby.

Taking in Artisan Traditions

After exploring the historic Cuilapam convent, the tour turns its focus to immersing visitors in the renowned artisan traditions of Oaxaca.

First, the group visits San Bartolo Coyotepec, known for its distinctive black pottery. Here, they witness skilled potters shaping, firing, and decorating these unique ceramics.

Next, they travel to San Antonio Arrazola to observe the intricate process of creating alebrijes – brightly colored, whimsical wooden sculptures.

The tour then explores the vibrant markets, where artisans sell their handcrafted wares, providing an opportunity to purchase authentic souvenirs.

Finally, the immersive experience concludes, leaving visitors with a deeper appreciation for Oaxaca’s rich artisan heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Group Size for This Tour?

The tour size is flexible, as it’s a shared service with varying transportation based on the number of participants. The tour allows for both solo travelers and larger groups to join.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions or Special Needs Accommodations?

The tour doesn’t specifically mention any dietary restrictions or special needs accommodations. However, it’s recommended to contact the tour provider in advance if you have any specific requirements so they can try to accommodate them.

Can I Purchase Souvenirs at the Artisan Villages?

Yes, visitors can purchase souvenirs at the artisan villages on the tour. The itinerary includes time to experience traditional crafts like black pottery and alebrijes, providing opportunities to buy handmade items directly from the artisans.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour does not offer an option to extend the duration. The standard tour lasts 9 hours and includes visits to key sites. Extending the tour would require booking a separate, longer tour package or arranging a private tour.

How Do I Communicate With the Tour Guide if I Don’t Speak Spanish?

The tour offers a live Spanish-speaking guide, but if you don’t speak Spanish, you can communicate with the guide by pointing, gesturing, or using a translation app. The tour coordinator is also available to assist with any language barriers.

The Sum Up

The Monte Alban, Cuilapam, and Artisan Villages Tour offers an immersive cultural experience in Oaxaca. Visitors can explore the ancient Zapotec ruins of Monte Alban, tour the historic Cuilapam Convent, and witness the creation of traditional pottery and alebrijes. With round-trip transportation, a live Spanish guide, and an affordable price tag, this full-day adventure is an excellent way to discover Oaxaca’s rich heritage.

You can check availability for your dates here: