Private Tour to Monte Alban & Crafts Towns

Oaxaca, a vibrant Mexican state, beckons travelers to explore its rich cultural heritage. A private tour to Monte Albán and nearby craft towns offers a captivating opportunity to explore the region’s captivating past and present. Visitors can enjoy the ancient ruins of the Zapotec civilization, savor authentic Oaxacan cuisine, and engage with local artisans renowned for their exceptional craftsmanship. This comprehensive experience promises to leave a lasting impression, inviting guests to uncover the depth and diversity that make Oaxaca a truly remarkable destination.

Key Points

• This private tour provides a comprehensive exploration of the ancient Zapotec ruins of Monte Albán and immersive experiences in traditional Oaxacan craft towns.
• The tour includes hotel pickup, private transportation, and knowledgeable guides fluent in English and Spanish, making it accessible and informative.
• Highlights include an early morning visit to Monte Albán, a traditional Oaxacan lunch, and hands-on learning about Alebrijes carving, textile production, and black pottery making.
• The tour caters to wheelchair users and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility and accessibility.
• The tour duration of 10 hours allows for a deep dive into Oaxacan culture, history, and artisanal traditions, offering a well-rounded cultural experience.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

This private tour to Monte Albán and the surrounding craft towns offers a comprehensive exploration of Oaxaca’s rich cultural heritage.

Priced from $276.12 per group (up to 3 participants), this 10-hour experience includes hotel pickup, private transportation, and a knowledgeable guide.

Visitors can expect to tour the ancient ruins of Monte Albán in the early morning, enjoy a traditional Oaxacan lunch, and visit local workshops to learn about crafts like Alebrijes carving, textiles, and black pottery.

The tour is accessible for wheelchair users and allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

With English and Spanish-speaking guides, this private tour provides a personalized and immersive exploration of Oaxaca’s cultural wonders.

Itinerary Highlights

Commencing with the early morning visit, the guided tour of the Monte Albán archaeological site allows visitors to explore the history and architecture of this ancient Zapotec capital, all while avoiding the crowds and enjoying the fresh air.

After the tour, guests will savor a traditional Oaxacan lunch, with vegetarian options available, at a local restaurant.

The tour then ventures to three charming craft towns, where visitors can enjoy the artisanal traditions.

In San Martín Tilcajete, they’ll learn about Alebrijes carving and painting.

Next, in Santo Tomás Jalieza, they’ll observe the intricate back strap loom textile production.

Monte Albán Archaeological Site

The guided tour of the Monte Albán archaeological site allows visitors to explore the ancient Zapotec capital’s history and architecture, providing an opportunity to gain insights into this significant cultural site.

The early morning visit helps travelers enjoy the fresh air and avoid crowds, allowing for a more immersive experience.

During the 2-hour guided tour, visitors will:

• Learn about the site’s rich history, including its role as a major political and religious center for the Zapotec civilization.

• Admire the impressive architectural features, such as the iconic pyramids and plazas.

• Gain a deeper understanding of the site’s cultural significance and the lives of the Zapotec people who once inhabited this ancient city.

Oaxacan Lunch

After exploring the ancient ruins of Monte Albán, visitors enjoy an 80-minute lunch at a traditional restaurant featuring a variety of Oaxacan cuisine options, including vegetarian dishes. The menu showcases the region’s diverse and flavorful ingredients, from mole sauces to tlayudas. Diners can savor local specialties like:

Dish	Description
Mole Negro	A rich, complex sauce made with chili peppers, spices, and chocolate
Memelas	Thick corn patties topped with refried beans, salsa, and queso fresco
Chapulines	Crunchy, seasoned grasshoppers, a regional delicacy
Mezcal Cocktails	Artisanal agave spirits mixed with fresh juices and garnishes
Mezcal Ice Cream	A unique, smoky twist on a classic dessert

This authentic dining experience completes the immersive cultural journey through Oaxaca’s culinary traditions.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

San Martín Tilcajete

On the first stop of the crafts tour, visitors explore the family workshop in San Martín Tilcajete, where they learn about the intricate process of Alebrijes carving and painting. Alebrijes are colorful, fantastical wooden creatures, a unique Mexican folk art form.

Guests have the opportunity to:

• Watch skilled artisans sculpt and paint the whimsical figures

• Discover the traditional techniques passed down through generations

• Browse the vibrant collection of finished pieces for purchase

This hands-on experience provides a deeper understanding and appreciation for the creativity and craftsmanship behind these captivating Oaxacan handicrafts.

Santo Tomás Jalieza

Next, visitors explore the weaving community of Santo Tomás Jalieza, where they observe the traditional back strap loom textile production. This small town is renowned for its intricate and vibrant woven fabrics.

Visitors have the opportunity to witness the skilled artisans at work, meticulously creating these handcrafted textiles. The back strap loom, a traditional method passed down through generations, allows the weavers to produce unique and intricate patterns.

Guests can appreciate the dedication and artistry involved in this time-honored craft. This interactive experience provides a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the region and the enduring traditions that continue to thrive in Santo Tomás Jalieza.

San Bartolo Coyotepec

The tour then explores the town of San Bartolo Coyotepec, where visitors can witness the traditional handcrafting techniques of the renowned black pottery workshops. The group spends around 45 minutes in this charming town, observing the skilled artisans at work.

Visitors can:

• Explore the workshops and see the intricate process of creating the distinctive black pottery.

• Learn about the unique clay sourcing and firing methods that give this pottery its iconic color and finish.

• Browse the shops and have the opportunity to purchase these beautiful, one-of-a-kind pieces as souvenirs of the Oaxacan craft tradition.

This stop offers a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage and artisanal legacy of the region.

Inclusions and Important Information

This private tour to Monte Alban and the craft towns includes hotel pickup and drop-off, private transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned car, and the services of a knowledgeable driver and guide. Admission fees for Monte Alban, parking fees, and a cooler with bottled water are also covered. Plus, gratuities are included in the tour price.

What to Bring	Not Suitable For
Sun hat	Individuals with vertigo
Comfortable clothing	Epilepsy
Cash	Cold
Outdoor clothing	Altitude sickness
	Motion sickness
	Those over 95 years
	Hearing-impaired people

The Monte Alban site is located at an altitude of 2,000 meters and involves walking stairs, though it is not considered difficult hiking.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Physically Demanding Is the Tour for Those With Mobility Issues?

The tour involves a 2-hour guided visit to Monte Albán, which is at an altitude of 2,000 meters and involves walking stairs, though it’s not considered difficult hiking. Those with mobility issues may find the tour physically demanding.

What Is the Cancellation Policy for the Tour?

The cancellation policy allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This provides flexibility for travelers who may need to change their plans at the last minute.

Does the Tour Guide Speak Any Other Languages Besides English and Spanish?

According to the tour overview, the languages spoken by the guide are English and Spanish. The description does not mention any additional languages, so it’s unclear if the guide speaks any other languages besides those two.

Are There Any Additional Fees or Costs Not Included in the Listed Price?

The listed price for the tour includes all necessary fees and costs, such as hotel pickup/drop-off, private transportation, guide services, admission fees, and water. There are no additional charges beyond the quoted price per group.

Can Children Participate in the Tour, and Is There a Discounted Rate for Them?

Children can participate in the tour, and there is a discounted rate for them. The tour is suitable for families, with pricing options to accommodate children. Specific child pricing details would need to be confirmed with the tour operator.

Recap

This private tour offers a unique opportunity to explore Oaxaca’s rich cultural heritage.

Visitors will explore the ancient Zapotec ruins of Monte Albán, savor a traditional Oaxacan lunch, and engage with local artisans in renowned craft towns.

With personalized guidance from knowledgeable English and Spanish-speaking guides, this immersive experience provides a comprehensive and insightful glimpse into the vibrant traditions that make Oaxaca a captivating destination.

You can check if your dates are available here: