The state of Oaxaca is a magnificent mix of sierras, unspoiled beaches, rich forests, and ancient culture. There is so much to explore in downtown Oaxaca and small surrounding towns, plus ancient ruins of the Mixtec and Zapotec civilizations to see where it all began. On top of it all, Oaxaca Food is among the best cuisine in the world, with several restaurants just waiting for you to sample their flavorful Mexican dishes. One of the best things to do in Oaxaca is supporting locals on these amazing tours!
Table of Contents
I. Best City Tours of Oaxaca
1. Oaxaca City Architecture Walking Tour
Explore the hidden secrets of Oaxaca with a local guide, born and raised in the area! Book this Oaxaca City architecture walking tour, which will start at the Plaza de la Danza yard with an introduction to the history and culture of Oaxaca near the Municipal Palace and two catholic temples. Tour guide Juan will show you some of the best-hidden secrets, equip you with travel tips for the remainder of your stay and explore the different architectural styles of the buildings in depth.
- Length: 90 minutes
- Price: $31 per person
2. Half-Day History Walking City Tour
Consider this private half-day history walking city tour, which will take you through the central market in Oaxaca and the main city square, “zocalo.” You’ll travel to the Government Palace by vehicle and past notable city monuments, including the cathedral. Groups are limited to 10 people, with free hotel pickup in the downtown area or pick-ups outside the city for a surcharge.
- Length: 4 hours
- Price: $32 per person
3. City History Tour: Local Stories & Woman’s History
If you want an Oaxaca walking tour with a guide who doubles as an impeccable storyteller, this city history tour by Verónica is the one for you! Her tour, titled “The Historical Compass,” guides you through historic areas and prominent neighborhoods in Oaxaca City, highlighting the celebrations, struggles, and mysterious stories, with a heavy focus on Oaxacan women. Guests will also try a shot of Mezcal (a popular agave alcohol in Oaxaca) and delicious ice cream at the end!
- Length: 3 hours
- Price: $32 per person
4. Oaxaca City Free Walking Tour
This free walking tour of Oaxaca was created by a local resident who designed it to explore the most intimate an delicious parts of the city and culture. Tours are offered in the morning and afternoon, starting at Teatro Macedonio Alcala under the yellow umbrella. If you are a foodie, this tour will point out the best restaurants in Oaxaca, with recommendations for local dishes and drinks to fit your palette.
II. Oaxaca City Photoshoot Tours
5. Oaxaca Photoshoot by a Local Photographer
I did this photoshoot experience, which included stops at beautiful spots in Oaxaca like the Santo Domingo temple, the Macedonio Alcalá theater (one of the most important buildings in Mexico), and many other gorgeous spots. The tour can also be catered to your style, too. Then, the final photos will be sent to you through Wetransfer. Or, you can do what I did, handing the photographer my camera and SD card.
- Length: 90 mins
- Price: $41 per person
6. Walking Photography Workshop + Tips
The photographer on this walking photography tour is highly experienced with top-notch knowledge of Oaxaca and great tips to help you take memorable photos. You’ll walk through the local streets from the city’s main center, beginning at the Esplanade of the Temple of Santo Domingo. The tour ends over a cup of local coffee at El Volador, discussing the photos you took on your journey.
- Length: 2 hours
- Price: $154 per person
III. Zapotec Medicine & Spirituality
7. Traditional Mexican Medicine Workshop
Learn about the history of traditional Mexican medicine and the methods for preparing herbal teas on one of the most unique tours in Oaxaca! Book this traditional Mexican medicine workshop, which includes practicing traditional massages that heal ailments such as sore throats and stomach issues.
Note: Bring a light jacket, and do not eat for an hour and a half before you arrive.
- Length: 90 minutes
- Price: $33 per person
8. Temazcal Experience
This one is not for the faint of heart. Literally. I almost fainted it was so hot in this all-natural heat lodge experience. A temazcal ceremony, a Zapotec tradition that goes back hundreds of years, is performed to help detoxify your body while you work internally with your mind, thoughts, and other inner reflections. My experience helped me connect with pre-colonial heritage and learn about the uses of medicinal herbs.
I strongly recommend doing this with a healer that is of your own gender, since you shouldn’t wear clothes during this experience.
IV. Oaxaca Biking Tours
9. Oaxaca City Bike + Street Art Tour
Consider this Oaxaca city bike tour, which will guide you through the city’s most artistic quarters and highlight the modern street artists making their marks over the last 15 years. Gliding along the streets, your guides will teach you all about the history of Oaxaca street artists while passing murals, posters, and stencils and visiting an art workshop.
- Length: 4 hours
- Price: $84 per person
10. El Tule Tree
Riding to the El Tule Tree is one of the most unique ways to explore Oaxaca while visiting farther-out sights like its most ancient natural treasure. El Tule Tree is the widest tree in the world and a site you have to add to your day trips from Oaxaca. The ride is pretty easy (6 miles one way) and will allow you to explore the Santa Maria del Tule church and market.
- Length: 3 hours
- Price: $17 per person
11. Sierra Norte Mountain Biking
Discover the beautiful Sierra Norte Mountains of Oaxaca by bike, starting in Oaxaca city and driving up to the mountains to enjoy an authentic Mexican breakfast. This mountain biking day trip takes you 19 miles down the mountains overlooking the valley. There are a few areas where you will have to ride uphill, but you can skip these and hop in the vehicle if you want.
- Length: 7 hours
- Price: $196 per person
V. Oaxaca Cooking Classes
12. Prehispanic Cooking Class in Fire Pit
This pre-Hispanic cooking class allows you to shop for your own ingredients at a local Oaxaca market with your chef before diving into delicious pre-Hispanic dishes. Participants will make a soup of Nixtamal origins from scratch, with the option to make chocolate and an open mole in another experience. The entire class is taught in Spanish–if you have trouble understanding, just watch carefully!
- Length: 4.5 hours
- Price: $72 per person
13. Tortillas, Nixtmal, & Salsa Workshop
Beginners and expert chefs will both enjoy this super interactive cooking class that includes lunch, coffee/tea, and snacks. You’ll meet your chef at the local market to pick out all the ingredients for your menu, including two starters (fillings, salsas, and freshly made tortillas) and finish with the main course (memelas, tetelas, and tlacoyos). This experience really dives deep into the Nixtamal process of cooking and the development of local gastronomy.
- Length: 5 hours
- Price: $90 per person
14. Flavor of Oaxaca: Cooking Class + Local Market Tour
Small groups will love learning to prepare traditional Oaxacan recipes right in the heart of the city on this cooking class with a local market tour. The drinks are complimentary as you cook away, with one-on-one attention from your instructor. Every participant actively participates, with both English and Spanish instruction.
Note: This experience is not wheelchair or stroller accessible.
- Length: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Price: $77 per person
15. Casa de los Sabores
Local market + Hand’s On Cooking Class: I love this class taught at Casa de los Sabores and run by famous local check Pilar Cabrera. First, guests will accompany Pilar to the local market to purchase all the ingredients before jumping into the kitchen to gain a hands-on appreciation of Mexican cooking techniques, tools, and skills. You’ll create some of the most delicious Oaxacan dishes from 17 different menus if you book the private class.
- Price: $76.83
VI. Mezcal Tours in Oaxaca
16. Agave & Mezcal Tasting Experience
This agave and mezcal tasting takes place at the Casona Oaxaca Hotel, one of many unique places to stay in Oaxaca. Settle down in the stunning courtyard and enjoy a variety of the best Mezcal around. Your host, Franciso, has worked in the industry for years and is highly knowledgeable about each brand’s history and distinct taste.
- Length: 60 minutes
- Price: $21 per person
17. Mezcal and Mole with Certified Sommelier
If your group wants to try more than mezcal, this tour with a certified sommelier includes a tasting of mole and is perfect for friends and couples. This tasting room has a gorgeous mountain view and is led by a team of professional sommeliers. You can try seven handcrafted moles and seven artisanal mezcals, and there’s a menu with snacks to munch on.
- Length: 90 minutes
- Price: $54 per person
VII. Food Tasting Experiences (No Cooking Necessary)
18. Foodie Night Tour & Bar Crawl
What better way to explore the nightlife spots than with this foodie night tour and bar crawl. This trip will take you through the neighborhoods around Conzati Garden to explore local taquerias and bars while sampling drinks and tacos! Groups are limited to four people, and your experience can be shaped by the type of food and drink you prefer.
- Length: 3 hours
- Price: $37 per person
19. Traditional Sauces, Tastings & Tortilla-Making ★
Foodies will love this intimate traditional Oaxacan cooking class that allows them to cook, dine, and enjoy learning about Mexican cuisine from the comfort of a gorgeous Oaxaca home. You can help chop spices and make tortillas, but this experience is more about watching the process and appreciating the hard work. An open mezcal bar makes this place perfect for relaxing and pleasing your taste buds in a beautiful backyard and outdoor kitchen.
- Length: 4.5 hours
- Price: $69 per person
VIII. Easy Day Trip Tours from Oaxaca
20. Monte Alban + San Bartolo + San Martin (Artisan Route 1) ★
This tour is simply one of the best Oaxaca day trips to explore the ancient heritage and meet some talented artisans of Oaxaca. First, you’ll start with the UNESCO archeological site of Monte Albán–the Zapotec capital. You’ll learn about the history of the civilization and the history of the treasure found there!
Next, you get to see how local artisans make the popular brightly colored Mexican folk art, Alebrijes, in the town of San Martín Tilcajete. Then you’ll check out some amazing black clay ceramics. One of the only in the world. This black clay technique has been preserved for generations!
If you love art, this tour (and the next on below) is a must!
- Length: 9 hours
- Price: $62 per person
21. Teotitlan Weaving & Candles + Tacolula Market (Artisan Route 2) ★
This day trip focuses on the artisan creatives of Oaxaca’s small towns. I absolutely loved my time on this tour. First, I learned about the artistic traditions of candle-making and weaving in the town of Teotitlan. Make sure that you are told exactly which candle-making experience you are doing, as I was not fills your belly with fantastic cuisine in between.
You’ll travel to Tlacolula Market for top-notch barbacoa–a delicious Mexican slow-cooked meat. The tour wraps up with a Mezcal tasting with over 20 agave options. Transportation will pick you up from Santo Domingo Church and take you to Teotitlán del Valle.
- Length: 7 hours
- Price: $155 per person
22. Monte Alban Tours
History buffs will love the archaeological site of Monte Albán in Oaxaca. On this Monte Alban half-day tour, you’ll explore the ruins where the state’s first inhabitants lived. You get to travel back and forth in an air-conditioned, and it’s perfect for travelers who don’t have a full day to dedicate but still want to see the ruins.
- Length: 1 to 4 hours
- Price: $25 per person
If you want to squeeze as much exploration as possible out of Monte Albán in one day, this full-day tour is the perfect opportunity. In 9-hours, you’ll visit the ruins, see the thickest tree in the world (El Tule Tree), and try some amazing authentic cuisine. You’ll also visit the village of Teotitlán Del Valle, where locals speak the Zapoteco language and witness the protected practice of weaving wool rugs.
- Length: 9 hours
- Price: $85 per person
23. Mitla Half-Day Tour
There is an incredible archaeological complex in Mitla you have to add to your Oaxaca Itinerary that the Zapotecs built. You’ll explore this site and visit local workshops on this Mitla half-day guided tour to learn and witness the traditional ways of producing textiles with the ancient and natural dying processes of Oaxacan locals. This opportunity is perfect for small groups and to avoid larger crowds.
- Length: 4 to 5 hours
- Price: $35 per person
IX. Hiking & Other Outdoor Oaxaca Tours
24. Hierve El Agua Hiking Tours
This Hierve el Agua hike tour starts with an authentic breakfast of Oaxaca delicates in San Isidro Roaguía on your way to explore the entire area of Hierve el Agua. Bring your swimsuit to cool off in the thermal pools, a perfect place to relax and meditate. There’s another secret oasis 7km down into the valley (some say it is the trip’s highlight) before heading to the world-renown town of Teotitlåan del Valle and visiting the home of a local artist.
- Length: 12 hours
- Price: $145 per person
Be ready to start early with this Hierve el Agua hike, meeting at 6:00 am in Oaxaca. Similar to the previous Hierve el Agua hike, you’ll get a chance to swim in the thermal pools, explore the area, and hike down the valley. In addition, you’ll stop at a local family’s Mezcal Distillery to see the production process up close.
- Length: 12 hours
- Price: $144 per person
This Hierve el Agua tour will combine an exploration of the petrified waterfalls and pools with a trip to the textile workshops in Teotitlán del Valle. Here, you’ll watch how they make majestic wool carpets up close before popping over to try handmade Mezcal at the nearby factory. Breakfast is not included, but there you can pay an extra fee of $50 to enter Boil the Water for a traditional Oaxacan breakfast.
- Length: 9 hours
- Price: $82 per person
25. Day Hike to Mystical Forest of Ixtepeji (Sierra Norte Mountains) ★
This stunning hiking tour through the mystical forest of Ixtepeji will take you above the clouds. Located just 45 minutes from downtown Oaxaca, this trail takes 4-miles to get to the summit and is another 3 miles to the lush forest. You’ll explore tons of local fauna and flora, but be sure to bring a jacket; it gets chilly at the top!
Hikers will also get to see the nearby communities and learn more about the history of the forest and surrounding vegetation. Breakfast, lunch, and snacks are all included. They will provide water, but it’s best also to bring your own since you will be hiking all day.
- Length: 9 hours
- Price: $128 per person
26. Mushroom Forest Hike in Cuajimoloyas (Sierra Norte Mountains) ★
If you love to explore mushrooms in the wild, you have to take advantage of this hiking tour through the Cuajimoloyas forest. This full-day tour will start early with a yummy local breakfast before adventuring off into the forest to catch panoramic views of the mountain. End your day with a meal before returning to Oaxaca City, and if you come during the rainy season, you’ll get mushrooms on your plate!
- Length: 12 hours
- Price: $116 per person
X. Multi-Day Tours of Mexico (That Include Oaxaca)
27. Magical Mexico
The city of Oaxaca is included in this fantastic full-day tour that includes Mexico City, Puebla, San Cristóbal de las Casas, Palenque, Campeche, Merida, and Cancun! I absolutely love Campeche, too. So you’re getting a lot of gems in this tour. You’ll explore Mexican culture in-depth through each destination, with hotel accommodations, meals, transportation, and an expert guide included. Tours max out at 22 guests and can be personalized or privatized. Not bad for a small group tour!
- Length: 12 days
- Price: $4,299 per person
28. Mexico Unplugged
Mexico Unplugged is an excellent group tour for at least 16 people through Mexico City, Oaxaca, San Cristobel de Las Casas, Palenque, Merida, Chichen Itza, Playa del Carmen. Guests love swimming in Playa del Carmen’s stunning azure waters, souvenir shopping, savoring local dishes in Mexico City, and having three days in Oaxaca!
- Length: 15 days
- Price: $1,408 per person
29. The Mariachi Route
This is a grand tour of some of the best places in Mexico! Guests will explore Mexico City, San Juan Teotihuacán, San Andres Cholula, Oaxaca, San Pablo Villa de Mitla, Tuxtla Gutierrez, Canon del Sumidero, Chiapa de Corzo, Zinacantan, San Cristobel de Las Casas, Agua Azul Waterfalls, Misol-Ha Waterfalls, Palenque, Champoton, and Merida. This trip includes hotel accommodations, flights, an expert guide, meals, transportation, insurance, and more!
- Length: 10 days
- Price: $1,295 per person
XI. Oaxaca Tours in Other Parts of Oaxaca State
30. Huatulco
This Huatulco city tour is a wonderful experience starting at La Bocana by an open sea beach and exploring the main square of the adorable town of La Crucecita. You’ll also peruse the Church of the Virgin of Guadalupe, meet local artisans, and sample Oaxaca cheese, chocolate treats, and grasshopper snacks!
- Length: 3.5 hours
- Price: $24.50 per person
This private Huatulco 5 bays boat trip from La Crececita is a fantastic experience for anyone who wants to explore Huatulco from the water and view the stunning beaches. You’ll get the chance to swim and snorkel in crystal clear blue waters after a private boat cruise and the control to stop and relax whenever you’d like!
- Length: 7 hours
- Price: $312 per person
Jump on an excursion to Mexico’s Huatulco National Park to witness the true beauty of beaches and wildlife-filled bays in a small group setting. On this bays tour in Huatulco, you’ll get to visit Santa Cruz, Cacaluta, Maguey, and Chachacual, stopping at several premiere snorkeling locations along the way.
- Length: 7 hours
- Price: $33 per person
This tour to Copalitilla magical waterfalls from Huatulco is an absolute must-try if you love waterfalls and swimming in natural pools. This opportunity also takes you to visit a local coffee farm to try a handcrafted Mexican coffee and an authentic mole meal.
- Length: 8 hours
- Price: $48 per person
31. Puerto Escondido
This baby sea turtle release in Puerto Escondido is one of the most unique experiences, allowing you to get up close and personal with sea turtles to release them into the wild! First, you’ll learn about their breeding habits and behavior before setting the baby turtles on their way out to sea while watching a gorgeous sunset.
- Length: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Price: $32 per person
Take surfing lessons from an experienced local in Puerto Escondido to learn the basics or brush up on your skills. You don’t have to bring anything but yourself–all equipment is included.
- Length: 2 hours
- Price: $41 per person
Explore the magical underwater world of the Oaxaca reefs on this snorkeling adventure. Start in San Agustin (with hotel pickups available) and look out for kaleidoscopic fish and turtles!
- Length: 8 hours
- Price: $250 per person
The natural phenomenon of the bioluminescent waters in Puerto Escondido is like something out of a fairy tale. On this bioluminescent lagoon tour, you’ll arrive by van, hop on a boat, and head out into plankton-filled waters that boast these beautiful lights!
- Length: 3 hours
- Price: $54 per person
32. Oaxaca Coast Town-Hopping Tour
This round-trip Oaxacan coast adventure tour will hit all the picturesque beach towns along the coast of Oaxaca and stop at pristine beaches like Puerto Angel and Ventanilla. Discover the wonder of the mangrove forest on a boat ride and get a chance to visit the National Mexican Turtle Center.
- Length: 8 hours
- Price: $140 per person
XII. Related Blog Posts
- 27 Special Things to Do in Oaxaca, Mexico + Day Trips
- 28 Best Museums in México City and Important Cultural Spaces
- 32 Fun and Interesting Facts About Mexico City