Oaxaca in 1 Day for Friends - Hike and swim at the petrified pools of Hierve el Agua
In Collaboration with Zapotecos Tours. Updated on February 5, 2026.
A full-day, guided trip from Oaxaca city that blends outdoor adventure, Zapotec culture, artisan textiles and mezcal tasting — designed for friends who want an active, social day with great photo ops and local flavors.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Zapotecos Tours, inspired by the tour Explore Hierve el Agua, Mitla, Tule, Textile and Mezcal for a day. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Hike and swim at the petrified pools of Hierve el Agua
- Guided visit to the palaces at Mitla archaeological site
- Hands-on weaving demonstration in Teotitlán del Valle
- Mezcal house tour and tasting in Tlacolula
- Photo stop at the ancient Árbol del Tule
Itinerary
Day 1
Departing from central Oaxaca for a full day of culture, nature and tasting. Start time: 08:00 at the meeting point.
Meet at Melchor Ocampo 1017A — check-in & briefing
Meet your guide and group at the listed start point. Quick safety briefing, distribution of bottled water and an outline of the day. Please arrive 10–15 minutes early to check in.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive with comfortable shoes and a light daypack — guide will hand out water but bring a small snack if you like.
- Have some small bills (MXN) ready for local purchases and tips — exact-change speeds check-in.
- If you’re travelling with a camera, this is a good moment to set it up (charged battery, extra SD card) — many of the best shots will come later in the day.
Transfer to Santa María del Tule
Short scenic drive east from Oaxaca city into the valley — relax, enjoy the countryside views and get ready for your first stop.
Tips from local experts:
- Sit on the right-hand side of the vehicle for the best valley views as you leave the city.
- Use this transfer time to apply sunscreen — the valley sun is strong, even in spring.
- Keep your camera handy — you’ll pass small villages and agave fields worth quick snaps.
Visit El Árbol del Tule — the famous Tule tree
Quick photo and cultural stop at the enormous Sabino (Ahuehuete) known as the Árbol del Tule — your guide will share local legends and historic context.
Tips from local experts:
- This spot is great for group photos — arrive early to avoid the busiest moment and get clear shots of the trunk.
- Local vendors sell small crafts and drinks; carry small change if you want to support them.
- There is shade near the tree but limited seating — if anyone in your group needs to sit, ask the guide to point out the best shaded spots.
Transfer to Teotitlán del Valle (weaving village)
Short drive to the artisan village where ancient Zapotec weaving traditions continue. Expect roadside agave fields and views of the valley.
Tips from local experts:
- Look for roadside stands selling naturally dyed yarn — they make colorful souvenir photos before you arrive.
- If anyone in the group wants to nap, this shorter transfer is a good moment — it’s under 40 minutes.
- Prepare questions about natural dyeing and looms — weavers love to explain their techniques to curious visitors.
Weaving workshop & shopping — Teotitlán del Valle
Visit a local workshop to watch pedal-loom weaving and natural dye demonstrations. Time to ask questions and buy authentic wool rugs or smaller souvenirs directly from artisans.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring cash (MXN) — many weavers prefer cash and can offer better prices than shops in the city.
- If you plan to buy a rug, confirm measurements and ask the weaver about care instructions — they will happily explain natural-dye maintenance.
- Be ready to learn basic Zapotec words or greetings — it’s appreciated and often rewarded with a more personal demonstration.
Transfer to a mezcal house near Tlacolula
Drive into the Tlacolula area to visit a local palenque (mezcal production house) for an informative tour and tasting.
Tips from local experts:
- Sip water during the transfer if you feel warm — saved energy for the tasting later!
- Ask your guide which agave species are common in the area — it makes the tasting notes more interesting.
- Store fragile purchases from the weaving stop safely in your bag — bumpy roads can jostle them.
Mezcal house tour & tasting — Tlacolula
Guided walkthrough of traditional mezcal production (cooking, fermentation, distillation) followed by a responsible tasting of several varieties. Learn flavor profiles and local serving traditions.
Tips from local experts:
- Pace yourself — taste small sips between each mezcal and use the water provided to cleanse your palate.
- Take notes or photos of labels you like — many bottles are local and hard to find outside the region.
- If someone in your group doesn't drink, let the guide know — most palenques offer non-alcoholic alternatives or allow you to skip tastings.
Lunch & local market browsing — Mercado de Tlacolula
Enjoy a relaxed lunch at stalls or small eateries inside Tlacolula market (try tlayudas, memelas, regional moles). Time to wander the market for snacks, fresh fruit and crafts.
Tips from local experts:
- Try a tlayuda as a group-share — it’s ideal for friends and many stalls serve one large enough for 2–3 people.
- Bring cash (small denominations) — the market vendors rarely take cards and change can be limited.
- If anyone has dietary restrictions, ask the stall vendor for ingredients — local cooks are used to customizing simple dishes.
Transfer to the archaeological zone of Mitla
Short drive to Mitla, famed for its geometric mosaic stonework and palaces. Your guide will prepare you for a guided visit.
Tips from local experts:
- Listen for the guide’s notes on Zapotec symbolism — Mitla’s stone mosaics are full of meaning and make better photos when you understand them.
- Carry a hat — shady areas are limited in the site and the afternoon sun can be strong.
- Leave bulky bags on the vehicle if possible — the site walk is easier without heavy packs.
Guided visit — Mitla archaeological site
Guided exploration of Mitla’s palaces and plazas. Learn about Zapotec funerary traditions, architecture and the site’s role in pre-Hispanic times.
Tips from local experts:
- Take wide-angle photos of the palaces early in the visit — the morning/early afternoon light works well for capturing the patterns.
- Respect barriers and follow the guide — some areas are fragile and roped off; sticking to paths helps preserve the site.
- Ask your guide about local myths and contemporary Zapotec life — cultural context makes the visit more memorable.
Transfer to Hierve el Agua (scenic drive into the mountains)
Scenic mountain transfer toward the petrified waterfalls. Expect winding roads and sweeping valley views — a good moment to swap photos and stories.
Tips from local experts:
- If you get motion-sick, take a seat near the front and keep eyes on the horizon — the mountain roads have tight bends.
- Charge your phone/camera now — Hierve will be one of the day’s best photo locations.
- Bring swimwear in a quick-dry bag if you plan to use the natural pools — changing facilities are basic.
Hike & relax at Hierve el Agua — petrified waterfalls and mineral pools
Walk the short trails to viewpoints of the calcified 'waterfalls', then relax or dip in the mineral pools. Plenty of photo opportunities and quiet moments to enjoy the mountain scenery.
Tips from local experts:
- Wear sturdy sandals or light hiking shoes — the trails are rocky and can be slippery near the pools.
- Bring a towel and quick-dry swimwear; pools are mineral-rich and refreshing after the hike.
- For group photos, climb to the lower viewpoint for dramatic canyon shots — golden-hour light between late afternoon and sunset is especially beautiful.
Return transfer to Oaxaca city (end of tour)
Relax on the drive back to Oaxaca. Expected arrival at the original meeting area or central Zócalo depending on drop-off arrangements.
Tips from local experts:
- Stretch your legs before boarding — the return is the longest transfer and a good time to rest.
- If you bought fragile or liquid items (mezcal, textiles), let the guide help secure them for the bumpy ride.
- Plan a relaxed evening in Oaxaca’s centro — this is a great night to hit a casual mezcal bar or a relaxed dinner with the group (ask your guide for recommendations).
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Friends |
| Transfers | 6 |
| Restaurants | 1 |
| Total Activities | 7 |
| Total Places | 7 |
| Activities Types | Neighborhood, Transfer, Attraction, Culture, Experience, Meal, Outdoor |
