Oaxaca: the Snake – Hierve El Agua 1 Day Tour.

Oaxaca, a vibrant hub of Mexican culture, is home to a captivating tour that combines outdoor adventure and culture. The "Oaxaca: The Snake – Hierve el Agua 1 Day Tour" promises an unforgettable experience, guiding adventurers through the region’s stunning landscapes and introducing them to its rich heritage. Led by an ex-Olympic team member, the tour offers a choice between beginner and advanced biking options, allowing participants to explore the Oaxacan valleys at their own pace. But the real draw lies in the tour’s culmination – a chance to witness the mesmerizing petrified waterfalls of Hierve el Agua, where visitors can indulge in a refreshing swim. What awaits those who embark on this journey is a captivating blend of natural wonders and cultural discovery.

Key Points

• This 10-hour tour offers a guided bike ride and culture in Oaxaca, culminating in a visit to the unique natural wonder of Hierve el Agua.
• Participants can choose between beginner and advanced bike ride options, with the advanced covering 60 kilometers and steep climbs.
• The tour is led by an ex-Olympic team member with over 25 years of experience, providing a knowledgeable and personalized experience.
• Visitors can explore Zapotec villages, interact with local artisans, and enjoy a traditional meal and swim at Hierve el Agua.
• The tour includes transportation, mountain bike rental, and all necessary equipment, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The tour, titled "Oaxaca: The Snake – Hierve el Agua 1 Day Tour," offers a comprehensive experience priced from $110.74 per person.

It’s a 10-hour excursion with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Customers can reserve now and pay later.

Led by an ex-Olympic team member with over 25 years of experience, the tour provides culture through visits to Zapotec villages and local artisans.

Participants can choose from two biking options – low difficulty or advanced – to explore the scenic Oaxacan valleys and witness the unique natural wonders of Hierve el Agua and petrified waterfalls.

Experience and Highlights

Guided by ex-Olympic team member Pedro Martinez with 25+ years of experience, the tour offers a culture through visits to Zapotec villages and local artisans.

Guests will embark on a scenic bike ride through Oaxacan valleys, including the famous Tule tree in Santa María del Tule and the town of Tlacolula.

The highlight of the tour is the unique natural wonders of Hierve el Agua, featuring petrified waterfalls and natural pools.

Small group tours are available for personalized experiences, allowing for deeper interactions with the local culture and environment.

Participants can choose from different difficulty levels, catering to both beginners and advanced cyclists.

Biking Options

With two distinct biking options available, the Hierve el Agua Tour caters to cyclists of varying skill levels.

For those seeking a low-difficulty ride, the first option covers 26 kilometers on mostly flat country roads with short ascents.

In contrast, the advanced option spans 60 kilometers, including steep climbs of up to 17% slopes, requiring good physical condition and bike handling skills.

Regardless of the chosen route, participants can expect a scenic journey through Oaxacan valleys, passing by Santa María del Tule and Tlacolula.

The tour operator emphasizes the importance of participants providing their bike size, food restrictions, and medical conditions prior to the excursion.

Itinerary

What does the day-long Hierve el Agua Tour entail?

The tour begins with pickup from Oaxaca City, followed by a 35-minute drive to Santa María del Tule. Visitors will admire the famous Tule tree, the thickest tree in the world.

The tour then transitions to a bike ride through farming fields and agave plantations.

Next, the group stops in Teotitlán del Valle to witness a tapestry demonstration by Josefina Méndez.

The cycling continues to Tlacolula de Matamoros and onwards to Hierve el Agua.

There, you will enjoy a traditional meal and have time to swim in the natural pools.

An optional stop at a Palenque to see mezcal production and tasting may be included on the return trip.

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Important Information

Depending on their fitness level, participants can choose between beginner and advanced difficulty bike ride options.

The beginner level covers 26 kilometers on mostly flat country roads with short ascents, while the advanced level spans 60 kilometers with steep climbs up to 17% slope, requiring good physical condition and bike handling skills.

Participants must provide their bike size, food restrictions, and medical limitations via WhatsApp or email to the tour operator, [email protected].

The tour includes lunch, water, fruits, an MTB guide, transportation, and mountain bike rental.

The difficulty levels range from beginners to advanced, catering to a wide range of participants.

Cultural Immersion

The Hierve el Agua tour offers a culture experience for visitors, allowing them to connect with the local Zapotec communities and artisans.

Throughout the day, you will visit Zapotec villages and have the opportunity to interact with local artisans. They’ll witness a tapestry demonstration by Josefina Méndez in Teotitlán del Valle, showcasing the traditional weaving techniques of the region.

This cultural exchange provides a deeper understanding of the Zapotec heritage and the skilled craftsmanship that has been passed down through generations.

The tour’s focus on cultural experiences enhances the overall adventure, giving travelers a well-rounded and immersive exploration of Oaxaca’s rich traditions.

Scenic Bike Ride

Biking through the Oaxacan valleys is a highlight of the Hierve el Agua tour, offering participants a scenic journey through the region’s diverse landscapes.

The tour provides two biking options to cater to different skill levels. The low difficulty level covers 26 kilometers on mostly flat country roads with short ascents, making it suitable for beginners.

The advanced difficulty level covers 60 kilometers with steep climbs, including a 6-kilometer stretch with a 17% slope, requiring good physical condition and bike handling skills.

Along the way, cyclists will ride through farming fields and agave plantations, enjoying the picturesque scenery that Oaxaca is renowned for.

Unique Natural Wonders

One of the tour’s main attractions is the unique natural wonders that visitors will encounter.

The highlight is undoubtedly Hierve el Agua, an area known for its petrified waterfalls. These striking natural formations were created over thousands of years as mineral-rich water flowed over the cliffs, eventually hardening into stone. Visitors can enjoy swimming in the natural pools formed by the cascading terraces, marveling at the otherworldly landscape.

Another stop on the tour is the Tule tree, which is considered the widest tree in the world. This ancient Montezuma cypress, estimated to be over 2,000 years old, stands as a testament to the natural wonders of the Oaxacan region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Book the Tour for a Group Larger Than 8 People?

Yes, the tour offers small group tours for personalized experiences. While the maximum group size is not specified, the tour operator can likely accommodate larger groups with advance notice. Travelers should inquire about group pricing and availability.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Senior Citizens or Students?

The tour operator offers discounts for seniors and students, though the specific percentages are not provided. Customers should inquire about any available discounts when booking to see if they qualify for a reduced rate.

Is It Possible to Customize the Itinerary to Include Additional Activities?

Yes, the tour can be customized to include additional activities. Customers can contact the tour operator directly to discuss their preferences and request modifications to the standard itinerary to suit their interests and needs.

What Is the Cancellation Policy if I Need to Reschedule the Tour?

The tour operator offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Participants can also choose to reschedule the tour if needed, though any changes should be communicated as soon as possible for the best availability.

Can I Bring My Own Bicycle Instead of Renting One?

Yes, customers can bring their own bicycles instead of renting one. However, the tour company recommends using their mountain bikes to ensure the bikes are appropriate for the terrain and activities included in the tour.

Recap

This one-day tour in Oaxaca offers an exhilarating blend of outdoor adventure and cultural exploration. Cyclists can choose from beginner or advanced routes, seeing the region’s natural beauty and artisanal heritage. The highlight is a visit to the iconic Hierve el Agua, where participants can swim in the mineral-rich pools and witness the mesmerizing petrified waterfalls. This tour provides an unforgettable experience for those seeking to discover the unique wonders of Oaxaca.

You can check if your dates are available here: