Boil the Water and Mitla Mezcal Tour

A Complete Day in Oaxaca: The Boil the Water and Mitla Mezcal Tour

If you’re looking for a way to see some of Oaxaca’s most compelling sights while enjoying local traditions and stunning scenery, the “Boil the Water and Mitla Mezcal Tour” offers a rewarding package. This day-long excursion is crafted for travelers who want a balanced mix of history, nature, and culture—each with a personal touch from friendly guides. From ancient ruins to natural wonders and mezcal tastings, it’s a well-rounded way to spend your day.

What we particularly love about this tour is its thoughtful itinerary that balances fascinating archaeological sites with awe-inspiring landscapes. Plus, the inclusion of local artisan visits adds a genuine flavor to the experience. The guided nature of the tour means you’ll gain insight beyond just the surface, and the small group size ensures a personal touch.

One thing to keep in mind: the entire day involves a fair bit of moving around, so it’s best suited for travelers comfortable with a busy schedule. If you prefer slow-paced sightseeing or have mobility concerns, some parts might feel rushed. Still, for those eager to see a diverse slice of Oaxaca in a single day, this tour hits a sweet spot. It’s especially ideal for first-time visitors or anyone interested in combining cultural exploration with natural beauty.

Who should consider this tour? It’s perfect for curious travelers wanting an authentic, all-in-one experience, especially those who appreciate guided tours that combine education, scenery, and local flavor in one package.

Key Points

• Balanced itinerary: Combines archaeology, nature, and local craftsmanship.
• Expert guides: Personal service with knowledgeable guides enhances the experience.
• Value for money: At $72.42, you get multiple stops, transportation, and entry fees included.
• Authentic encounters: Interactions with artisans and locals deepen your understanding of Oaxaca’s traditions.
• Time-efficient: Fits a lot into roughly 10 hours, making it ideal for a full day.
• Small group setting: Limited to 16 travelers, ensuring comfort and personalized attention.

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Santa Maria del Tule and the Tree of Tule

Your day begins with a visit to Santa Maria del Tule to marvel at its famous Tree of Tule—a living monument estimated to be around 2,000 years old. It’s a sight that’s hard to ignore; this enormous Huehuete (old tree) has trunk circumference of over 42 meters. The setting is tranquil, and the 40-minute stop allows plenty of time to walk around, take photos, and soak in the atmosphere. The best part? Entrance is free, making it an easy and budget-friendly start.

Teotitlán del Valle: Arts and Crafts

Next, you’ll head to Teotitlán del Valle, a town known for its traditional wool weaving and natural dyeing techniques. You’ll visit a local artisan’s home, where you can observe the intricate process of transforming raw wool into colorful textiles. This stop is especially valuable for anyone interested in traditional crafts, as it offers a hands-on look at how local artisans keep ancient techniques alive. The 40-minute visit includes a chance to interact with the craftspeople and appreciate their skills directly. Best of all, no admission fee here—just a glimpse into local life.

Mitla: The Archaeological Marvel

From there, you’ll travel about 20 minutes to Mitla, a UNESCO-listed archaeological site that gained prominence after the decline of Monte Albán. Known for its striking greca (meander) motifs, Mitla’s architecture is a highlight for history lovers. The site offers a focused 1-hour tour, with admission included in the tour price, which is a great value considering entry alone often costs extra. Expect to see intricate stonework and learn about its significance in Zapotec culture. This stop provides a tangible link to Oaxaca’s ancient past.

San Pablo Villa de Mitla: Lunch and Local Flavors

Midday, the tour pauses at a local restaurant for a buffet of Oaxaca’s distinctive gastronomy. With an hour to enjoy the food, you’ll get a taste of regional ingredients and cooking styles—think mole, beans, fresh tortillas, and local vegetables. No admission fee is charged here, and the buffet format allows you to sample a variety of dishes. It’s a perfect chance to relax, refuel, and enjoy the flavors that make Oaxaca famous.

Hierve el Agua: Natural Wonders

One of the tour’s star attractions is Hierve el Agua, about an hour’s drive from Mitla. The name translates to “the water boils,” but instead of volcanic activity, you’ll see petrified waterfalls—limestone formations that resemble cascading waterfalls, created by mineral-rich water over millennia. The site also features natural, room-temperature pools where you can soak your tired feet. The visit lasts around three hours, giving you ample time to walk around, take photos, and perhaps even take a dip if you wish. This site is a UNESCO World Heritage geological wonder, and you’ll love the views over the valley.

Santiago Matatlán: Mezcal Tasting

The tour concludes with a visit to a local mezcal factory in Santiago Matatlán, a town renowned for mezcal production. Here, you’ll learn about the traditional process of making this iconic Mexican spirit, from roasting agave to distillation. With over 22 varieties available for tasting, this stop offers a genuine chance to appreciate the complexities of mezcal and its cultural importance. The visit lasts about an hour and is a highlight for spirits enthusiasts. Best of all, the tasting is included in the tour price, making it an authentic and affordable experience.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour provides a lot of value for the price, at $72.42 per person. Included are transfers in an air-conditioned vehicle, entrance fees to Mitla and Hierve el Agua, and the mezcal tasting. The tour is designed with a focus on comfort and convenience, with pickup offered from central Oaxaca City and a small group size (max 16 travelers) that ensures personalized attention.

Not included are meals (beyond the buffet lunch) and tips, so travelers should plan accordingly. Water is provided, which helps keep everyone hydrated during the busy day.

The Experience and Traveler Feedback

According to reviews, this tour has earned a perfect rating of 5.0 based on 10 reviews, with travelers praising the friendly guides and excellent value. One reviewer noted, “The staff was amazing, both the guide and driver were very friendly and attentive,” highlighting how important personal service can be on a busy day like this.

Several comments emphasize the stunning scenery and authentic encounters, particularly the chance to see local artisans work and taste traditional mezcal. The small group setting seems to foster a more intimate experience, allowing for questions and genuine engagement.

Some travelers mentioned that the day’s schedule is quite full, so it’s best suited for those who enjoy a fast-paced but well-organized day. If you prefer a more relaxed pace, you might find certain stops a bit rushed. Still, most appreciated the diversity and richness packed into the 10 hours.

The Sum Up: Is This Tour for You?

This tour offers a well-balanced, engaging way to experience the highlights of Oaxaca’s natural beauty, ancient sites, and vibrant traditions. It’s especially valuable for travelers who want an all-in-one day that includes history, scenery, and local culture without the hassle of organizing multiple visits. The inclusion of authentic artisan interactions and mezcal tasting makes it feel more genuine than many typical sightseeing excursions.

If you’re an enthusiastic traveler eager to see a variety of sites in a manageable schedule, this tour delivers excellent value for money and memorable moments. The friendly guides and carefully curated stops make it a reliable choice for those new to Oaxaca or anyone wanting a rundown.

However, if you prefer leisurely exploration without time constraints, you might find the schedule a bit tight. Also, those with limited mobility should consider the amount of walking and moving around involved. Still, for most, this tour strikes a smart balance between guided insights and independent discovery.

FAQ: Practical Questions About the Tour

What time does the tour start?
It begins at 8:00 am, with pickup offered from central Oaxaca City.

How long does the entire tour last?
Approximately 10 hours, including travel, sightseeing, and meals.

Is transportation included?
Yes, an air-conditioned vehicle is provided for all transfers.

Are there any additional costs during the day?
No, most entrance fees and tastings are included, but meals outside the buffet and tips are not.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 16 travelers for a more personalized experience.

Can I cancel for a full refund?
Yes, cancellations made at least 24 hours in advance are fully refunded.

In summary, the Boil the Water and Mitla Mezcal Tour offers a thoughtfully curated day in Oaxaca filled with natural marvels, ancient ruins, and local craftsmanship—all delivered with enthusiastic guides and great value. It’s a wonderful choice for travelers looking to deepen their connection with Oaxaca’s rich culture and stunning landscapes in a single, well-organized day.