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The Hidden Side of Oaxaca, Mexico That Most Travelers Never Get to See

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Categories MEXICO

There’s so much more to Oaxaca than what meets the eye, and the locals know exactly where to find the real cultural magic that transforms a good trip into an unforgettable one. I’ve uncovered the highest-rated cultural tours that will give you insider access to authentic experiences, complete with all the details you need to choose the perfect adventure for your journey.

San Pablo Church in Mitla, Mexico, with cacti and bare trees in the foreground. Stone walls, red tile roof, and uneven texture are visible in sunlight.

READY TO DISCOVER THE BEST CULTURAL TOURS OAXACA HAS TO OFFER?

You’re in the right place, as I’ve spent a few months in Oaxaca exploring the city both independently and by joining cultural tours, so I know the city well.

With my first hand experience, I can help you plan what cultural tours in Oaxaca to take to make the most of your visit, and to get the best insight into the customs of this magical city and region. 

Don’t have time to read the whole article?
The best cultural tour in Oaxaca is this Oaxaca Ancestral Mezcal Experience, with a perfect Five Star Rating *****

Oaxaca is one of the most culturally rich cities and regions in Mexico. The local communities use art and traditional handicrafts as a symbol of social mobilization and resistance, and as a way to reinforce and express the region’s identity.

This article features the best cultural tours in Oaxaca that will give you an insight into the region’s fascinating history and beauty. Oaxaca is one of the most culturally complex places in Mexico, so it’s a really exciting destination to explore.

A woman in a blue dress and red apron spinning green wool with a wooden spinning wheel, with pink, black, orange, and blue wools in the background

This list of cultural tours in Oaxaca goes beyond your typical free walking tour. It includes a variety of experiences, from food tours that will take you on a culinary journey of traditional local delights, to tours that specialize in specific crafts such as weaving, pottery or mezcal making.

With all this in mind, let’s explore the list of the best Oaxaca day tours that are sure to make your visit to this magical city unforgettable.

Top 3 Picks: Best Cultural Tours in Oaxaca

#1 TOP PICK

Oaxaca Ancestral Mezcal Experience
✔︎ 5 STARS *****
✔︎ Extensive Mezcal Tasting
✔︎ Palenque and plantation tour incl. hotel pick up and drop off
BOOK IT HERE

#2 TOP PICK

Oaxaca Wool Textiles Experience
✔︎ Weave Your Own Coaster
✔︎ Traditional Oaxacan lunch with the family
BOOK IT HERE

#3 TOP PICK

Oaxaca Sacred Alebrije Experience
✔︎ Paint Your Own Alebrije
✔︎ Certified local bilingual guide
BOOK IT HERE

Best Cultural Tours in Oaxaca

Oaxaca Ancestral Mezcal Experience – Learn about mezcal at an agave farm

Tour length: Up to 10 hours | Rating: 5 out of 5 stars | Book Now

One of the best mezcal tours in Oaxaca, this unique 10 hour mezcal tour and tasting is a must do. It was certainly my favorite Oaxaca tour and one of the best things to do in Oaxaca!

A guide for cultural tours in Oaxaca wearing a white shirt, jeans, and hat stands in front of an agave plant with desert shrubs surrounding him.
Join Conejo on the Oaxaca Ancestral Mezcal Experience for an authentic opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of mezcal

Why choose this tour? It includes everything you need to learn all about the process of growing the agave, the production of mezcal, and a fun tasting session, before enjoying a traditional Oaxacan lunch. With everything included there are no hidden costs.

Plus you get to connect with a local family of mezcaleros in a meaningful way, which is rare in these sorts of tours.

A man in a white shirt, jeans, and hat standing on a sand pit in a covered shed

The day starts by getting picked up at your accommodation at 9am and driving to Santa Catarina Minas, a village with a strong mezcal tradition.

After meeting Conejo, a 3rd generation mezcalero, at his home, we jumped on his truck to go to his maguey (agave) plantation. Here we learnt about the different varieties of maguey that grow both wild and cultivated.

A black clay cup with small dot carvings held in a hand, with a wooden shed in the background surrounded by desert shrubs.

We also got to taste some mezcal in a lovely black clay cup (which we got to keep!) while out in the field, but my favorite moment was when we were given the opportunity to plant and name our own agave. I planted a baby Espina Negra variety and named it ‘chapulín’ (grasshopper).

A small Agave plant held in a hand with a blue sky, a mountain, and desert shrubs in the background.

We then returned to the palenque, where the production of mezcal takes place, and where we learnt about the process of cooking, mashing, fermentation and distillation.

Then came the fun part… the tasting! I tried 9 different varieties of mezcal and I have to admit that I liked them all.

a close-up shot of an agave plant showing its long, spiky leaves you can see during the cultural tours in Oaxaca

You will have the opportunity to buy your own mezcal to take home here, directly from the mezcalero.

But one thing I loved about WSE Travel, is that even if you don’t buy anything, the mezcaleros get paid fairly for their time, which is (sadly) unusual. Even though it’s the most responsible way to do it. You can read more about responsible travel practices here.

> Check rates and availability: Oaxaca Ancestral Mezcal Experience

What past guests have said:
“This exceeded my wildest expectations for what a tour of this type could be. Having been to whiskey distillery tours in Scotland and another tour to taste cachaça in Brazil, I expected to learn very little and be pushed to buy alcohol. This was the exact opposite, as this was about a shared experience learning about this sacred spirit, the life of this family and their mezcal farm (…)”
Kristel Flores (Read more reviews)

You can read my full review of the Oaxaca Ancestral Mezcal Experience here.

The Oaxaca Ancestral Mezcal Experience includes:

  • Meeting of a family of mezcaleros
  • Visit to an agave plantation
  • Plant your own agave experience
  • Cool bottled water and snacks
  • Mezcal tasting while in the field
  • Visit to a palenque (place where the mezcal production takes place)
  • Tasting session of various varieties of mezcal
  • A small gift to take home with you
  • English and Spanish speaking private guide
  • Translation with your family of mezcaleros
  • Traditional Oaxacan lunch
  • Access to a pool at the restaurant
  • Transportation (hotel pick up and drop off)

    > Check rates and availability: Oaxaca Ancestral Mezcal Experience

Oaxaca Wool Textiles Experience – Learn Traditional Weaving in Teotitlán del Valle

Tour length: Up to 10 hours | Rating: 5 out of 5 stars | Book Now

With a perfect 5 star rating, the Oaxaca Wool Textiles Experience is the best of all the textile tours in Oaxaca and an experience I’ll personally cherish forever. It’s a textile tour with a difference!

A man in a blue shirt and cap weaving in a loom inside a room with bricked walls in red and orange.
Javier demonstrating his weaving technique on a 100-year-old loom in the Oaxaca Wool Textiles Experience

Why choose this tour?  This cultural tour in Oaxaca includes everything you need to learn all about this important weaving tradition through the perfect balance of cultural interactions with a local family of textile producers, participating in their day to day activities.

You’ll get picked up at your Oaxaca accommodation at 9am and your guide will take you to the weaving collective in Teotitlán del Valle, a small town internationally famous for its textiles.

On arrival you will meet Josefina and Javier, a 5th generation family of textile producers, at their textile workshop and home.

A woman in printed blue and red dress grinding cochinilla on stone with different colors of wool hanged at the bricked wall behind

Josefina and Javier specialize in pre-hispanic weaving techniques, and they will show you how they process the wool from start to finish – from brushing, spinning, dying, drying and finally the weaving process. 

I also got to weave my own coaster in a 100 year old loom, and you will too! A great way to get an insight of the amazing skills needed to do this work.

Me in pink kimono with boho print and gray pants weaving in a loom with a wooden fence in the background
Photo Credit: Open Mind Adventure

The tour includes a home-cooked lunch with the family, a further opportunity to connect with them in a meaningful way, which is unique to this tour and very few people get to experience.

different textiles, including brightly colored blankets, rugs, and other woven items, hanging on the walls and laid out on tables for display

Unlike other textile tours, this cultural tour in Oaxaca is not a sales pitch and there are no hidden costs.

Most companies that organise cultural tours in Oaxaca work with local producers on a sales only basis, so there’s a lot of pressure for you to buy something during the tour so the family can earn for their time spent with you. This is not the case at all with WSE Travel.

> Check rates and availability: Oaxaca Wool Textiles Experience

What past guests have said:
“This was an incredible day. Our hosts Josefina and Javier were welcoming and made us feel at home immediately. We also met their children and a grandson. A wonderful peaceful home. The weaving studio is amazing. The chance to weave a small piece on a 200 year old loom was priceless. (…)”
Anne Everett (Read more reviews)

You can read my full review of the Oaxaca Wool Textiles Experience here.

The Oaxaca Wool Textiles Experience includes:

  • Meeting a family of textile producers
  • Visit to a textile workshop
  • Weave your own coaster in a 100 year old loom
  • Mezcal and tepache samples
  • Visit to a grana-cochinilla breeding farm (source of natural red pigment)
  • English and Spanish speaking private guide
  • Translation with your weaving host family
  • Home-cooked lunch with family of textile producers
  • Transportation (hotel pick up and drop off)

    > Check rates and availability: Oaxaca Wool Textiles Experience

Oaxaca Sacred Alebrije Experience – Make Traditional Alebrijes in Tilcajete

Tour length: Up to 10 hours | Small Group: 6 people max | Book Now

If you have watched the movie Coco, you will have seen Alebrijes. Discover the world of Alebrijes with this fantastic Oaxaca Sacred Alebrije Experience.

During this intriguing cultural tour in Oaxaca , you’ll explore the origin of this fascinating art form and its surprising origins. It’s a hands-on experience that you won’t forget!

A small sculpture of a red lion with intricate prints and details and blue wings sitting on a wooden table
You won’t find an Alebrijes tour like the Oaxaca Sacred Alebrije Experience, guided by an enthusiastic and very knowledgable local guide

Why choose this tour? This tour includes everything you need to learn about this captivating art form unique to Oaxaca, but with origins in Mexico City.

You will meet an artisan family that specializes in these intricately painted wood carvings and will have the chance to paint your own Alebrije to take home with you, the best way to get a feel for how hard and skilled the artisans’ job is.

Front of a restaurant with a garden featuring hanging and potted plants and wooden animal sculptures. The entrance leads to the indoor dining area with tables and chairs.

It includes a delicious traditional Oaxacan lunch in a hidden gem of a restaurant with a unique setting in the middle of nature. With everything included, there are no hidden costs.

> Check rates and availability: Oaxaca Sacred Alebrije Experience

What past guests have said about WSE Travel Tours:
“(…)Glad we chose Where Sidewalks End to support local artisans. We would absolutely recommend this experience to anyone. Laura was a wonderful host and translator as we have very little Spanish. We shared a wealth of local knowledge and it was a pleasure to meet her”
Donna Rose Ritchie (Read more reviews)

After getting picked up at your hotel at 9am, your guide Christian will take you to the town of San Martin of Tilcajete, a village known for its Alebrijes artisans, to meet two families that specialize in these wood carvings.

Pink jaguar head sculpture with blue, orange, and yellow triangle, circle, and other shape prints on a white wrap

During this full-day cultural tour in Oaxaca, you will learn about the surprising origin of the unique art form that is the Alebrijes, and how it was born from a traditional artist’s dream.

On arrival you will meet Dante and his family at their workshop, where you will learn about their family history and tradition, and how these intricately decorated wood carvings became traditional to this village.

Man in red polo and black pants holding a wooden sculpture surrounded by other animal wooden sculptures on the ground.

Dante talked us through and showed us the process it takes to produce Alebrijes, from the wood carving, the drying, curing, sanding, to the final step of painting. The whole process has always been a family affair, where everyone gets involved, for a number of generations now.

Woman in pink blouse painting small clay figures in red with paints and other clay figures in the background in pink, blue, and green.

You will also get involved and paint your own Alebrije to take home. I picked a winged seahorse and absolutely loved learning and applying the different painting styles and techniques.

Me holding blue and yellow sea horse sculpture with red, violet, and orange prints, surrounded by other animal wooden figures in the background

While the Alebrijes dry, it’s time to go for a delicious lunch to an organic Oaxacan restaurant set in beautiful nature. The local food here is incredible and it’s all cooked the traditional way in a smoke kitchen (or open fire).

After lunch, it’s time to visit the second family of Alebrije artisans, who have become an important point of reference in the Alebrije design world in Oaxaca and worldwide. 

Colorful raccoon sculpture holding a baby raccoon with blue, red, yellow, orange, and other bright colored prints of various shapes and sizes on a wooden square table

Waldo is one of the most important artists in the Alebrije world, and his work has been commissioned by big brands in the fashion and retail industries. He has applied a modern twist to this near centennial art.

He has now set up a workshop that teaches the new generations of artisans the techniques of this unique art, giving them the tools and the freedom to make each carving a powerful piece of art in its own right.

The gallery will blow you away with the creativity and the intricacy of the designs that each of Waldo’s wood carvings have.

Monkey wooden sculpture holding its tail with blue, red, yellow, orange, and other brightly colored prints of various shapes and sizes on a wooden table, with a brick wall in the background.

As with other WSE Travel tours, you will have the opportunity to buy a unique Alebrije in both workshops, directly from the artisans. However, as mentioned, this is not the aim of the tour. 

Even if you don’t buy anything, the families get paid fairly for their time, which is (sadly) unusual. This is one thing I loved about WSE Travel tours.

Most tour companies work with local artisans on a sales only basis, so there’s a lot of pressure for you to buy something during the tour so the family can earn for their time spent with you. This is not the case at all with WSE Travel.

Several small bunny sculptures with blue, red, yellow, orange, and other brightly colored small prints on a wooden table.

Although if you decide to buy something it’ll always be appreciated, and you’ll have a unique piece of Oaxacan culture and tradition to take home with you. I got myself a little rabbit Alebrije to take home and a few others to give as gifts for friends and family.

The Oaxaca Sacred Alebrije Experience includes:

  • Meeting two families of Alebrije artisans
  • Visit to a traditional Alebrije workshop
  • Paint your own Alebrije to take home
  • Water, mezcal sample and snacks
  • Visit to a world-renowned Alebrije gallery
  • English and Spanish speaking private guide
  • Translation with your artisan host family
  • Delicious traditional Oaxacan lunch in a wonderful setting
  • Transportation (hotel pick up and drop off)

    > Check rates and availability: Oaxaca Sacred Alebrije Experience

Oaxaca Ancestral Food Experience

Tour length: Up to 10 hours | Small Group: 6 people max | Book Now

Ready to eat your way through the city on one of the best food tours in Oaxaca? Then you must book this Oaxaca Ancestral Food Experience.

During this unique cultural tour in Oaxaca, you’ll explore the importance of corn and cacao as two of the main staples in traditional Oaxacan food. Just make sure you come hungry!

A slice of bread, bubbling cocoa drink, and corn served on a white plate on a pink table.
Try a traditional Oaxaca breakfast on this mouthwatering Oaxaca Ancestral Food Experience

Why choose this tour? This tour includes six foodie stops across Oaxaca, where you will try over ten items of food and drink based on the all-important ingredients.

You will learn how crucial corn and cacao have been in Mexican food and culture, but in particular in Oaxacan society.

You will visit a local market, a traditional fonda, a tortilleria that makes tortillas following ancestral methods, you will try a selection of chocolates and pre-hispanic drinks, and much more!

Mercado de La Merced's pink-painted facade with street vendors and people entering and exiting the market.

With this cultural tour in Oaxaca, you will not need lunch, and I dare say you may not even need dinner! All the food and drinks are included and there are no hidden costs.

> Check rates and availability: Oaxaca Ancestral Food Experience

What past guests have said about WSE Travel Tours:
“This was an absolutely great tour and so much more than we expected. If you want to immerse yourself in a true cultural experience, do not think twice about booking this tour. Every aspect was fun and enjoyable (…)”
Rick Eaton (Read more reviews)

Bubbling Atole drink in brown cups with flower prints on a pink table. Wall in the background filled with texts from customers and visitors.

The tour starts with a typical Oaxacan breakfast at a local market and one of the most famous fondas (a traditional family-run eatery) in the city. Here you will try delicious tamales, pan de yema (yolk bread) and the classic chocolate atole (a corn-based traditional drink).

From the market you will visit a tortilleria that uses the process of nixtamalization to prepare their corn, a process that dates back to Aztec times.

a slice of Tetela with Tepache topped with white sauce served on a red plate and a brown cup on a red table

Here I had a tetela (Oaxacan triangular empanada) stuffed with huitlacoche (corn smut), and a cup of tepache (a fermented pineapple drink). A must try while in Oaxaca!

Black corn smut served in a brown cup with white flower print on a wooden table

The next stop will take you to a cafe that specializes in chocolate and cacao products, where you will do a chocolate tasting in different formats (solid and liquid).

me in black shirt and a pair of jeans holding a brown cup with cacao drink beside a wooden table and potted plants in the background

This is followed by a visit to one of the most famous street food stalls in Oaxaca, where you will be able to try empanadas or tacos al comal. I had the chile relleno (stuffed chili) taco and wow!

The final stop is to an organic market where you will try a variety of pre-hispanic drinks like pozontle and tejate, as well as pulque and mezcal.

A hand holding a white Pulque drink in a glass with blurry views of people in tables and chairs, and colorful small flags hanging in the background

You will certainly not go hungry or thirsty on this tour. But it is not just about eating and drinking. 

What I really loved was that each stop, and each item of food and drink, came with an explanation of the processes, the suppliers, the ingredients themselves, their history and how they have been used throughout the centuries.

This a tour for both foodies and culture vultures. Don’t miss out on this unique Oaxaca food tour!

The Oaxaca Ancestral Food Experience includes:

  • Visit to a local market
  • Traditional Oaxacan breakfast at a fonda
  • Visit to a traditional tortilleria with snack and drink 
  • Chocolate tasting (solid and drink)
  • Chocolate bar to take home with you
  • Lunch at one of the top street food stalls in Oaxaca 
  • Selection of four traditional drinks at an organic market
  • English and Spanish speaking private guide
  • Transportation (hotel pick up and drop off)

> Check rates and availability: Oaxaca Ancestral Food Experience

Oaxaca Cotton Textiles Experience – Private Tour

Tour length: 6-8 hours | Rating: 5 out of 5 stars | Book now

With a flawless 5-star rating, the Oaxaca Cotton Textiles Experience is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in this unique Oaxacan craft. This tour was really enlightening and hands on – it certainly stands out from the rest!

Why choose this tour? This tour really gives you everything you need to dive deep into the rich traditions and intricate work of cotton weaving in Oaxaca. 

During the tour you’ll get to hang out with a local family of cotton textile producers, and really get a feel for their craft, striking a fun balance between learning and doing. 

Plus, you’ll end the day with a delicious traditional Oaxacan meal. And don’t worry about any sales pitches or unexpected costs; this experience is all about genuine hands on cultural exchange.

> Check rates and availability: Oaxaca Cotton Textiles Experience

What past guests have said about this tour:
“I truly enjoyed picking the cotton, preparing it for spinning, and then the actual spinning process itself. Seeing all the beautiful naturally dyed colors was great. Nelson is a very attentive and patient teacher. I was practically drawn to the incredibly intricate bands he wove in front of me.
Christian was an incredible guide who helped curate the whole experience including special sites and a delicious meal.”
Ilyias Iliya (Read more reviews)

The tour takes place in Santo Tomas Jalieza, one of the oldest towns in the valley, where you will visit a family that has been weaving cotton for generations. Maestro Nelson himself has been weaving from the age of 5!

You will learn about the experimental nursery the artisans have, where they are trying to rescue a pre-Hispanic variety of cotton that has been in danger of disappearing.

This tour is hands-on, and you will be involved in the process from picking the cotton, washing it and preparing it, and even spinning it into thread. You will learn about the natural dyes used and the process of dying. 

You will also get to observe how the artisans use ancient waist-strap looms to weave fantastic creations – from tiny but incredibly detailed bracelets, to table runners. It’s an incredible art to witness the creation of, so don’t miss out on connecting with this ancient tradition.

The Oaxaca Cotton Textiles Experience includes:

  • Meeting of a family of cotton textiles producers
  • Visit to a traditional cotton textiles workshop
  • Visit to a cotton nursery
  • Pick your own cotton and spin your own thread following centuries’ old methods
  • English and Spanish speaking private guide
  • Translation with your weaving host family
  • Traditional Oaxacan lunch 
  • Transportation (hotel pick up and drop off)

> Check rates and availability: Oaxaca Cotton Textiles Experience

Monte Alban and the Art of Oaxaca

Tour length: 7 hours | Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars | Book Now

This is the highest rated tour of Monte Alban and the Art of Oaxaca combined.  Don’t miss it if you’d like to learn about the history of Zapotec civilization.

Stone pyramid structure at Monte Alban, surrounded by stone walls and green fields under a blue sky
Discover the captivating Oaxaca archaeological sites with this tour of Monte Alban, one of the best cultural tours in Oaxaca

Why choose this tour? This tour will take you to the archeological ancient ruins of Monte Albán, the Zapotec capital city. Here you will learn about this Pre-Hispanic culture, in a similar way you learn about the Mayas in the archeological sites of Yucatan.

You will also learn about the unique art and tradition of Alebrijes, carved wood figurines that are intricately decorated by hand by skilled artisans. 

The Dominican Monastery of Cuilapam de Guerrero showing a Gothic-style structure of a combination of stone and brick with clear blue skies in the background

Finally, you will also visit the Dominican Monastery of Cuilapam de Guerrero, a great example of colonial architecture that is almost 500 years old.

> Check rates and availability: Monte Alban and the Art of Oaxaca Tour

What past guests have said about this tour:
“Our guide was excellent and we both felt that we learned a lot about local Zapotec culture and the archeological site. The lunch at Casa Frida de mi Corazón was superb, truly a highlight (…) I appreciated his speaking Zapotec for us and he was very considerate. All in all a great tour.”
GetYourGuide Traveler (Read more reviews)

On this day trip, you can fully immerse yourself in Oaxacan culture.

Start by visiting Monte Albán, the most significant archaeological site in Oaxaca. The area was once considered the religious, political, and economic hub of the Zapotec civilization.

stone carvings showing the Zapotec civilization in the foreground with stone walls at the back

While there, take a stroll around the square and explore the site Museum. And don’t forget to bring your camera to snap photos from atop the archaeological structures.

Next, the tour take you to San Antonio Arrazola, a magical destination of vibrant colors and rich traditions. 

There, you’ll have the opportunity to observe skilled artisans as they carve copal wood, and where you’ll learn about the process of creating the enchanting Alebrijes, which symbolize the innovative spirit of the Oaxacan soul.

Small colorful Alebrijes of different animal sculptures with prints of different shapes in bright colors of blue, red, and yellow on a blue surface

Finally, make a stop at Cuilapam de Guerrero, a Mixtec town renowned for its 16th-century Dominican ex-monastery, and San Bartolo Coyotepec, a charming town with adobe houses where you can witness the creation of stunning black clay figures.

The Monte Alban and the Art of Oaxaca Tour includes:

Traditional Oaxacan Cooking Class with Market Visit

Tour length: 5.5 hours | Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars | Book Now

If you’re looking for a memorable culinary experience in Oaxaca, this Traditional Oaxacan Cooking Class with Market Visit is a top recommendation. It’s widely considered one of the best in the area.

A chef's hand grinding fruits and vegetables with spices in brown cups nearby, using a stone mortar and pestle during a cooking class in Oaxaca
For the ultimate Oaxacan cooking class, look no further than this Traditional Oaxacan Cooking Class with Market Visit tour

Why choose this tour? Experience the renowned Oaxacan cuisine first hand by cooking with authentic ingredients and flavors.

​​Join an expert cook on a market walk through the bustling town to shop for fresh ingredients. Then, learn to prepare traditional Oaxacan dishes using these ingredients, and enjoy the fruits of your labor!

> Check rates and availability: Traditional Oaxacan Cooking Class with Market Visit

What past guests have said about this tour:
“We had a great experience with Samuel & Sandra! They were very knowledgeable about the ingredients and great teachers while we cooked. Would highly recommend this cooking class for an authentic and fun experience!”
GetYourGuide Traveler (Read more reviews)

Explore the world-famous Oaxacan gastronomy with a local chef by visiting a bustling market to source the freshest ingredients.

vegetables and fruits on display in wooden carts, boxes, and green racks in a local market in Oaxaca

Immerse yourself in traditional flavors and techniques as you prepare authentic Mexican dishes alongside the chef, who will explain what makes them unique to the region.

This fully interactive class starts with a market tour, where the chef will help you identify the best ingredients. You can choose between two suggested dishes to prepare.

Once you’ve decided, get started cooking and learn how to create a traditional meal that represents an important cultural part of beautiful Oaxaca.

Tlayuda and fried tortilla topped with beans, cream, lime, sauces, and peppers served on brown plates arranged on a wooden table.

During the lesson, the chef will highlight the benefits of each ingredient and share which ones locals prefer for their dishes.

As a bonus, you’ll also learn how to make handmade tortillas and typical drinks like Tejate, Chilacayota, and Margaritas with Mezcal to complement your meal.

The Traditional Oaxacan Cooking Class with Market Visit includes:

Yagul Archaeological Site & Sunday Local Market

Tour length: 4.5 hours | Rating: 4.1 out of 5 stars | Book Now

If you’re ready to embark on one of the most unique cultural tours in Oaxaca, then don’t miss the Yagul Archaeological Site & Sunday Local Market Tour. 

This memorable tour delves into the history of the archaeological site of Yagul and San Jerónimo Tlacochahuaya. You’ll also get to experience Tlacolula’s Sunday Market, the closest example of an original pre-Hispanic market.

structures with stairs made of stone and adobe bricks with a dirt path in the center and blue skies in the background
The Yagul Archaeological Site & Sunday Local Market Tour provides the ultimate experience combining history, culture and food

Why choose this tour? Embark on a guided tour to discover the fascinating archeological site of Yagul followed by a visit to the town of San Jeronimo Tlacochahuaya, famous for its religious art.

End your weekend with a visit to the traditional pre-Hispanic market of Tlacolula on a relaxing Sunday.

> Check rates and availability: Yagul Archaeological Site & Sunday Local Market Tour

What past guests have said about this tour:
“Alberto was wonderful! He took great care of us, and let us have as much or as little time as we wanted. The Sunday market was incredible, and there is just about anything you could hope for. Yagul was also incredible. (…)”
GetYourGuide Traveler (Read more reviews)

Discover a unique Sunday experience by joining a guided tour that includes a visit to the archaeological site of Yagul and San Jerónimo Tlacochahuaya, as well as the opportunity to see an original pre-Hispanic market in Tlacolula.

Displays of mangoes, bananas, and other fruits on different wooden crates with people walking in the Tlacolula market

Your adventure begins with a hotel lobby pick-up in Oaxaca City, followed by a visit to the legendary 16th-century construction in San Jeronimo Tlacochahuaya. Here, you’ll marvel at the religious art and altars while learning about their significance.

Next, visit the archeological site of Yagul, which served as an important urban center after the decline of Monte Alban. Walk with your guide to gain insight into how the city evolved after the Spanish conquest.

A stone structure nestled into a hillside, with green terraces leading up to it, against a blue sky with clouds. This is the archaeological site of Yagul in Oaxaca, Mexico.

Finally, head to Tlacolula to explore one of the most popular and colorful Sunday markets in the country. This bustling marketplace showcases local products, arts, and crafts, making it a fascinating and must-see attraction.

The Yagul Archaeological Site & Sunday Local Market Tour includes:

San Agustín Etla Quesillo and Papermaking Tour

Tour length: 4.5 hours | Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars | Book Now

Take a trip outside of the city of Oaxaca to the charming town of San Augustín Etla and immerse yourself in the local culture on this San Agustin Etla Quesillo and Papermaking Tour.

Learn about the traditional production of Quesillo, a type of cheese famous in the region, and witness how paper is made by local artisans.

Shredded cheese of Quesillo in a small brown bowl served on a blue wooden table
If you’re in search of an educational food and culture experience, the San Agustin Etla Quesillo and Papermaking Tour is one of the top cultural tours in Oaxaca

Why choose this tour? Discover the traditional crafts of San Augustín Etla on this tour on a day trip from Oaxaca City.

Learn about the art of paper making using natural fibres, visit the amazing Arts Center of San Augustín, a former textile factory that has been transformed into a contemporary arts center.

Finally, uncover the secrets of making Quesillo, a distinct Oaxacan cheese known for its unique flavor and texture.

> Check rates and availability: San Agustin Etla Quesillo and Papermaking Tour

What past guests have said about this tour:
“This was one of the best tours we have ever taken. The guide Lally (…) was wonderful. We visited a house in Etla, where a woman, aided by her husband, made 2 types of Oaxaca cheese in front of us. (…) We then drove up into the nearby mountain to an old renovated textile factory now used as an stunning art exhibit space. Finally we visited a paper making demonstration. (…) My husband and I highly recommend this tour. 10/10”
GetYourGuide Traveler (Read more reviews)

The tour begins with a hotel pick-up in central Oaxaca, where you will travel approximately 20 kilometers north to the Etla District to witness the production of traditional Quesillo and paper.

A staircase leading to a long, rectangular building with columns and arches, and a large wooden door at the center of the Centro de las Artes de San Agustín.

The first stop is at a former hydroelectric plant in San Agustín Etla, where the community is dedicated to producing paper using natural fibers of the region, such as tree bark, flowers, pigments, branches, and cotton.

Next, it’s time to explore the Arts Center of San Agustín, a magnificent contemporary arts center located in a renovated former textile factory.

The factory was established in 1883 and used to manufacture raw blankets from cotton. The abandoned building has since been transformed into an ecological center showcasing modern art and culture exhibitions.

A ball of Quesillo with a few shredded pieces beside it in a brown plate served on a wooden table

Lastly, learn about the secrets of the famous locally-made Quesillo cheese and its unique flavor, which originated in Oaxaca and has gained international recognition as a key ingredient in Mexican cuisine.

Before returning to Oaxaca City, you will also visit the Etla market, renowned for being located in the area where Quesillo originated.

The San Agustin Etla Quesillo and Papermaking Tour includes:

Ocotlan de Morelos Cultural Experience and Tour

Tour length: 7.5 hours | Rating: 4.3 out of 5 stars | Book Now

Experience the vibrant Oaxacan culture in this enlightening Ocotlan de Morelos Cultural Experience and Tour.

Meet the friendly locals, delve into their history and traditions, and explore various significant cultural sites within this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A dirt path with towering trees on both sides leading to Ocotlán de Morelos. The blue facade features intricate sculptures and towers, with a prominent cross atop the center of the roof.
Experience a unique blend of culture and handicrafts shopping with this Ocotlan de Morelos Cultural Experience and Tour led by an experienced guide

Why choose this tour? Embark on an enriching tour of Ocotlan de Morelos and immerse yourself in the vibrant Oaxacan culture.

Witness skilled artisans creating beautiful crafts by weaving cotton threads and savor the authentic flavors of Oaxacan drinks and delicacies.

Explore a variety of charming small towns in this UNESCO World Heritage Center and engage with local indigenous people to learn about their fascinating history and traditions.

> Check rates and availability: Ocotlan de Morelos Cultural Experience and Tour

What past guests have said about this tour:
“We had a great day. Our guide Ivan was very informative and taught us a lot about the history, politics and culture of Oaxaca!”
GetYourGuide Traveler (Read more reviews)

Embark on a journey to the heart of the Central Valleys of Oaxaca with this insightful tour of Ocotlan de Morelos.

Blue facade of Ocotlán de Morelos with intricate sculptures and towers on both sides, arched windows with decorative grilles, and a central cross atop the roof.

After being picked up at your accommodation in Oaxaca, you will arrive at the town’s main church, a Neoclassical beauty that holds a special place in the community’s heart.

Next, head to the town’s traditional plaza, where locals and artisans from nearby towns gather every Friday to sell and trade regional products.

Follow your guide through the bustling plaza, soak up the vibrant atmosphere, and sample Tejate, a refreshing drink also known as the “drink of the Gods.”

A woman wearing a white apron holding a large cup of Tejate, a traditional Mexican beverage, with text describing the drink in the background.

Then, travel to Santo Tomas Jalieza, a small community devoted to the art of waist loom weaving, an ancient textile technique. Watch local artisans create colorful clothes, bags, and other unique pieces by looming cotton threads while learning about the history of this craft.

Afterward, indulge in a selection of delectable Oaxacan delicacies and discover more about the region’s traditions and people.

The final stop of the tour is San Martin Tilcajete, a charming township renowned for its vibrant crafts and handmade Alebrijes. Stroll around the town and marvel at the intricate art created by local artisans inspired by nature.

The Ocotlan de Morelos Cultural Experience and Tour includes:

Arts and Craft Tour

Tour length: 8.5 hours | Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars | Book Now

Embark on a cultural journey and explore the traditional folk art of Oaxaca on this Arts and Craft Tour that takes you to three different villages, each renowned for producing unique and exquisite artisanal products.

small metal skulls featuring intricate carvings of triangles, circles, and leaves
Look no further for the top Oaxaca multi-arts tours as this Arts and Craft Tour has got you covered

Why choose this tour? Immerse yourself in Oaxaca’s rich traditional folk arts on this tour to three villages renowned for their artisanal products.

This is one of the most fascinating cultural tours in Oaxaca, where you will meet the locals and learn about their techniques firsthand as you discover the cultural significance and artistry behind handicrafts of the state of Oaxaca.

Visit the famous tree of Tule, an ancient and enormous Montezuma cypress tree believed to be over 2,000 years old. Learn about its cultural significance and the legends surrounding it.

Person in pink top and shorts standing on street next to metal fence with large Montezuma cypress tree in center of brown field.

If you choose, enjoy an optional lunch and savor some authentic Oaxacan cuisine before continuing to the final stop of the tour. Don’t forget to pick up some unique souvenirs to commemorate your experience and take a piece of Oaxacan culture home with you.

> Check rates and availability: Arts and Craft Tour

What past guests have said about this tour:
“The lengthy, in depth explanation of their craft by both the wood carver and the weaver in their workshop/showroom was excellent, fascinating, and enlightening. (…)”
GetYourGuide Traveler (Read more reviews)

Join this fascinating tour and experience three of Oaxaca’s traditional art processes. Explore the unique techniques used to create Alebrije art, the distinctively dark barro negro (black clay) pottery, and the intricate hand-dyed rugs of Teotitlan Del Valle.

The first stop in San Martin Tilcajete, where you’ll discover the history and artistry behind the beloved wooden Alebrijes. Witness the intricate process of creating these fantastic creatures and learn how they have become a symbol of Oaxaca.

Brightly colored textiles with animal and shape prints on display in red, yellow, and blue hanging and folded on a red table

Next, head to San Bartolo Coyotepec and discover the ancient techniques used to make the iconic black pottery, and marvel at the range of products that can be created using this unique material.

Afterward, head to Teotitlan Del Valle to see the colorful hand-dyed rugs being produced using traditional methods. Learn about the natural dyes and designs that make each rug so unique.

Finally, visit El Tule Tree, the widest tree in the world, in Santa Maria del Tule, and learn about its significance to the region. And, if you’re hungry, enjoy an optional lunch before heading back to your hotel with some unique souvenirs.

The Arts and Craft Tour includes:

BONUS ENTRY (SEASONAL TOUR – 2nd NOVEMBER ONLY)

Oaxaca Day of the Dead Experience – Traditions, Pro Photos, Altars, History & More

Tour length: up to 8 hours | Group Size: Minimum 10 people | Book Now

Living the Day of the Dead in Oaxaca is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and joining a tour like the Oaxaca Day of the Dead Experience will make it even more unforgettable.

Oaxaca is one of the best places to experience this Mexican tradition, and this tour is a unique chance to get involved and get a great understanding of it with an expert in the history and mysticism surrounding the practice of the Day of the Dead in Oaxaca.

Day of the Dead celebration in Oaxaca, Mexico. Woman and man with skull makeup in black and white attire at an altar, surrounded by people
If you are looking to experience the Day of The Dead like a local, you must not miss this Oaxaca Day of the Dead Experience. (Photo Credit: WSE Travel)

Why choose this tour? The Day of the Dead is a widely celebrated tradition where ancestors are honored and invited to visit from the underworld. It is believed that the deceased are granted permission to return to the world of the living.

Family members create altars adorned with yellow Mexican marigolds, pan de muertos (muertos bread), incense, sweet skulls, and sometimes the favorite music of their ancestors. They also offer their departed loved ones their favorite foods and drinks as a way to honor and remember them.

This is a full-day experience where you will learn and appreciate the deep cultural connection that the people of Mexico share with their deceased.

This is one of the most unique cultural tours in Oaxaca and it will be a window into a beautiful tradition in these people’s lives and allow you to connect on a deep level by participating in their activities and connecting to their sacred cultural practices in a respectful and honorable way.

A cemetery filled with tombs adorned with colorful flowers and candles. People dressed in skull face paint and black and white or bright attire walking at the back
Photo Credit: WSE Travel

The objective is to help you bond with the sacred practices that honor the dead, just as the locals have bonded with their own lost loved ones for generations.

> Check rates and availability: Oaxaca Day of the Dead Experience

What past guests have said about WSE Travel Tours:
“(…)Glad we chose Where Sidewalks End to support local artisans. We would absolutely recommend this experience to anyone. Laura was a wonderful host and translator as we have very little Spanish. We shared a wealth of local knowledge and it was a pleasure to meet her”
Donna Rose Ritchie (Read more reviews)

On arrival you will be treated to a special Muertos-themed cocktail, some appetizers, and finger foods.

The first few hours of the tour will be dedicated to preparing for the event, getting your face painted in the traditional Day of the Dead Catrina skull makeup and participating in a mini professional photoshoot.

Once everyone is ready, everyone will gather together for a deep discussion about the traditions surrounding death and how they have been celebrated and honored throughout history, from pre-Columbian Mesoamerica to modern-day Mexico.

A woman with braids wearing an orange flower headband getting her face painted with black paint by another person
Photo Credit: WSE Travel

During this talk, we will consume some locally produced mezcal and cacao beans while learning about the significance of altars honoring the dead and how they are all interconnected.

We will then build an altar together, and you are encouraged to bring a small passport-sized photo of a lost loved one you wish to honor during the ceremony. We will then share stories with each other, perhaps of our lost loved ones, dance to the sounds of a local DJ, and celebrate life.

Then it’s time to march up to the nearby graveyard, which will be ornately decorated for Muertos. 

The Oaxaca Day of the Dead Experience includes:

  • Pre-experience information to educate and prepare you
  • Traditional face paint and professional photo shoot
  • A specially trained and licensed English-speaking guide that will facilitate your experience
  • Welcome drink and finger foods
  • Mezcal and cacao beans sample
  • Supplies for contributing to the altar that will be built during the experience
  • In-depth talk about the Day of the Dead, its history and evolution
  • A small gift to take home with you

    > Check rates and availability: Oaxaca Day of the Dead Experience

Do you have any questions about these cultural tours in Oaxaca?
Let me know in the comments!

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11 Highest Rated And Best Cultural Tours in Oaxaca