Essence Zapoteca Monte Albán, Barro Negro and Alebrijes for a day.
Overview
Available languages
8 hours
Mobile ticket
On this tour, you will experience the best that Oaxaca has to offer. You will learn about the history, architecture, and development of the Zapotec culture at the Monte Albán archeological site. The Zapotecs are considered one of the most important and prominent civilizations in Mexico. Monte Albán has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since December 11, 1987. You will also take a closer look at one of Oaxaca's most popular crafts, the alebrijes. You will learn about each piece's process in detail, from wood carving to the preparation of natural pigments and decoration with Zapotec iconography. As a souvenir, you will learn about your "Tona and Nahual" according to your date of birth. For lunch, we will visit a buffet restaurant with a wide variety of traditional dishes from the region. Finally, we will visit a traditional black pottery workshop in San Bartolo Coyotepec, a Mexican tradition.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Zona Arqueologica de Monte Alban
We will have the opportunity to visit the fascinating archaeological site of Monte Albán with an expert tour guide. During the tour, the guide will provide detailed explanations of the history, architecture, and cultural significance of the impressive buildings and plazas that comprise this ancient Zapotec site. Additionally, we will enjoy magnificent panoramic views of the surrounding valley, which will make the experience even more memorable. Without a doubt, it will be a day full of learning and discovery in a place that has witnessed centuries of history. We can't wait to explore with you!
We will have the exciting opportunity to visit the birthplace of alebrijes in San Antonio Arrazola, a village famous for its rich woodcarving tradition. We will visit the workshop of Ángelico Jiménez, a descendant of Manuel Jiménez, the creator of this art form. There, we will learn about the fascinating process of creating these colorful wooden figures and producing natural pigments, a unique expression of Oaxacan art. Our guide will share the history of alebrijes and tonas, representations of the animals that inspire these works of art. Angélico's workshop has a gallery with a large exhibition of pieces of different sizes, all of which are family creations that showcase the artisans' skill.
What‘s Included
certified bilingual guide
We provide bottles of water during the trip.
Our vehicles are modern. They are also comfortable.
Travel insurance is provided on board the vehicle.
The tour price includes access to the Monte Albán archaeological site.
Food and beverages are paid for by the customer.
Tips are optional and the amount is at the customer's discretion.
Options
Essence Zapoteca Monte Albán, Barro Negro and Alebrijes for a day.
Reviews
145 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Well planned and executed tour
michvinmar,,Feb 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Knowledgeable guide, experienced driver, friendly service made for an enjoyable day out of the city and into the history, culture, cuisine and arts of this fascinating area.
Great way to see the sights efficiently
Curious21791634864,,Feb 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Good amount of time spent in Monte Alban site. The alebrijes and black clay workshops were gorgeous and they didn't pressure us to buy. Lunch was the usual tourist buffet, but a bit better quality than other places we've been to on other tours
MONTE ALBANJ
faridehr2015,,Feb 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00We did not enjoy this tour because the guide explained each location in English & Spanish, switching every minutes. It became annoying.
An exceptional bilingual tour with Pavel
52lorenab,,Feb 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Today we had the wonderful opportunity to do a tour in Oaxaca with the guide Pavel, and we can not be more grateful for the amazing experience we lived. From the beginning he was extremely friendly, attentive and professional. He explains everything very clearly and you can see how prepared he is; we were surprised by everything he knows and the patience he has to answer each question with detail and enthusiasm. Something we really want to highlight is that the tour was completely bilingual, in Spanish and English. For us that was of enormous value, as in our group there were people who spoke different languages. I speak English, but my mom doesn’t, and because Pavel speaks both languages perfectly, we were able to enjoy the tour together without missing any details. That effort and dedication make all the difference. The visit to Monte Albán was simply spectacular: a place full of history and energy, explained in such an interesting way that made everything come to life. Then we went to eat at a delicious buffet, with a great variety of Oaxacan food, all very clean, spacious and very well organized. Later we visited a workshop where they taught us the process of elaboration; it was fascinating to see the talent and dedication behind each piece. Of course, we could not resist and bought a beautiful souvenir. Finally, we went to San Bartolo Coyotepec to meet the black mud in an equally impressive workshop. We admire the great craftsmanship and also take our memory in black mud. Thank you, Pavel, for giving us such a special day. We leave with a full heart and with beautiful memories of this well-organized and learning experience. Fully recommended!
Highly recommend this tour!
Joanna W,,Feb 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our guide, Pavel, was extremely knowledgeable and happy to share the story of Mont Alban with us. It bought what could have been a dry history lesson to life. The visits to the two artists villages was a great peek into two very different but important traditions that continue to exist and bring employment to villages today. The lunch stop offered a variety of Oaxacan dishes to try. All in all, a very informative way to experience the history and culture of Oaxaca.
10 engaging hours of Zapoteca history and crafts
TheGiuce,,Feb 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Highly recommended. We started with a few hour walk around Monte Alban ruins with detailed information from our guide. (Wear sun protection!) We next had a tasty Oaxacan buffet lunch at a family restaurant (not included in the price). Next we went to an artisan's workshop who makes Alebrijes, colorful wood carvings of spiritual animals. Last we went to an artisan's workshop who makes Barro Negro, black pottery with matte and shiny finish. Pavel from Zapoteca Tours takes his guide work seriously and tries to ensure you takeaway a wealth of information.
Highly recommend this tour
C4796FFsimonl,,Feb 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The monte alban ruins were great. The carvings and pottery shop were spectacular.. bought pieces in both ‘workshops’ The lunch stop was really good quality. Our guide Pavel. Was super helpful and very patient having to flip between Spanish and English making sure neither group was left out.. great job young man!! Had a lovely day
Really worth doing. Our guide Pavel was perfect.
ianhD6481SP,,Feb 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Pavel is a great guide and brought the tour to life. Interesting history and the artisan stops were amazing. The tour is well organized, comfortable and friendly.
Great day out visiting 3...
Joanne d,,Feb 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great day out visiting 3 amazing Oaxacan destinations. Monte Alban was the highlight. Tour guide Miguel was very knowledgeable.
Fantastic Tour
Monica R,,Feb 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a great tour. The driver and guide were wonderful. They made everyone feel welcome. The guide Miguel was knowledgeable and answered a variety of questions. He has a great character and explains things using humor and fun culture references. He is fully bilingual. The van is nice and has usb charging ports. Monte Alban, the Pottery, Alebrjies and buffet were AMAZING!
From MX$890.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
Related Experiences
Operated by Zapotecos Tours