Full-Day Monte Alban Archaeological Site and Oaxaca Artisan Experience

Immerse yourself in the rich history and vibrant art of Oaxaca on this full-day tour. Explore the ancient ruins of Monte Albán, learn the art of making Alebrijes in Arrazola, visit the historic Cuilápam de Guerrero monastery, and admire the beautiful black mud shapes in San Bartolo Coyotepec.

Duration: 8 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Zona Arqueologica de Monte Alban - The tour starts at around 10am with hotel pickup in the city of Oaxaca. Board an air-conditioned van and head to Monte Albán archaeological site which is the biggest Zapotec urban center. Here, you’ll enjoy a guided tour and see its main landmarks.These ruins are the most important of the entire state and have been declared a World Heritage list by UNESCO. After the explanation of your guide, you will have free time to walk and take pictures.

  • San Antonio Arrazola - Then, visit the town of Arrazola which is an artisan town. The shapes made of Copal are fantastically carved and painted and are called Alebrijes.

  • Ex Convento de Cuilapam de Guerrero - Then, head to Cuilápam de Guerrero, which in the XVI century,  was a Dominican monastery. Here, you can see the open chapel, which is the place where General Vicente Guerrero was shot. 

  • San Bartolo Coyotepec - Finally, you’ll visit Bartolo Coyotepec, worldwide famous because of the beautiful black mud shapes. (Barro Negro).

You’ll be back at your Oaxaca hotel at 6pm. 

What's Included
  • Bilingual professional guide.
  • Air-conditioned minivan transportation.
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off included for selected hotels.
What's Not Included
  • Food and drinks
  • Gratuities
  • Admission in Monte Alban and Cuilapam
Additional Information

Our first stop is at the majestic archaeological site of Monte Alban. Imagine walking along the same paths where at a period of history the Zapotecs walked through, exploring ancient pyramids, and observing the greatness of a civilization that flourished on these lands centuries ago. We will then go to the home of craftsmen in Arrazola, where creativity comes to life in the form of Alebrijes. Learn how these talented artisans give life to these colorful handmade wooden figures. We will stop at a Oaxacan buffet to taste authentic local dishes. Our last stop will be at San Bartolo Coyotepec, where black pottery takes shape by the hands of master craftsmen. Discover the secrets of this ancestral tradition while you observe the creation process. Our tour ends around 5:00 p.m., when you are dropped off at your hotel’s lobby or Airbnb with unforgettable memories and an in-depth understanding of the rich culture and history of Oaxaca.

  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
Location
Zona Arqueologica de Monte Alban
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.4
(85 Ratings)
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1 star
Paula_r
Aug 30, 2024
great tour - Great tour. Grest guide, Ede. She explained everything in english and spanish. Wish the lunch wasn't a buffet - it was good but too much food.
Review provided by Viator
Manuelfranciscoagu_a
Aug 26, 2024
Fun and educational - Had an amazing time! The tour was educational and fun. Pickup and drop off was on time. I definitely recommend booking this trip with Ede.
Review provided by Viator
Nizalyn_p
Jul 26, 2024
Monte Alban & Oaxaca Artesan - Our guide (Ede) was very knowledgeable and accommodating; the driver was a safe driver. The sites were amazing and time given was sufficient.
Review provided by Viator
Zacharysb8203pd
Jul 4, 2024
Exploring unique Oaxaqueño cultura - My trip to Monte Alban and the artisanal experience was the perfect way to spend the day. Our tour guide, Ede spoke effortlessly in Spanish and English to explain in detail each detail of the trip. She spent time to answer questions and point out interesting comparisons to other regions and pre-Columbian cultures of Meso America. All with a wonderful sense of humor as well.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
G2133yzeduardof
Jul 2, 2024
Super recommended. - Incredible places, Mount Alban is beautiful, the villages very interesting talking about their traditions and cultures. The very prepared, dynamic and charismatic guide that made the trip very interesting. The friendly and responsible driver. Overall the tour was very good, I recommend it.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Hanevyw
Jun 19, 2024
Totally worth it! - We had a great experience visiting Monte Albán, Ede our tour guide gave us an wonderful insight to the local indigenous peoples way of life and the ruins. She wasn't rushing us and even took time to be our photographer! I'm not adding those photos but believe me, she is good. The church, Alebrije and black clay stops are a great addition to the tour, not a lot of walking compared to other tours. The buffet was amazing, local traditional food with great service.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
P8321gmsarahh
Jun 6, 2024
Wonderful tour! - I can't say enough wonderful things about this tour. Ede (our guide) was great - she was so passionate about the places we visited! She gave us so much information - and she did so twice, in both Spanish and English due to the needs of our group. I would very much recommend this tour. They took great care of us, and it was run very efficiently.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Guide82480
Apr 6, 2024
Great tour of Monte Alban! - A very good tour of Monte Alban and the craft towns (alebrijes and black clay). They pick you up at your hotel and are very punctual. Monte Alban is an impressive place and is a must-see if you go to Oaxaca. Our guide Ede is extraordinary, she has great energy and attitude and knows a lot about the topics. We went with a small child and she was very understanding of our situation and was always attentive to making sure everything was okay with us. I highly recommend the tour as it is a quick way to get to know the most basic and important things about Oaxaca.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
H6125qpangelaa
May 21, 2024
Good tour - Our guide Ede was so knowledgeable and very kind. Her Spanish and English is really good. Not only is she caring but also has a good sense of humor making this trip more enjoyable. I felt like I got the experience to learn a lot about Oaxaca in this trip. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes and bring sunscreen and a hat because it’s a lot of walking on the sun. The entrance to the Monte Albán wasn’t included so we had to pay an additional 95 pesos so make sure you bring small bills. Also, the lunch wasn’t include. In the tour they took us to a buffet place where the food was okay. They take us to artisian shops which are entertaining but don’t feel pressured to purchase. Overall it was a good experience. The van has AC so highly recommend. Alberto was a great driver too.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Christine_t
Jul 26, 2024
Good itinerary, drunk guide - Itinerary and driver were wonderful! However, our guide was horrible. He said his name was David but I don't know if that was his real name. It didn't seem to match the name on his ID. He did not provide much info at the sights and he seemed to be drunk. He kept taking shots at the various stops.
Review provided by Viator
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
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