Available languages
9 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Ideal for people who have little time to visit the city of Oaxaca and want to explore the most emblematic places in the surrounding area in terms of nature, gastronomy, culture and natural beauty, since we will visit Hier el agua very early to avoid crowds and tour the only place in the world that has petrified waterfalls, we will try the local cuisine at lunch time in a local market, we will appreciate the effort and value of making wool rugs, one of the most important Oaxacan crafts and finally we will admire natural beauties as is the Tule tree, which is the widest tree in the world; The goal is to show you the beauty of Oaxaca by traveling like a local and that at the end of the tour you can take away a better perspective of the essence of Oaxaca.
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
It is not recommended for travelers with stomach problems.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Traditional food lunch at the Tlacolula market
Air-conditioned vehicle
Breakfast
Hierve el Agua
We start early visiting Hierve el Agua, at the beginning we will go to its pools to learn about the petrification process of water and take great photos there with few people around us, then we will go hiking with the aim of admiring the landscapes and privileged views From this place. At the end of the tour, we will return to the pool area to swim and enjoy a moment of relaxation.
Mercado Tlacolula
We will have lunch inside the market, there we will eat one of the typical dishes of the region, already included. At the end, we will take a short tour to learn more about the market.
47 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Alexander P,
Dec 1, 2025
- Review from Viator
We were so lucky to choose this tour during our time in Oaxaca! We booked this tour because we liked that it started early enough to beat the crowds to Hierve el Agua, but there were so many other benefits to the tour as well! Gilberto was an amazing guide and you can tell that he has true passion for his work. We especially appreciated that he put so much emphasis on supporting and respecting the local communities everywhere we went. The pace of the tour was perfect and did not feel rushed even though we saw so much. The lunch was also one of the best meals we've had during our time in Mexico. We found his tour to be particularly thoughtful, authentic, and fun. Highly recommend choosing this tour if you are in Oaxaca!
Jamie K,
Nov 30, 2025
- Review from Viator
Our day spent with Gilberto was our favorite day of our trip. We were able to see so much of Oaxaca in a short time, and the day was well paced out and didn’t feel rushed. Gilberto is such a delightful human being - so happy to share his knowledge and experience with us. His passion for what he does is authentic! Thank you Gilberto!
DaisySoto S,
Nov 15, 2025
- Review from Viator
Our tour with Gilberto was truly immersive from start to finish. He’s deeply appreciative and respectful of the people and culture, and it’s clear the communities he collaborates with feel the same way about him. Every stop on the tour was brilliant. Gilberto told us we had good luck with the weather and travel times along the route, but I’m convinced it was really the masterfully prepared experience he’s created. Traveling with my daughter and my mom made the day even more special, and we all agreed it was unforgettable. You will definitely not regret choosing this tour.






Jocelyn C,
Nov 5, 2025
- Review from Viator
I don’t even know where to start. The whole experience was beautiful and amazing. Beto was an amazing tour guide, very nice and so knowledgeable. Our driver that day Luis was also super friendly and we had great conversation with both of them. Hierve el agua was an unforgettable experience and Beto does amazing and getting the perfect pictures of you. The next stop to see the weavers was such a unique learning experience for us and we loved it. The rule tree is unbelievable, and the food! Oh my the food was delicious. I am so happy we booked this experience and I would definitely recommend. I have nothing but good things to say about Beto and this tour experience.
Josh D,
Sep 22, 2025
- Review from Viator
Fantastic day out. Gilberto was incredible. His attention to detail with everything was fantastic. Couldn’t have asked for more from him
Chase M,
Sep 1, 2025
- Review from Viator
This was one of the best tours I’ve been on, I very highly recommend it! Gilberto was wonderful, he’s very passionate about the area and providing nuanced understanding of what you’re seeing and discussing. The stops were all great, didn’t feel too long. He’s very sweet and thoughtful, the whole thing was very well planned and fun! Definitely the highlight of our 5 days in Oaxaca
Lucas E,
Aug 31, 2025
- Review from Viator
Gilberto was a wonderful, professional and super kind guide for our trip! He was very friendly and gave us an authentic experience.
natkoehler,
Aug 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Gilberto was amazing! We could not have asked for a better day in Oaxaca. From the start of the prompt pick up, to the end of the day, everything we saw was authentic and tailored exactly as if we planned the perfect experience. We hiked, saw the petrified waterfalls and the Tule tree. The best parts were eating lunch in the authentic Oaxacan market and visiting the weaving center. Gilberto is familiar with all of the traditions and customs, as well as the community, and this was such a wonderful experience!






Kelly C,
Aug 14, 2025
- Review from Viator
We can't recommend this tour enough. Every detail was incredibly thought out & prepared. Gilberto made everything so easy, beautiful, and fun. We never had to worry about food, drink, or clean bathrooms. He truly thought of everything! The tour departs early but intentionally so -- beating the crowds to Hierve el agua is so worth it. We basically had the park to ourselves initially. Gilberto will also take the best photos of you in order to document the amazing views. We hiked for the first part & swam/relaxed afterwards. Then we traveled to Tlacolula market where we had an authentic & delicious lunch & beverages. Gilberto walked us around the market and showed us indigenous products & met some local Zapotec vendors. Next stop was a weaving cooperative where we received a weaving and natural dye demo. It was so inspiring to see the entire process and then view a studio of hundreds of beautiful rugs for sale. We purchased one but there is no pressure to do so except that they are all so gorgeous and well-made! Our final stop was Tule and visiting an approx 2000 year old cypress tree. The town's connection to this tree is also very special to witness/learn about. We got to experience so many genuinely special things & places on this tour. It will make you fall in love with Oaxaca (& Gilberto too!!) Book this tour 100 %
Caarin F,
Aug 10, 2025
- Review from Viator
We were so lucky to have found Gilberto’s tour with all of the choices out there. He is an exceptional, thoughtful guide whose mission is to provide a personal and authentic tour of Oaxaca. We started early enough that we beat the crowds to Hierve el Agua where we hiked and swam. This was followed by a real (and delicious!) Oaxacan lunch at Tlacolula market and a fantastic tour of the vendors, unusual produce, meats and insight into daily Oaxacan culture. Next we visited a beautiful textile co-op in Teotitlán where we had an in-depth demonstration of ancient natural dying techniques and weaving. There was some time to purchase the stunning rugs if you wanted (but no pressure!). Finally a visit to the magnificent tree in Tule. All in all the day was perfectly paced. Gilberto anticipated every little thing. But the best reason to take this tour is to hear from a proud Mexican the depth and breadth of his knowledge about Oaxacan culture, history, politics, and religion. Gilberto is also very generous with his recommendations about what to do in the city of Oaxaca - all fantastic recommendations. We had the most wonderful day - you will too. Book this tour!





Operated by Oaxacan Journey