Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
The Oaxaca: Hierve el Agua & Mezcal Distillery Small-Group Tour offers a well-rounded day exploring natural wonders and local traditions. Priced at $65 per person and lasting 8 hours, this tour is ideal for those seeking an authentic and personalized experience outside the city. With a small group format, it ensures plenty of personalized attention and comfort, making it a great choice for visitors who prefer an intimate setting over crowded excursions.
The day kicks off at 9:00 am from the Jardín Etnobotánico in Oaxaca and includes a visit to the stunning Hierve el Agua, where natural rock formations resemble waterfalls. The tour also features an optional hike along the pools, a traditional bakery stop, a lunch buffet, and a mezcal distillery tour with bottomless tastings. While the itinerary is full and active, it balances sightseeing, tasting, and relaxation, suitable for travelers with moderate mobility who are prepared for some walking and outdoor activity.
Key Points
- Small-group tour with a maximum of around 10 participants promotes comfort and personalized service.
- Includes transportation, tickets, and a guided visit to Hierve el Agua and a family-run mezcal distillery.
- Duration of 8 hours, starting at 9:00 am from Oaxaca’s Jardín Etnobotánico.
- Highlights include a scenic hike, natural pools for swimming, and bottomless mezcal tastings.
- Food options feature a fresh bakery stop and a lunch buffet, with cash preferred for street food at Hierve el Agua.
- Tour is not suitable for very elderly, overweight, or those with heart problems, and requires cash and comfortable clothes.
Departure from Oaxaca’s Jardín Etnobotánico at 9:00 am
The tour begins at the Jardín Etnobotánico de Oaxaca, where you meet your guide and the small group. From there, a private vehicle takes you on a 45-minute scenic drive toward Hierve el Agua, passing through lush landscapes and local villages. The journey is smooth and well-coordinated, with the guide providing engaging commentary in English and Spanish.
This early start ensures you beat the larger crowds and maximize your time at the natural wonder. Returning to the departure point is approximately 8 hours later, making it a full but manageable day.
The Stop at a Traditional Bakery for Fresh Bread Tasting
Before reaching Hierve el Agua, the tour makes a 45-minute stop at a traditional bakery. This is a genuine opportunity to sample local bread and perhaps pick up a snack or a quick bathroom break. The bakery stop is brief—about 20 minutes—but adds a touch of authentic local flavor and supports community artisans.
Visitors should note that the bakery stop is quick, so arriving with some cash for snacks or drinks is helpful. It also offers a chance to stretch legs after the drive.
Exploring the Natural Marvel of Hierve el Agua
Once at Hierve el Agua, visitors have around 2 hours to explore. The site features spectacular mineral-rich rock formations that resemble cascading waterfalls. The natural pools are perfect for a swim if conditions permit, though the area around the pools can be slippery and challenging for some.
The hike around Hierve el Agua is optional but recommended for those comfortable with outdoor activity. The terrain can be challenging for the elderly or overweight, and caution is advised. Visitors are encouraged to have food before enjoying the pools, as on-site street food is cash only, or opt for the nearby restaurant buffet, which costs around 200 MXN and does not include drinks.
This stop offers excellent photo opportunities and a chance to relax amid stunning natural landscapes. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring cash for food and souvenirs.
Visit to a Family-Run Mezcal Distillery with Guided Tasting
After leaving Hierve el Agua, the tour proceeds to a local mezcal distillery called Mezcal Valle Oaxaca. Here, visitors learn about the mezcal production process, starting from the agave plantation where the espadín variety is cultivated. The guided tour lasts about 1 hour and covers traditional methods used in mezcal making.
The highlight is the bottomless mezcal tasting, where the guide shares secrets from local experts and introduces different varieties of mezcal. This tasting provides insight into the artisanal craft, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions and enjoy the flavors. The visit supports local artisans, adding a meaningful dimension to the experience.
More Great Tours NearbyVisiting an Agave Plantation of Espadín
The agave plantation visit is integrated into the mezcal distillery tour. Visitors see the espadín agave plants, essential for mezcal production, growing in a traditional setting. The guide explains how the agave is harvested and processed, giving a deeper understanding of the cultural importance of mezcal in Oaxaca.
This part of the tour is both educational and scenic, offering a closer look at the cultural landscape and the sustainable practices used by local producers.
Lunch Options and Flexibility at Hierve el Agua
While at Hierve el Agua, visitors can choose between eating street food (cash only) or enjoying a restaurant buffet. The buffet costs around 200 MXN and features local dishes; however, it does not include drinks, which must be purchased separately.
If you prefer to eat before the mezcal tasting, the tour allows time for a late lunch or snack. The flexibility to choose between casual street food or a sit-down meal ensures everyone can enjoy a suitable option, though the cash-only street food might require planning.
Practical Details: Transportation, Group Size, and Accessibility
The transportation during the tour is in a vehicle with air conditioning, ensuring comfort throughout the day. The group remains small, which enhances the experience by allowing more interaction with guides and less crowded environments.
The tour’s physical requirements include some walking and a challenging hike at Hierve el Agua. The site is slippery, and the hike can be difficult for the elderly or overweight. Participants should wear comfortable clothes and bring cash for food or souvenirs. The tour is not suitable for people with heart problems, over 220 lbs, or over 70 years old.
Overall Value and Experience Highlights
This 8-hour tour provides a rich blend of natural beauty, cultural insight, and local flavors. The small-group format and knowledgeable guides, who are fluent in English and Spanish, make the experience engaging and personalized. The inclusion of tickets, transportation, and tastings offers excellent value at $65.
Most reviewers praise the guides’ friendly and informative style, especially highlighting the mezcals’ tastings and the scenic beauty of Hierve el Agua. The lunch buffet, bakery stop, and support for local artisans add genuine local flavor. Some note that the hike can be challenging and that the timing is tight, but these are balanced by the richness of the experience.
Oaxaca: Hierve el Agua & Mezcal Distillery Tour – Who Will Love It?
This tour is perfect for adventurous travelers interested in natural formations and authentic mezcal experiences. It suits those who enjoy moderate outdoor activity and local cuisine, and value small-group intimacy. Visitors should be prepared for a full day, with some walking and outdoor conditions.
While not suitable for those with mobility challenges or elderly, the tour’s informative guides and diverse stops make it a memorable cultural outing. It offers a great balance of scenery, education, and tasting, all while supporting local businesses.
Ready to Book?
Oaxaca: Hierve el Agua & Mezcal Distillery Small-Group Tour
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, starting at 9:00 am and returning to the original meeting point.
What is included in the price?
The price of $65 covers private transportation, tickets to Hierve el Agua, parking, a guided tour in both Spanish and English, and bottomless mezcal tastings.
Are meals included?
No, lunch is not included. Visitors can choose to enjoy street food (cash only) or a buffet for around 200 MXN.
Is the tour accessible for everyone?
The tour is not suitable for people with heart problems, over 220 lbs, or over 70 years old. The hike at Hierve el Agua can be challenging, especially for the elderly or overweight.
What should I bring?
Comfortable clothes, cash, and sunscreen are recommended. Be prepared for outdoor conditions and some walking.
What is the best time to take this tour?
The tour is usually available in the morning, which helps avoid crowds and the midday heat at Hierve el Agua.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, full refunds are available if canceled up to 24 hours before the tour.
Is this tour conducted in English?
Yes, the guide leads in both English and Spanish, ensuring clear communication.
Are the stops crowded?
Thanks to the small-group format, the experience remains intimate and less crowded compared to larger tours.
Can I buy souvenirs or extra food?
Yes, there are local artisans and food vendors at Hierve el Agua, but cash is necessary.
What makes this tour stand out?
The combination of natural scenery, authentic mezcal experience, and small-group attention makes this tour a rewarding choice for those seeking a cultural and scenic day trip from Oaxaca.