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Monte Alban, Ancestral Mezcal, Alebrijes and Black Mud Tour

Badge of Excellence
Oaxaca City, Mexico
Great choice
10+ bookings last month.
  • 7 hours (approx.)
  • Pickup offered
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

Why travelers loved this

4.4
·
· Ann_C ·
Feb 2026
Excellent guide, energetic, happy and full of awesome information that he conveys with humor. We've done many ruins tours but this site is very different with different tribal stories. The mezcal stop is also very different from our mezcal tasting that we did previously. The 2 artisan stores are also excellent. And lunch was timely.
· Cecilia_B ·
Feb 2026
Great experience, Angel was kind, profesional and punctual. Especially enjoyed the guide at Monte Alban, Leo. Made history simple and enjoyable. It was a long but worthy day ending with a great lunch.

Overview
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    What's Included

    • Pick up from hostels or Airbnb in the historic center of Oaxaca Transport with air conditioning
    • Guialocal, Spanish English.
    • Tasting of Mezcal
    • Water Boat
    • Tip
    • Buffet lunch (optional and on behalf of the traveler)
      MX$200.00 per person
    • Tips for the guide and driver
    • Access Archaeological Area of Monte Albán
      MX$210.00 per person
    • Admission to the mezcal pallet
      MX$20.00 per person

    Meeting and Pickup

    Pickup points

    Select a pickup point

    Pickup details

    Additional pickup details travelers should know If you are in a hotel, hostel or Airbnb accommodation within the historic center of Oaxaca, you can request direct pickup. Make sure your full address is registered when booking. If Viator has a list of available hotels, you will select your hotel during the booking process. If your hotel is not listed, you can enter your name manually. Viator Documentation + 1 Alternatively, you can find us at Teatro Macedonio Alcalá, an easy reference point in the center, if you prefer not to use the service from accommodation. Your guide will carry a sign with the name of the tour and identifiable dress so you can recognize it without problem. If your accommodation is outside the historic center, pickup may not be available, or a nearby meeting point may be required. This detail will be confirmed by reviewing the pickup option during booking.

    Operating hours
    .9:30 am

    Itinerary

    1

    Zona Arqueologica de Monte Alban

    2 hours Admission Ticket Included

    2

    San Antonio Arrazola

    30 minutesAdmission Ticket Included

    3

    San Antonio Arrazola

    30 minutesAdmission Ticket Free

    4

    Santa Cruz Xoxocotlan

    45 minutesAdmission Ticket Free

    5

    San Bartolo Coyotepec

    40 minutesAdmission Ticket Free

    Additional Info

    • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Service animals allowed
    • Near public transportation
    • Infants must sit on laps
    • Transportation is wheelchair accessible
    • Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
    • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
    • No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
    • Most travelers can participate
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers

    Cancellation Policy

    You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

    Traveler Photos

    Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)

    Reviews

    4.4
    based on 17 reviews
    Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

    Interesting tour, but difficult if you’re the only English speaker

    Charlie_M, Mar 2026
    Tour was very interesting, but was somewhat isolating being the only English speaker. The guide would explain for 5-10 minutes in Spanish, and then give a 1 minute summary in English so it was clear I was not getting the full picture. It seemed to be geared mainly towards the majority of the group who were Spanish-speakers, and I felt like an annoying afterthought. It was not explained to me on the tour how to pay for lunch, and I was embarrassed in front of the group when it turns out I had nearly forgotten to pay. I was being spoken at in Spanish and when I explained I didn’t understand no one stepped in to translate, even though there were multiple people who could have done so, be they the driver, the tour guide, or other participants. I felt terrible for misunderstanding of course and it was my fault, but for a supposedly bilingual tour it was a mistake that could have been avoided if there had been more clarity from the tour company on the tour itself. I realise the payment requirement was set out in the itinerary, but more explanation is needed on the trip itself. Overall, the stops were interesting and I learned a lot, and the convenience of being driven around is nice, but be wary that you might feel alone and lost if you do not speak a lot of Spanish and there are no other English speakers in the group. The guide was very nice and everything was otherwise seamless.

    Awesome tour all around

    Ann_C, Feb 2026
    Excellent guide, energetic, happy and full of awesome information that he conveys with humor. We've done many ruins tours but this site is very different with different tribal stories. The mezcal stop is also very different from our mezcal tasting that we did previously. The 2 artisan stores are also excellent. And lunch was timely.

    Response from Host, Mar 2026

    Thank you very much for your wonderful review! We’re happy to hear that you enjoyed the tour, the stories about the history and cultures, and the visits to the artisan workshops. Oaxaca has a unique heritage and we love sharing it with our guests. We’re also glad you enjoyed the mezcal experience and the lunch stop. Thank you for joining us and we hope to welcome you again in the future!

    First time in Oaxaca

    Leslie_E, Feb 2026
    We requested an English speaking tour guide. Daniel was bilingual, however it was difficult for him at times with his English. He did his best. When we did Monte Alban, we were put with a Spanish-speaking group and though the guide also spoke English and answered our questions, we felt that periodically we were not getting the full scope of the presentation because it was given in Spanish. Other moments in the tour, there was there was an English speaking presentation, and we received the information as as well Overall, the tour gave us a good perspective of the area in Oaxaca and the culture, the life, and the food.

    Response from Host, Mar 2026

    Thank you for sharing your feedback and for joining our tour. We’re glad to hear that overall you enjoyed learning about the culture, life, and food of Oaxaca. We also appreciate your comments regarding the English explanations during the tour. Our guides always do their best to assist guests in both languages, and we’re sorry if at times the information was not as clear as expected. Your feedback is very valuable and helps us continue improving the experience for our international visitors. Thank you again for visiting Oaxaca.

    Loved this tour as it...

    Rebecca_W, Feb 2026
    Loved this tour as it showcases Monte Alban and the cultures in the surrounding area. Our tour guide Adir was absoultely fantastic.

    Response from Host, Mar 2026

    Thank you very much for your kind review! We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed discovering Monte Albán and the cultures of the surrounding area. Adir will be very happy to know that you appreciated his work as a guide. Thank you for joining our tour and we hope to welcome you again on another experience in Oaxaca!

    Great

    Kelly_M, Feb 2026
    Great experience to multiple things in the area for everyone to love something ! We loved the black clay!

    Response from Host, Mar 2026

    Thank you very much for your kind review! We’re happy to hear that you enjoyed visiting several places during the tour and that the black clay pottery was one of your favorite experiences. Oaxaca’s artisan traditions are truly special. Thank you for joining us and we hope to welcome you again on another tour in the future.

    This experience is so...

    Jessica_S, Feb 2026
    This experience is so amazing and such a blast!! Bring sunscreen and lots of water! Our tour guide Angel was phenomenal so knowledgeable, kind and helped translate some places which was awesome!

    Response from Host, Mar 2026

    Thank you very much for your wonderful review! We’re so happy to hear that you had an amazing and fun experience. Angel will be very glad to know that his knowledge and kindness made the tour even more enjoyable. Thank you as well for the helpful tips for future travelers. We truly appreciate your visit and hope to welcome you again in Oaxaca!

    Do not reserve this tour

    Pamela_Q, Feb 2026
    Do not reserve this tour. It evidently does not exist. I was the only one at the meeting spot although it was confirmed and no notification of canceling. Viator refunded my money, but it was a total waste of time.

    Response from Host, Mar 2026

    We are very sorry to hear about your experience and the inconvenience caused. This situation does not reflect our usual service and we sincerely apologize for the confusion regarding the tour departure. Occasionally unexpected operational issues can occur, but we always aim to communicate with our guests as soon as possible. We appreciate your feedback and will review this situation to ensure it does not happen again. Thank you for bringing this to our attention.

    A day well spent

    Cecilia_B, Feb 2026
    Great experience, Angel was kind, profesional and punctual. Especially enjoyed the guide at Monte Alban, Leo. Made history simple and enjoyable. It was a long but worthy day ending with a great lunch.

    Response from Host, Mar 2026

    Thank you very much for your wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear that you had a great experience and that Ángel’s professionalism and punctuality made the tour enjoyable. We’re also glad you enjoyed the guided visit at Monte Albán with Leo and that the history was easy and engaging to understand. It means a lot to us that the day was worthwhile for you. Thank you for joining us and we hope to welcome you again in Oaxaca!

    Amazing tour guide, very...

    Regina_C, Dec 2025
    Amazing tour guide, very good explanations. Just know the restaurant only accepts cash. 10/10 experience.

    Response from Host, Mar 2026

    Thank you very much for your great review! We’re happy to hear that you enjoyed the tour and the explanations from our guide. We also appreciate your note about the restaurant accepting cash, which can be helpful for future travelers. Thank you for joining us and for your recommendation. We hope to welcome you again on another experience in Oaxaca!

    The snorkeling took...

    Marian, Nov 2025
    The snorkeling took forever to organize. Not worth the expense. Or bring your own gear. Pottery and wood carving visits were good

    Response from Host, Mar 2026

    Thank you for sharing your feedback. We’re glad to hear that you enjoyed the pottery and wood carving visits and the opportunity to see local artisan traditions. We’re sorry that the snorkeling experience took longer to organize than expected. Sometimes preparation and safety checks can take additional time. We truly appreciate your comments, as they help us improve our experiences. Thank you again for visiting and we hope to welcome you back in the future.

    Great tour guide

    Betsy_H, Nov 2025
    Loved seeing Mt Alban and Rodrigo was a great tour guide. Mezcal tour was great and enjoyed learning about our spirit animals. Black pottery was pretty but a far drive. We were disappointed with late pickup and the fact that tour took 9 hours instead of advertised 7 hours which got us back to city later than expected

    Response from Host, Mar 2026

    Gracias por sus comentarios y por acompañarnos en el tour. Nos alegra mucho saber que disfrutaron la visita a Monte Albán, la experiencia del mezcal y aprender sobre los animales espirituales, y que Rodrigo hizo el recorrido agradable. También agradecemos sus comentarios sobre la hora de recogida y la duración del tour. A veces el tráfico y el tiempo en cada parada pueden extender un poco el horario, pero siempre buscamos ofrecer una experiencia completa de la cultura y tradiciones de Oaxaca. Muchas gracias nuevamente por visitarnos y esperamos recibirlos otra vez en Oaxaca en el futuro.

    Great trip!

    Banu_O, Nov 2025
    Great tour! Enrique was awesome and was flexible with the tour so that we could get back in time for the big parade in Town for Day of the Dead! Highly recommend! I learned a lot and had a wonderful time with awesome people on the tour.

    Response from Host, Mar 2026

    Thank you so much for your kind review! It was a pleasure having you on the tour. I’m very glad we could adjust the schedule so you could make it back in time to enjoy the Day of the Dead parade. Oaxaca is truly magical during that celebration. Thank you for joining us and for your recommendation. We hope to welcome you again on another adventure in Oaxaca!

    Excellent experience

    itzel_j, Jan 2026
    The experience was very good, I read was our guide the truth knows a lot about it and was very friendly, the driver likewise. I will definitely recommend this tour.
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    Response from Host, Mar 2026

    ¡Muchas gracias por su amable reseña! Nos alegra saber que tuvo una gran experiencia y que Leo y nuestro conductor hicieron que el tour fuera aún más agradable. Compartir la historia y la cultura de Oaxaca con nuestros visitantes siempre es un placer. Agradecemos mucho su recomendación y esperamos recibirlo nuevamente en otro tour en el futuro.

    Very well the guided tour...

    Dora_G, Jan 2026
    Very well the guided tour in Monte Albán although we were left very little time for the free tour. Mezcal and alebrijes, very brief and short. Well in the black mud workshop where they expanded the explanation and showed the process. I don't like a lunch stop included, I feel like time is wasted. It is probably best to buy only the visit to Monte Albán that ends at noon.
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    Response from Host, Mar 2026

    Gracias por compartir sus comentarios y por acompañarnos en el tour. Nos alegra saber que disfrutó la visita guiada en Monte Albán y la experiencia en el taller de barro negro, donde se puede conocer mejor el proceso tradicional. Agradecemos sus comentarios sobre los tiempos de las paradas y la pausa para el almuerzo. Nuestro objetivo es que los viajeros puedan conocer varias tradiciones importantes de Oaxaca en un solo día, incluyendo sitios arqueológicos, pueblos artesanales y gastronomía local. Sus comentarios son muy valiosos y nos ayudan a seguir mejorando nuestras experiencias. Muchas gracias nuevamente por visitar Oaxaca.

    Wonderful.

    Silvina_G, Dec 2025
    Wonderful everything from the guides the service the places. Craftsmen and unique experiences. I loved it. A tenner. Highly recommended
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    Response from Host, Mar 2026

    ¡Muchas gracias por su maravillosa reseña! Nos alegra mucho saber que disfrutó de los guías, el servicio y de los hermosos lugares que visitamos. Conocer a los artesanos y sus tradiciones es una de las partes más especiales de nuestros tours. Agradecemos mucho su recomendación y esperamos recibirlo nuevamente en otra aventura en Oaxaca.

    100% recommended

    Jose_F, Dec 2025
    Excellent experience, very good service, very good service, the place is wonderful, you tour interesting places
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    Response from Host, Mar 2026

    ¡Muchas gracias por su amable reseña! Nos alegra mucho saber que tuvo una excelente experiencia y que disfrutó del servicio y de los hermosos lugares que visitamos. Oaxaca tiene muchos sitios maravillosos y tradiciones por descubrir. Agradecemos mucho su visita y esperamos recibirlo nuevamente en otro tour en el futuro.

    From $34.15

    per person

    up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

    Book ahead!
    On average, this is booked 15 days in advance.

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