Meet weavers, potters, and alebrije carvers in traditional workshops!

Discover Oaxaca's legendary artisan traditions - where ancient crafts thrive! Artisan tours visit specialized villages: Teotitlán del Valle (hand-woven textiles with natural dyes from cochineal, indigo, marigold), Arrazola & San Martín (carved alebrijes painted with intricate designs), San Bartolo Coyotepec (black pottery burnished to shine), Santo Tomás Jalieza (backstrap loom weaving), and more. Meet master artisans in their workshops, watch creation processes, learn traditional techniques passed through generations, and purchase directly from makers. Tours include demonstrations, hands-on workshops, cultural context, and shopping opportunities. It's living art!
Discover our top picks for artisan tours in Oaxaca

Discover the magic of Oaxaca on a fascinating tour that combines nature, culture, and gastronomy. Marvel at the monumental Tule Tree, followed by the impressive petrified waterfalls of Hierve el Agua, where you can swim in refreshing natural pools. Savor authentic Oaxacan cuisine at a traditional buffet and delve into the art of wool rugs in Teotitlán del Valle. End the tour with a visit to a mezcal house, where you will learn about the process of making this iconic drink. Perfect for culture and nature lovers, this day tour promises an enriching experience. Visit the impressive Tule Tree, famous for its monumental trunk. Admire the petrified waterfalls of Hierve el Agua with time to swim. Enjoy a buffet of Oaxacan food with typical dishes. Learn about the production of wool rugs and artisanal mezcal.

Your day will start in the Monte Albán archaeological site, you will continue to Cuilapan, an open chapel of the 16th century with Dominican construction, later we will visit Arrazola town, where you will find the famous alebrijes with unique colors and drawings, finally, we go to San Bartolo Coyotepec, an important town where they are dedicated to the elaboration of the famous crafts in black clay, the artisans will show you the technique they use to create them. Your tour ends with drop-off at your hotel.

In collaboration with Mezcal Dainzu, we invite you to explore the history and landscapes of Santiago Matatlán, the Capital of Mezcal. On this excursion, traditions come to life through the Santiago Hernández family, who for generations have preserved the craft of agave distillation —since the mid-19th century—, when mezcal was undervalued and nearly forbidden. Doña Octavia and Don Leoncio —fifth and fourth generation mezcal masters— along with their son Carlos, welcome us to their agave fields, with stunning views, to toast with nature and show us the artisanal production process in their rustic distillery. During the tasting, you'll discover the wide range of flavors that wild agaves have to offer. We'll also share some mezcales prepared especially for community celebrations. The journey ends with a meal of moles and local dishes, prepared by Doña Reina, a renowned local cook, at her cozy restaurant located in the town’s historic center.

This is a Private Tour ideal for family or friends; a certified guide and a driver will pick you up at your hotel to visit the most emblematic artisan villages in Oaxaca. At every location we will visit one of the most famous artisan’s houses, where artisans will demonstrate what is the process to create amazing ceramic, belts, textiles, wood figures and other handicraft famous in Oaxaca. Visiting follow villages: - San Bartolo Coyotepec visiting Doña Rosa studio where artisans create beautiful black pottery figures - San Martín Tilcajete visiting Jacobo Angeles house, one of the most international famous Alebrije’s artisan - Santo Tomás Jalietza visiting local market in nice and quiet village where will find artisans who create amazing and colorful woven cotton goods made on back-strap looms - Ocotlán de Morelos, famous by is Friday’s indigenous market, as well as its amazing church and museum showing artworks from artist Rodolfo Morales (principal precursor of Church restoration)

Highlights of the Oaxaca Artisan Tour: Pottery Class with a Master Artisan: Learn from a renowned Oaxacan craftsman and create your own mezcalero, the iconic piece of the local mezcal culture. Visit to the Alebrije Workshop of Jacobo and María Ángeles: Explore the creative process behind these vibrant alebrijes and discover why their pieces are certified and valued as art. Discover the Secret of Black Clay: Learn the story behind the technique that gives black clay its shine, and visit the workshop’s store to purchase unique pieces. This tour is guided by an English-speaking guide and includes private transportation, allowing you to adjust the schedule to your needs, ensuring a comfortable and personalized experience.

Dear traveler, we are a responsible company dedicated to spreading our culture of the native peoples of Oaxaca, therefore, with us you will meet the artisans in their homes and have truly unique experiences, in places that only a local person knows, our service It is personalized and you can choose between the different tour options that we have for you, visit the places that you like the most with the help of us and thus be able to personalize your experience, in the end you will be able to really get to know the towns and people of Oaxaca that are of interest to you , as well as its gastronomy and landscapes.

In recent years Mezcal has become very popular and the state of Oaxaca is the center to the production of this traditional drink of Mexico. San Dionisio Ocotepec offers the bests Mezcales in Oaxaca . Discover and explore the intricate process of creating this Zapotec drink made by artisan practicing an ancient craft. After meeting in Oaxaca City we will travel by taxi to my home pueblo, we will need one hour and 15 minutes to arrive there. First you will receive a Zapotec breakfast ( bread and chocolate) and then with energy we will go a mezcaleria artisanal local where you will be able to learn a lot about this drink and also we will visit a land full of agaves. At lunchtime you wiil enjoy typical Zapotec food fresh and wholesome food with handmade tortillas made in the moment above all else a delicious and healthy.

Enjoy a unique Tour, the only one in all of Oaxaca, it is not just a tour is a tour full of emotions. If you want to get to know Oaxaca through its communities, this tour is the best option for you. Oaxaca excels in the theme of crafts and archaeological sites. The Tour offers you the opportunity to meet 100% Oaxacan artisans, you will have time to buy their products within the family workshops we will visit. The archaeological area of Monte Alban is planned to visit because it is the root of the Oaxacans , is where it all starts! Everything follows from this place, knowing the heart of the civilization of Oaxaca, allows to know how the Central Valleys were developed and how they survived after the Spanish invasion. Different Worlds as I call this tour, it will transport you to the ancient times of Oaxaca. When booking you will just have to relax and enjoy this amazing Tour.

Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of mezcal on this exclusive private tour. Travel to the artisan palenques of Matatlán, where mezcal is handcrafted using traditional methods passed down through generations. Explore the agave fields up close, uncovering the secrets behind this iconic Mexican spirit, and learn about the fascinating process that transforms agave into mezcal. For an extra cultural experience, we may also visit the renowned weaving village of Teotitlán del Valle, if time is available. Experience mezcal in its most authentic form. On this tour, you’ll understand why mezcal is such a significant part of Oaxacan tradition, celebrated for its diversity of flavors. You might even discover your perfect mezcal, tailored to your personal palate. For Oaxacans, mezcal is more than a drink—it’s deeply woven into their culture. Mezcal is present in life’s most meaningful moments, from the vibrant Day of the Dead celebrations to local town festivals and even healing rituals.

Step into a day full of color, flavor, and craft on this seven-hour private tour. In Santa Catarina Minas, smell earthy agave as local mezcaleros roast hearts of agave over stone pits. In San Antonio de las Minas, touch embroidered threads while creating your own design with skilled local women. At Taller Oaxaca Alebrijes, wooden figures come alive in vibrant colors, and you learn the magic behind each fantastical creature. Finally, in San Bartolo Coyotepec, feel smooth black clay slide between your fingers as artisans shape it into unique pottery. Every stop connects you to centuries of Mexican creativity and heritage, leaving you inspired by craft, taste, and texture.
Meet creators in their workshops - authentic connections!
Skills passed through generations using ancestral methods!
Watch artisans work - colorful materials and processes!
Buy directly from makers - support artisans fairly!
Visit Teotitlán and Santo Tomás seeing weaving demonstrations.
Visit Arrazola meeting carvers and watching creation.
Learn backstrap loom or pedal loom weaving.
Visit textile, alebrije, and pottery villages in one day.
Single village: 4-5 hours. Multiple villages: 6-8 hours with transport between.
Watch weavers at pedal looms creating rugs with natural dyes!
See copal wood carved into fantastical creatures then hand-painted!
Watch burnishing technique creating shiny black pottery without glaze!
Learn about cochineal (red from insects!), indigo, marigold creating colors.
Buy from artisan homes - fair prices, authentic quality, support communities!
Teotitlán del Valle best textiles - natural dyes and traditional designs.
Arrazola and San Martín both excellent for alebrijes - different styles.
Quality varies widely - tours connect you with best artisans.
Prices negotiable (especially bulk) but be respectful - skilled labor!
Large rugs ($200-1,000+) can be shipped - artisans arrange.
Hands-on workshops let you create your own piece to take home!
Villages require transport (30-60 min drive) - tours handle logistics.
Thursday Zaachila market combines archaeology and market shopping.
A: Teotitlán is famous for hand-woven wool textiles with natural dyes! Pedal loom weavers create rugs, tapestries, and blankets. Natural dyes: Cochineal (red from insects!), indigo (blue), marigold (yellow). Zapotec village where families weave for generations. Tours visit workshops. Prices: $50-1,000+ depending on size/complexity!
A: Alebrijes carved from copal wood into fantastical creatures (dragons, cats, skeletons), then hand-painted with intricate designs! Arrazola and San Martín specialize. Takes days-weeks depending on detail. Watch carving and painting in workshops. Prices: $10-$10,000+ (museum-quality pieces expensive). Amazing gifts!
A: Black pottery from San Bartolo Coyotepec gets shine from burnishing, not glaze! Burnished while drying, then fired in underground pit creating black color. Unique to Oaxaca. Watch artisans burnish with quartz stones. Prices: $5-$200. Fragile but beautiful souvenirs!
A: Yes but challenging! Villages 30-60 minutes from Oaxaca, limited transport, hard finding best artisans. Tours provide transport, artisan connections, explanations, and fair pricing guidance. First-timers: Tours recommended. DIY: Rent car, bring Spanish/patience. Both work!
A: Single village: $55-80 (4-5 hours). Multiple villages: $75-120 (6-8 hours). Hands-on workshops: $70-100. Private tours: $200-350. Tours include transport and guide. Worth it for artisan access and cultural context. Direct purchases support communities!
A: Yes, gentle haggling acceptable - especially bulk purchases! However, respect skilled labor. Don't lowball artisans. Start at 80-90% asking price. Quality work deserves fair compensation. Tours help navigate pricing. Direct purchase supports families - pay fairly!
A: Yes! Many artisans arrange shipping (rugs, large alebrijes, pottery). Or bring bubble wrap and pack carefully in checked luggage. Fedex/DHL in Oaxaca City ship internationally. Large textiles ($200-1,000+) worth shipping hassle. Artisans experienced with logistics!
A: Year-round! Artisans work daily (except major holidays). Weekdays quieter than weekends. Morning visits best - artisans fresh, good light. Any season works - crafts not weather-dependent. Plan 4-8 hours depending on villages visited!
UNESCO World Heritage historic center
Ancient Monte Alban archaeological site
World-famous Oaxacan cuisine and mezcal
Vibrant markets and artisan crafts
Rich indigenous culture and traditions
Perfect blend of history and authenticity
Oaxaca enjoys a temperate highland climate with mild temperatures year-round. Average temperatures range from 60°F (16°C) in winter to 80°F (27°C) in summer.
November to April offers the best weather with mild temperatures, fewer crowds, and perfect conditions for sightseeing.
December to April brings peak tourist season with ideal weather, larger crowds, and higher prices.
May to October offers lower prices and fewer crowds, though with occasional rain.
Explore comprehensive guides to plan your perfect trip, including food tours, cultural experiences, and more.
Experience Zapotec heritage, Guelaguetza, and indigenous traditions!
Taste mole, tlayudas, chapulines, and authentic mezcal!
Explore UNESCO World Heritage colonial architecture and vibrant Zocalo!
Explore vibrant Benito Juárez and 20 de Noviembre markets!
Explore ancient Zapotec ruins with panoramic valley views!
Walking is perfect for exploring the historic center. Public transportation connects to nearby sites, and organized tours include transportation.
Rent a car for maximum flexibility and explore at your own pace on Expedia USA.
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