Oaxaca : Boil the water, Mitla and Cocoa (Entries included).

Planning a day trip from Oaxaca City that combines natural beauty, ancient sites, and authentic crafts? This 12-hour tour by ALMA DE OAXACA TOURS offers just that, with a well-curated lineup of stops that promise a taste of Oaxaca’s most compelling sights and traditions. It’s a full-on excursion that covers the legendary Tule Tree, the archaeological site of Mitla, a traditional cocoa workshop, a mezcal tasting, and even a visit to Hierve el Agua’s natural pools.

What we particularly like about this tour is its all-in-one approach—you pay once, and everything from entry fees to tastings are included. That’s a real convenience, saving you from lining up at each site or digging into your wallet for extra cash. Plus, the small-group vibe and air-conditioned transport help keep the day comfortable and intimate.

On the flip side, the tour’s pace is quite packed, which means for those who prefer a more relaxed, leisurely exploration or want more time at each stop, this might feel a bit hurried. Also, since meals are not included, you’ll need to budget for lunch separately. But for travelers eager to see a broad slice of Oaxaca in one day, this tour hits the sweet spot—rich in cultural insight and natural wonder, with plenty of opportunities to sample local flavors.

This experience suits travelers who love a balanced mix of outdoor scenery, historical sites, and cultural crafts. If you’re limited on time but want a comprehensive introduction to Oaxaca’s highlights, or if you’re curious about local traditions like mezcal-making and chocolate crafting, this tour is a solid choice.

Key Points

• All-inclusive pricing means no surprises at the entrance gates or for tastings.
• The tour includes visits to major sights, including the legendary Tule Tree, Mitla archaeological site, and Hierve el Agua.
• Expect a busy but rewarding day with around 12 hours of sightseeing, transportation, and cultural experiences.
• The group size is small enough to foster a friendly, intimate atmosphere, with air-conditioned transport ensuring comfort.
• The emphasis on authentic local crafts—from wool textiles to ancestral chocolate and mezcal—adds a hands-on, flavorful dimension.
• Moderate physical activity is required, especially at sites like Hierve el Agua with its scenic pools and walking paths.

The Convenience of All-Inclusive Pricing

One of the most appealing aspects of this tour is that all tickets are included in the price—$70.76 per person (as of the latest info). This means you can simply relax and enjoy the day rather than worry about lining up or carrying cash for entrance fees. It’s a clever way to streamline what could otherwise be a logistical headache, especially when visiting popular archaeological sites like Mitla or natural wonders like Hierve el Agua.

Transportation and Comfort

You’ll be picked up in an air-conditioned vehicle, which is a real plus considering the long day ahead. As one traveler noted, “The transportation was comfortable and helped us avoid the hassle of figuring out public transit.” The tour operates on a start time of 8:00 am, so be ready early, but the convenience of hotel pickup (if you opt for it) means minimal fuss starting your adventure.

The First Stop: Tule Tree

Starting the day with the Tule Tree, known for its gigantic, ancient trunk, sets a memorable tone. This tree, with the widest trunk in the world and over a thousand years old, is a striking sight. The tour’s inclusion of the entrance fee ensures you can marvel at its size without scrambling for cash. As one review enthusiastically said, “The Tule Tree is a must-see—impressive and full of history.”

Cultural Immersion in Teotitlán del Valle

Next, the tour heads to Teotitlán del Valle, a village renowned for traditional textile crafts. Here, you’ll visit a workshop dedicated to sheep wool mats, where artisans still weave using age-old techniques. This immersion offers a genuine peek into Oaxaca’s rural artisan life. Afterwards, you’ll see an ancestral cocoa milling workshop—an authentic experience that connects you directly with local chocolate-making traditions. Two hours are allocated for this stop, giving you enough time to appreciate the craftsmanship and maybe even purchase a souvenir.

Sampling Oaxaca’s Spirit: Bitao Mezcal Artesanal

No visit to Oaxaca would be complete without tasting its famous mezcal. The tour includes a visit to Bitao Mezcal Artesanal, where you can savor artisanal mezcal made using traditional methods. It’s more than just a drink; it’s a symbol of patience and cultural pride. Expect a guided tasting that deepens your appreciation for this complex spirit rooted in land and tradition. Many reviews highlight the authenticity here—”The mezcal was smooth and full of character, a true taste of Oaxaca.”

The Ancient Marvel of Mitla

The archaeological site of Mitla is renowned for its intricate greca walls and fine decorative art. The tour’s 45-minute visit lets you explore this UNESCO site at your own pace. It’s a standout for architecture lovers and history buffs alike. The site’s uniqueness lies in its geometric mosaics and precise craftsmanship, unlike the more famous Monte Albán nearby. Visitors often comment on how well-preserved and striking the murals are. “Mitla’s walls are like a giant stone tapestry,” one traveler remarked.

The Natural Wonder: Hierve el Agua

The highlight for many is Hierve el Agua, a natural site with petrified waterfalls and mineral pools. Spending two hours here, you can walk along scenic trails, enjoy panoramic views, and even swim in the mineral-rich pools. The setting is simply breathtaking—imagine cliffs overlooking lush valleys, with the sound of water cascading down stone formations. The pools are at a comfortable temperature, ideal for a refreshing dip after a day of walking and sightseeing. Several reviews praise the stunning views and photo opportunities—”The landscape here looks like something from another planet.”

The Chocolate Workshop and Additional Touches

Throughout the day, you’ll indulge in ancestral chocolate tastings, which emphasize Oaxaca’s rich cacao tradition. These sensory moments are often highlighted as one of the tour’s most delightful aspects, especially for those interested in culinary culture.

While the tour’s price is moderate, it’s packed with value—multiple sites, tastings, entrance fees, and transport—all covered in one package. You’re paying for an efficient way to sample some of Oaxaca’s most iconic sights and flavors without the hassle of planning each stop separately. Travelers appreciated the well-organized itinerary and appreciated how it allowed them to experience diverse facets of the region—from natural wonders to ancient ruins and indigenous crafts.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Bring comfortable shoes—there’s walking involved, especially at Hierve el Agua and Mitla.
• Prepare for the weather—it can be hot during the day, so hats, sunscreen, and water are recommended.
• Lunch is not included, so plan to eat during your free time or bring snacks.
• Moderate physical activity is required, particularly at Hierve el Agua with its walking trails and pools.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a well-rounded taste of Oaxaca—combining nature, history, and culture in a single day. It’s ideal for travelers who want a rundown without the fuss of organizing multiple day trips. The inclusion of authentic experiences like textiles, chocolate, and mezcal ensures you won’t just see sights, but also connect with Oaxaca’s living traditions.

If you’re eager to explore Oaxaca’s key attractions efficiently—from the ancient walls of Mitla to the natural beauty of Hierve el Agua—this tour is a smart choice. It suits those who enjoy a mix of outdoor scenery, cultural crafts, and local flavors. The small-group format creates a friendly atmosphere, perfect for making new travel friends or enjoying a more personalized experience. Keep in mind, the pace is brisk, and some may prefer a more relaxed day, but for a comprehensive, value-packed adventure, this tour delivers.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are offered as an option, making the start and end of your day more convenient.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience is approximately 12 hours, starting at 8:00 am.

Are entrance fees covered?
Yes, tickets for the Tule Tree, Mitla, and Boil Water are included in the price.

What kind of transportation is used?
An air-conditioned vehicle ensures comfort throughout the day.

Is food included in the tour?
No, meals are not included, so you’ll need to plan for lunch separately.

How physically demanding is the tour?
Moderate physical activity is involved, especially at Hierve el Agua and Mitla, which require walking and some climbing.

To sum it up, this tour offers a thoughtful, well-organized way to get a broad sense of Oaxaca’s cultural and natural treasures. It’s best suited for curious travelers who want an immersive, all-in-one day that combines sightseeing with tasting local crafts and flavors. If you’re ready for a packed but rewarding adventure, this trip hits all the highlights with minimal stress.