Oaxaca: Private Lunch in Maguey Fields with Mezcal Tasting

If you’re craving an authentic taste of Oaxaca’s vibrant culinary scene combined with a bit of local craftsmanship, this tour offers just that. It’s a carefully curated experience that brings you out to the lush maguey fields for a traditional lunch paired with an extensive mezcal tasting. While it’s not a lengthy tour, it packs in enough flavor and culture to satisfy curious travelers eager to deepen their understanding of Oaxaca’s famed agave spirits and regional cuisine.

We love the opportunity to enjoy a private setting—away from the crowds—where the focus is squarely on the food, drinks, and stories behind them. The delicious local dishes, especially the Tlayudas and Memelas, stand out as authentic bites, and the mezcals selected for tasting promise a true taste of Oaxaca’s legendary spirit. A potential consideration might be the cost, as $215 per person isn’t cheap for a two-hour experience, but the inclusion of round-trip transportation and a small group size helps make it a good value for those seeking a personalized, immersive outing.

This experience suits travelers who appreciate good food, crave insight into traditional Mexican distilled spirits, and enjoy learning about local ingredients firsthand. It’s especially ideal for those interested in culinary culture and regional specialties. If you’re looking for a quick, intimate dive into Oaxaca’s agave landscape, this could be just the ticket.

Key Points

• Authentic Culinary Experience: Enjoy local dishes like Tlayudas and Memelas prepared fresh in the fields.
• Extensive Mezcal Tasting: Over 10 different flavors, along with pulque and mezcal cremes, experience the full spectrum of Oaxaca’s spirits.
• Educational Component: Learn about how mezcal is made, including the different varieties of maguey used.
• Comfort & Convenience: Round-trip transportation from your hotel makes logistics easy.
• Small Group Setting: Limited to 10 participants, ensuring personalized attention.
• Cost & Value: For $215, you get a flavorful lunch, multiple tastings, and transportation—a fair deal for an intimate cultural experience.

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An Authentic Taste of Oaxaca’s Agave and Cuisine

This tour offers a window into Oaxaca’s beloved agave landscape, where the plant itself is as much a part of the scenery as it is a cultural treasure. We loved the way the experience begins with a comfortable hotel pickup, removing the hassle of navigating unfamiliar roads on your own. The drive out to the maguey fields feels like a step into a different world—green, sprawling, and quiet, with the distant mountains framing the horizon.

Once there, the setting instantly feels special. The traditional lunch is prepared right on-site, grilled to order, emphasizing a sense of immediacy and freshness. The dishes—most notably the Tlayudas, a crispy, large tortilla topped with beans, cheese, and meats, and Memelas, thick corn tortillas with toppings—are authentic and bursting with local flavors. Many reviews highlight how delicious the food is, with one traveler noting, “The food was simple but full of flavor, with the tlayuda being a highlight.”

The Mezcal Experience: More Than Just a Sip

The core of this experience is the mezcales—more than ten varieties—offered during the tasting. That’s an impressive number, especially in a setting that’s relaxed and educational. You’ll learn about the distillation process, the different varieties of maguey, and how each impacts flavor. The guide, speaking in both English and Spanish, shares stories that give the spirits context and a sense of local craftsmanship.

Several participants appreciated the open bar aspect, with some mentioning they enjoyed trying pulque, a traditional fermented drink made from maguey sap, alongside the spirits. For those curious about mezcal cremes, the tasting expands into an unusual and delightful realm of flavored spirits—something you might not find in your typical bar.

Cultural and Educational Insights

Beyond just drinking, this tour is an opportunity to learn about the process of mezcal production. The guide explains the varieties of maguey used in Oaxaca, and how different regions and techniques influence flavor. One review described the experience as “very informative without feeling like a lecture,” which is key for travelers wanting substance alongside their tasting.

The small group size ensures everyone can ask questions and engage deeply. Many travelers appreciated the personalized attention, noting that the guide’s knowledge made the experience more meaningful.

Practical Details: Transportation, Timing, and Cost

The round-trip transportation included in the package is a significant plus. It simplifies logistics and ensures you arrive comfortably. The experience lasts about 2 hours, a manageable length that fits well into a day of sightseeing or relaxation.

At $215 per person, the price might seem steep compared to other local activities, but when you factor in the private transport, quality of food, and variety of tastings, it becomes more understandable. It’s a curated experience, aimed at a traveler who values depth and authenticity over quick sightseeing.

The group size is limited to 10, which means you’ll get plenty of personal attention and a more intimate atmosphere—something many reviews appreciate. The flexible booking policy, allowing cancellations up to 24 hours in advance, adds a layer of security when planning your trip.

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Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for food lovers eager to taste authentic regional dishes in a scenic setting. It appeals to those curious about mezcal’s history and production, as well as travelers wanting a personalized, behind-the-scenes look at Oaxaca’s agave culture. It’s not suitable for travelers with mobility issues or wheelchair users, given the rural nature of the location, but otherwise, it’s a family-friendly and engaging outing.

If you’re short on time but want a concentrated dose of Oaxaca’s culinary and spirits culture, this tour hits the mark. For those who enjoy learning while tasting and prefer small, intimate groups, this experience offers a perfect blend of education, flavor, and scenic beauty.

The Sum Up

This tour stands out because it combines delicious food, educational insights, and a beautiful rural setting—all in a compact, well-organized package. The freshly grilled dishes, like Tlayudas and Memelas, bring Oaxaca’s flavors directly to your plate, while the mezcal tasting reveals the complexity and nuance behind Oaxaca’s most famous spirit. The inclusion of pulque and mezcal cremes makes the tasting even more intriguing.

While the price isn’t the lowest, the value lies in the quality and authenticity of the experience. It’s well-suited for travelers who want to deepen their appreciation for Oaxaca’s culinary traditions and enjoy a memorable, intimate outing. This experience captures the essence of local life—a perfect way to connect, learn, and savor.

For those who want a personalized, flavorful glimpse into Oaxaca’s agave landscape, this tour offers an authentic taste that many will remember long after they’ve returned home.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
You’ll get a private transport from your hotel, a traditional lunch in the maguey fields, and an open bar featuring mezcal, mezcal cremes, and pulque.

How long does the tour last?
The experience is approximately 2 hours from pickup to drop-off.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, round-trip transportation from your hotel in Oaxaca is included, making logistics hassle-free.

What dishes will I try?
Expect Tlayudas, Memelas, chapulines (grasshoppers), and a variety of sauces, all prepared fresh in the fields.

How many types of mezcal will I taste?
Over 10 different flavors, along with pulque and mezcal cremes, for a broad tasting experience.

Can I cancel the booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this experience suitable for children or those with mobility issues?
It’s not ideal for wheelchair users or travelers with mobility challenges, as the setting is rural and may involve uneven terrain.

What should I bring?
Bring a hat, camera, sunscreen, and comfortable clothes suited for outdoor conditions.

What language is the tour conducted in?
The tour is offered in both English and Spanish.

This experience offers a genuine slice of Oaxaca’s culinary and spirits culture in a memorable, intimate setting. Perfect for those wanting more than just sightseeing—hop in and enjoy the flavors and stories behind Oaxaca’s legendary agave spirits.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby