Monte Alban for 3hrs, Black Pottery and Alebrijes with Admissions
Description
This tour stands out for offering a complete and authentic Oaxaca experience in a single day with a certified guide. It combines a visit to Monte Albán, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with unique cultural experiences such as Black Clay Pottery and Alebrijes demonstrations, where you'll learn about their artisanal processes firsthand. You'll also enjoy well-organized scheduling, personalized attention, and an experience that comfortably and at a relaxed pace integrates history, culture, and gastronomy. Note: The tour is available in Spanish or English, subject to availability. If there are few reservations for a single language, the tour may be conducted bilingually, while ensuring that all participants receive the same level of attention and explanation.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Meet us at the meeting point on Melchor Ocampo 1017, where this experience will begin.
You will have the opportunity to visit the fascinating archaeological site of Monte Albán, accompanied by an expert guide who will help you discover its history, architecture, and great cultural importance. During the tour, you will explore the impressive temples, plazas, and structures that were once part of this ancient Zapotec city. You will also enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the Oaxaca Valley, making this experience even more memorable. Without a doubt, it will be a tour full of history, learning, and unique moments at one of the most iconic sites in the region.
You will have the opportunity to visit San Bartolo Coyotepec, an emblematic place where the famous black pottery is made, an artisanal tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation. During the visit, you will learn up close about the process of creating these unique pieces, known for their elegance and distinctive finish. You will observe the ancestral techniques used by the artisans, including the use of the pre-Hispanic pottery wheel, an essential tool in their production. In addition, our guide will share the history and cultural significance of black pottery with you, as well as the traditions that are part of this important expression of Oaxacan art.
We will visit Tierra Mágica, a local restaurant where you can enjoy traditional Oaxacan dishes à la carte, as well as vegan options designed to suit all tastes.
We will have the opportunity to visit San Martín Tilcajete, recognized as one of Oaxaca’s main artisan towns and the birthplace of the famous alebrijes. Here, you will learn about this unique tradition up close through demonstrations by local artisans, who will show you the process of creating these colorful wooden figures and the use of natural pigments. They will share the history and cultural meaning of alebrijes with you, as well as the tradition of tonas, animal representations that inspire these incredible works of art. During the visit, you will be able to admire a wide variety of pieces that reflect the talent and creativity of the community.
At the end of the tour, we will return to the city and drop you off a few blocks from the Zócalo. If you prefer to get off at another point along the route, please let your guide know and we will be happy to make it possible.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- 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
Reviews(248)
Incredible activity to learn about the pre-Hispanic history of Oaxaca, the guide Luis was very friendly and explained everything we were observing on the tour, all the places that were visited were incredible, I highly recommend it.
The guide Luis was great and explained everything perfectly
This was a perfect way to visit Mt. Albán, and the trips to the alebrije and pottery studios were wonderful as well. We had considered visiting Mt. Alban on our own, but we learned so much more from our very knowledgeable and outgoing guide, Luis. Lunch was also delicious. The moles were especially tasty. Absolutely recommend this tour and company!
Excellent Guide Pavel explained to us for almost 3 hours at Monte Alban with every detail and with the best attitude.... He and Erick our driver make a great team!!!! Excellent option to get to know Monte Alban.... thanks a million for EVERYTHING
The places they take you to are varied and the service is very good.
Thank you Luis (our guide) and Israel (our driver). Here is my 8 year olds feedback: Excellent, we loved all of the statues in the museum. Me and my family loved walking up and down the steps. The tour guide was very friendly and told us a lot of information . We also saw some interesting carvings of some dancers 😁
Amazing time with Luis! He really took the time to explain Monte alban and the artisan villages. Did not feel rushed at all! Would highly recommend :)
Luis the guide was outstanding. While the alebrijes and black clay tours were good, his guided tour of monte Alban was truly exceptional. Luis is very knowledgeable about history and brought the entire place to life with his stories. He answered every question thoughtfully. Israel was also a fantastic driver. Recommended tour!
Luis is an excellent guide! He knew a lot about the places and explained very well. Super friendly. Israel, who drove us, also super friendly.
This tour was exactly as described. It was informative, well-paced and fun. We had a great experience with Luis (guide) and driver Miguel. Our guide was eager to engage with our family and took interest in relating with our kids.
