The Mezcal Tour

Exploring Oaxaca’s Mezcal Culture: A Detailed Review of The Mezcal Tour

If you’re planning a trip to Oaxaca and you’re interested in learning about one of Mexico’s most iconic drinks—mezcal—this tour promises an engaging, authentic experience. While we haven’t personally been on it, the details and reviews paint a picture of a well-rounded, enjoyable outing suitable for all curious travelers.

What we love about this experience is how it combines a scenic visit to the world’s widest tree with an in-depth look at mezcal production. The opportunity to sample up to seven varieties of mezcal and enjoy a lively barrimóvil ride through fields and towns adds a layer of fun and authenticity.

A possible consideration is that the tour is fairly structured, so those looking for complete flexibility might find it a bit curated. However, for most travelers, the mix of culture, education, and tasting offers excellent value—especially for just around $67 per person.

This tour is perfect for anyone with a curiosity about Mexico’s traditional spirits, lovers of picturesque scenery, or travelers wanting an engaging experience beyond the usual sightseeing. It’s especially suited for first-timers to Oaxaca who want a comprehensive, fun introduction to local customs and flavors.

Key Points

• Educational and tasting experience: Learn about mezcal production while sampling several varieties.
• Scenic stops: Visit the Tule Tree, the widest in the world, and enjoy great photo opportunities.
• Authentic local visits: Tour a real palenque (distillery) in Santiago Matatlán, the “world capital of mezcal.”
• Fun and interactive: Ride in a barrimóvil, exploring fields and local villages.
• All-inclusive value: Transportation, tastings, and entrance fees are covered, making it easy to relax.
• Small group experience: Max 20 travelers ensures a more personal and engaging atmosphere.

A Walk Through the Itinerary: What You Can Expect

Starting at the Tule Tree

Your day begins in Oaxaca’s City Centro, with a comfortable ride to the Tule Tree. This massive and ancient famous tree is a must-see for anyone visiting the region. Standing as the widest tree in the world, it’s an impressive sight that lends itself to plenty of photographs. The visit here lasts about 30 minutes, giving you enough time to marvel at its girth and take memorable shots. The entrance fee is included, so no surprises there.

The Charm of Santiago Matatlán

Next, the tour heads to Santiago Matatlán, dubbed the “world capital of mezcal.” Here, you’ll get to step inside a real palenque—a traditional distillery—where the process of making mezcal is on full display. This isn’t just a quick peek; you’ll understand how different agaves are roasted, fermented, and distilled into this beloved drink.

The tour in this part lasts around three hours, which is plenty of time to explore the grounds, watch the process, and taste up to seven varieties of mezcal. Reviewers mention that the explanations are well done, and the variety of tastings means you’ll get a sense of the different flavors, from smoky to sweet.

Barrimóvil Ride and Local Village

One of the highlights is a barrimóvil ride—a small vehicle that takes you through the fields, the town, and a pulqueria (another traditional Mexican drink). This part of the tour adds a lively, local flavor, giving you a glimpse of rural life and the landscape’s beauty.

According to reviews, this ride is both fun and informative. The chance to see the scenery and interact with locals makes the experience feel authentic. Plus, the pulqueria visit is another cultural touchstone, adding variety to the day.

What’s Included and What You Should Know

All the transportation, tastings, bottled water, and entrance fees are included, which means you won’t have to worry about extra costs during the day. The tour departs at 11:00 am and ends back at the starting point, making it a manageable half-day outing.

The vehicle is air-conditioned, which is a nice touch given the warm climate, and the group size is limited to 20 travelers, making the experience more intimate. The tour is suitable for most travelers—service animals are allowed, and the meeting point is accessible via public transportation.

The Experience From Travelers’ Perspectives

Both reviews praise the tour highly. One reviewer called it an “excellent experience,” highlighting the learning and fun of the walk in the fields, along with the tastings. Another emphasized the delicious food and generous mezcal offerings, along with well-explained guides. The consistent theme: this tour offers a genuine, enjoyable immersion into Oaxaca’s mezcal culture with friendly guides and a good mix of sights and tastings.

Analyzing the Value

At $66.85 per person, this tour offers substantial value. Considering the included tastings, transportation, entrance fees, and the unique experiences—like the barrimóvil ride and the visit to the Tule Tree—you’re getting a lot for your money. The small-group setting adds to the value, ensuring that you won’t be lost in a crowd and can ask questions freely.

The fact that the tour is booked about six days in advance suggests it’s popular, and its high ratings support that. For travelers keen on authentic experiences, it’s a well-rounded way to learn about mezcal’s cultural significance while enjoying some scenic and fun moments.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for first-time visitors to Oaxaca who want a comprehensive introduction to mezcal, its production, and local culture. It’s also great for those who enjoy tasting and sampling local drinks, or for travelers who love scenic drives and photo opportunities. If you’re interested in learning about traditional Mexican spirits in a friendly, relaxed setting, this tour hits the mark.

It’s less suited for travelers seeking a deep dive into mezcal production (they might want a more specialized tour), or those who prefer a more flexible, unstructured day. But for most, the mix of sights, tastings, and cultural insights makes it a memorable part of any Oaxaca itinerary.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For just over $66, this tour packs a surprising amount of value into a five-hour window. You gain a vivid picture of how mezcal is made, taste an array of varieties, and enjoy beautiful scenery along the way. The inclusion of the Tule Tree visit and the barrimóvil ride makes the experience both educational and playful.

The small group size and enthusiastic reviews suggest that you’ll receive personalized attention, making the day both fun and informative. The fact that it’s highly rated speaks to consistent quality, and the all-inclusive nature takes the hassle out of planning.

If you’re interested in Mexican culture, spirits, or just enjoy a good adventure, this tour is a solid choice. It’s especially well-suited for those who want a taste of local life and flavors in a relaxed, engaging setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately five hours, starting at 11:00 am and returning to the meeting point in Oaxaca City.

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes air-conditioned transportation from the meeting point and during the barrimóvil ride.

How many people are in each group?
The tour accommodates a maximum of 20 travelers, ensuring a more personal experience.

What does the tour cover?
It covers a visit to the Tule Tree, a tour of a mezcal distillery, tastings of up to seven varieties, a barrimóvil ride through fields and towns, and a pulqueria visit.

Are tips included?
No, tips are not included and are at your discretion.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance. Cancellations less than 24 hours prior are not refunded.

Is this tour suitable for children or service animals?
Most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed.

What should I bring?
Comfortable clothing, a camera, and a smile. Tasting glasses and bottled water are provided.

To sum it up, this Mezcal Tour offers a lively, engaging way to explore Oaxaca’s renowned spirit and local traditions. It balances education, scenic beauty, and fun in a small-group setting that feels intimate and authentic. Perfect for curious travelers eager to understand and taste one of Mexico’s most famous beverages—just bring your curiosity and a sense of adventure.