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Mitla Archaeological Zone

Mitla Archaeological Zone: Our most recommended tours and activities

Oaxaca: El Tule, Mitla, and Hierve el Agua Tour with Mezcal

1. Oaxaca: El Tule, Mitla, and Hierve el Agua Tour with Mezcal

The adventure begins at 8 am, when the sun is barely peeking over the horizon and the promise of a day full of wonder is about to begin. We'll pick you up from the comfort of your hotel or airbnb and drive you through the picturesque roads that wind through the beautiful Oaxacan landscape. Our first stop will be the majestic Tule Tree, an ancient giant that has seen centuries of history go by. Its branches rise towards the sky as guardians of secrets and legends, leaving you amazed by the magnitude of nature. Later, we will enter the Archaeological Zone of Mitla. The stones whisper tales of ancient civilizations that once roamed these lands. You can feel the energy of footsteps that echoed here centuries ago as you explore the courtyards and the intricate mosaic designs that adorn the walls. Our next stop will take you to the Petrified Waterfalls of Hierve el Agua. Water has carved the rock over centuries, creating formations that seem frozen in time. Here you can marvel at the unique beauty of nature while you immerse yourself in the natural pools that will give you panoramic views that will take your breath away. We'll take a break at a buffet restaurant serving authentic Oaxacan food. Traditional flavors merge in each bite, filling you with energy to continue the day full of exploration and discovery. In Teotitlán del Valle, you will witness the skill and passion of local artisans. Here, time seems to have stopped while the looms come to life and the colors dance in each thread, creating authentic works of art. To culminate this unforgettable trip, we will go to an authentic Palenque de Mezcal. Its aromas and unique flavors will transport you to the very essence of Oaxaca. Enjoy a tasting that will enliven your senses and will provide you with a true gift for the palate. Our tour will come to an end around 7 pm, when the sun goes down on the horizon. We will leave you in the lobby of your hotel or airbnb, with your hearts full of memories and shared experiences.

From Oaxaca: Natural and Cultural Highlights Guided Day Tour

2. From Oaxaca: Natural and Cultural Highlights Guided Day Tour

On this guided tour from Oaxaca, experience the countryside's ancient wonders and rich cultural heritage. Spend the day with a local guide as you visit heritage highlights, including the magnificent Tree of Tule and Hierve el Agua. Visit a rug workshop and pause at a distillery for a mezcal tasting. Begin your tour in Oaxaca, where you'll meet your guide. Arrive a few minutes early to the meeting point to enjoy a cup of hot coffee before you set out on your adventure. Once you're on your way, enjoy the scenic countryside on a short drive east of the city to the legendary Tree of Tule. Once you arrive in the quant town of Santa María del Tule, stop at the church grounds to marvel at the Tree of Tule. This stout tree, known by some as the "Tree of Life" for the animal shapes in its bark, is thought to be over 2,000 years old. Feel awed by the Tule tree's presence and beauty. Continue your tour as you visit a traditional rug workshop in Teotitlán del Valle. Here, surrounded by vivid strings of yarn and tools, discover the original birthplace of this artisan craft. Connect with local artists and learn how each rug is imbued with a story, symbols, and cultural tradition. Next, head to the ancient Zapotec archaeological site of Mitla. Known for its intricate mosaics, detailed design, and Mixtec architectural influences, this sacred burial ground is unique among archaeological sites in Mexico. Soak up the ancient atmosphere as you tour the building complex. Once you've explored the marvels of Mitla, head to Hierve el Agua for stunning natural wonders. Visit the grounds on your own or with a local village guide as you wander past the petrified waterfalls. Peer at the cliffside pools of clear water while you take in the ancient, exquisite natural beauty. Finally, begin making your way back to Oaxaca. Before you reach the city, however, make a pit stop at a traditional mezcal distillery. Discover the taste of the region with a sampling of mezcal, then head to Oaxaca to conclude your tour.

Oaxaca: Mitla Skip-the-Line Ticket

3. Oaxaca: Mitla Skip-the-Line Ticket

Walk among Mitla, a Mixtec-Zapotec ruin noted for the well-preserved, detailed geometric masonry. Learn first-hand why the name Mitla comes from the Nahuatl word Mictlan - the place of the underworld. Mitla, an ancient ceremonial center, includes two cross-shaped tombs, a promenade of strong stone columns, and an elevated suite of ornate rooms once occupied by the Zapotec high priest for you to learn about and explore. On your way out, take in a beautiful cactus garden growing in the archaeological park. At the gates of the ruins, shop at the local craft market hosting folk art goods.

From Huatulco: Oaxaca Overnight Guided Tour

4. From Huatulco: Oaxaca Overnight Guided Tour

Discover the city of Oaxaca on a guided overnight trip from Huatulco, stopping at the highlights between these places. Visit archeological sites, and learn about local culture and heritage. Day 1: Get picked up at your hotel in La Crucecita or Tangolunda and start the journey towards Oaxaca. Stop at Jalapa del Marqués, where you can enjoy breakfast, at your own expense. Continue to the mezcal region, where you'll take a tour to learn how this delicious drink is produced. Enter the Mitla Archaeological Zone and explore the ancient ruins. Afterwards, head to Teotitlán del Valle to discover how rugs and blankets are made and enjoy some free time for shopping. Stop at Santa María del Tule to admire the 2,000-year-old tree, take photos, and enter the church. Arrive in Oaxaca in the afternoon, and visit the former convent of Santo Domingo de Guzmán and its museum. Check-in at the hotel, then enjoy the rest of the day to wander through the historic center and explore on your own. Day 2: After checking out of the hotel, take a tour of Monte Albán Archaeological Site. Admire the ancient ruins and take in views from the top of the pyramids. Continue to Benito Juárez market, where you can have breakfast and learn about local cuisine. Stop at San Bartolo Coyotepec, to watch local artisans producing handicrafts from black mud. Visit either San Martín Tilcajete or Arrazola, to see how local folk art sculptures called alebrijes are made. Depart for Huatulco, stopping at San Jose del Pacifico along the way. In the evening, you'll get dropped off back at your hotel where your tour will end.

Other Sightseeing Options in Mitla Archaeological Zone

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What people are saying about Mitla Archaeological Zone

Overall rating

3.9 / 5

based on 19 reviews

Wow such an epic day we had. Thanks to Ariana, the booking agent, Ede the guide and Marcos the driver. Thank you for the memorable trip. Ede our guide spoke both Spanish and English and I loved her style of switching back and forth between the languages at every longer paragraph. This way the mixed group of Spanish, French and us Canadians felt included and served As a Spanish language crash course. Ede has a great style knowing how to “control” the group in s good way and was very well prepared with background. She is definitely the best tour guide we had so far in Mexico. The trip covers a very large variety of topics: giant tree if Tula, a bakery with a chance to eat breakfast and have hot chocolate. The Aqua Azul is cool site, I managed to do both the trail and the swimming but had to be fast, My kid and wife just did the swimming. The visit to the Zacatec weavers was a treat, quality carpets, feel free to buy good prices, unless you are on a 5 weeks road-trip like us. Loved it

Jose was out tour guide for this overnight tour to Oaxaca and he made this the most memorable portion of our trip. Our Spanish is not great but his English was excellent so we managed well. He was friendly, patient and professional and he went way above what the tour described to give us an authentic, unique experience. When you book this tour, I hope you are lucky enough to get Jose as your guide.

What a fantastic day, full of experiences and beautiful places. Ede, the guide, is one of the best guides I’ve ever had, and she organized the trip so well. It was a long day but without a single minute that was boring. We learned so much and saw so much attractions and places around Oaxaca. Each stop in this tour was enjoyable. Warmly recommended!

Edelmira was a wonderful guide who made our small 3 person tour feel like a group of friends. Very insightful about the details at Mitla and wonderful presentation of textiles. While it seems like the tour has many things packed into one day, the pace was well-planned and not rushed at all.

Jose Louis was an excellent driver and guide. He was knowledgeable and fun!