Experience the diverse landscapes and heritage of Oaxaca on a private 8-day journey. Begin in the Central Valleys, exploring the archaeological sites of Monte Alban and Mitla before visiting the ancient Tule Tree. Cycle past agave fields to traditional weaving villages and mezcal distilleries. Discover the region’s artistic roots with visits to black pottery and alebrije workshops. The adventure intensifies with a three-day hiking expedition in the Sierra Norte Mountains. Trek through protected cloud forests and farmland connecting the Pueblos Mancomunados. Stay in community-run cabins that directly fund local conservation efforts. Private transportation and expert local guides ensure a seamless, immersive experience blending history, culture, and active nature exploration.
Highlights
Trek for three days through the Sierra Norte Mountains
Bike through plantations into villages and visit weaving workshops
Visit villages where artisans employ the traditional techniques of the past
Visit Mitla Mosaic Tombs to see an intricate geometric stone pattern
Swim Las Salinas Mineral Pools surrounded by petrified waterfall
Activities that provide a reasonable level of physical challenge and elevate the heart rate. Focused on more active pursuits including multisport tours. Travelers may be active 5-7 hours total each day. Recommended for travelers with active lifestyles.
Arrive at Oaxaca International Airport and meet your private driver for the transfer to your hotel. The drive to the city center takes approximately 30 minutes. Check in and enjoy the evening at your leisure.
Meet your guide in the morning and travel to Monte Alban, the ancient Zapotec capital located on a flattened mountaintop. Tour the archaeological zone to see the Great Plaza and the "Los Danzantes" carvings while your guide explains the history of this city that once housed 30,000 people. Continue the journey to Mitla, a ceremonial center famous for its unique geometric stone mosaics and the Spanish church built atop pre-Hispanic tombs.
Pause for an included lunch at a local restaurant. On the return drive to Oaxaca City, stop in Santa María del Tule to view the Arbol del Tule. See this massive 2,000-year-old Moctezuma Cypress and learn about the community's preservation efforts before returning to your hotel.
Cycling Distance: 17 miles / 27 kilometers or 29 miles / 47 kilometers
Meet your guide in the morning for a 35-minute drive to the starting point in Santa María del Tule. Mount your mountain bike and pedal past the ancient Tule Tree to begin a journey through the valley's agricultural heart. Cycle 27 km (17 mi) or 47 km (29 mi) past agave fields and small villages, stopping in Tlacochahuaya to view its 16th-century church. Pause in Teotitlán del Valle to visit a family-run gallery and observe traditional wool weaving and natural dyeing techniques.
Continue the ride to Tlacolula de Matamoros and on to Matatlán for an included lunch. Choose to rest in the support vehicle or challenge yourself with an additional 7 km ride through the mountains. Afterward, drive 40 minutes to San Baltazar Guelavila to explore "Las Salinas." Walk upstream to discover mineral-colored rock formations and a natural pool suitable for a swim if conditions permit. Conclude the adventure with a visit to a local Palenque to learn about artisanal mezcal production before the 1.5-hour transfer back to Oaxaca City.
Duration: Up to 9 hours (depending on interests)
Level: Suitable for beginners, seniors, and children.
Cycling Distance: 17 miles / 27 kilometers or 29 miles / 47 kilometers
Explore the rich artistic heritage of the region on this half-day excursion to three distinct craft communities. Travel 15 minutes to San Bartolo Coyotepec, renowned for its black pottery. Meet local artisans and observe the burnishing technique developed by Doña Rosa Real that gives the clay its signature metallic sheen. Continue 15 km to Santo Tomás Jalieza, known as the "Town of Belts." Visit a weaver's home to watch the creation of intricate textiles using traditional backstrap looms tied to the waist.
Conclude the tour in San Martín Tilcajete, famous for alebrijes. Learn how carvers transform copal wood into fantastical animal figures and paint them with natural dyes like cochineal. Enjoy an included lunch en route before returning to your hotel.
Depart Oaxaca City in the morning and travel into the Sierra Norte Mountains to begin a multi-day exploration of the Pueblos Mancomunados. This network of protected villages preserves ancient Zapotec routes and offers an eco-friendly alternative to local logging. Arrive in the high-altitude village of Llano Grande and settle into your community-owned cabin, which features bunk beds, a fireplace, and shared bathrooms with hot water.
Your stay here directly supports forest conservation and the local economy. In the afternoon, embark on an optional hike to a scenic lookout. End the day with a community dinner of local dishes and fireside conversation.
Please note that the hiking routes and intensity for this three-day adventure are flexible. Inform your Trip Planner in advance to personalize the itinerary to your fitness level.
Experience rural Oaxacan life on this full-day trek through forests and community farmland. Navigate trails lined with wildflowers and giant agave plants as you pass through pastures held sacred by locals. Stop at the "La Cucharilla" viewpoint for an expansive look over the Latuvi valley before continuing to "Cara de Leon" ranch. Enjoy a fresh trout lunch prepared by the community before settling into the Yu’u lodge in Latuvi, a property that directly supports the local ecotourism economy.
Explore the villages and cloud forests of the Sierra Norte Mountains on a guided trek from Latuvi to Benito Juarez. Follow the trail past local potato, bean, and wheat fields before descending into a dense canopy of pine, oak, and cedar. Spot native wildflowers, bromeliads, and wild orchids along the route. After an included lunch, return by private transfer to Oaxaca City, pausing briefly to admire the Tule Tree before drop-off at your hotel.
Meet the driver in the hotel lobby for approximately 30 minutes transfer to the airport. Connect with your departing flight or continue exploring Mexico.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$4,3052-3 travelers
Rates are subject to change without notice. Book early to get the best rate.
Initial deposit is $400, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 days (10 weeks) prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
Kate was great to work with in the planning stage. She was prompt, helpful, and efficient. Our tour guide, Edwin, was knowledgeable and passionate. We were very happy to have traveled with Adventure Life, it made the trip easy and a true pleasure. We could concentrate on enjoying the experience rather than the details of travel.
