Monte Alban, Alebrijes & Black Pottery: Oaxaca Essential Day Tour
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.5/5
Based on 100 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Monte Alban, Alebrijes & Black Pottery: Oaxaca Essential Day Tour worth booking?
Monte Alban, Alebrijes & Black Pottery: Oaxaca Essential Day Tour is a 8-hour experience in Oaxaca City, Mexico, from $43 per person. It scores 74 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.5/5 rating across 100 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 74 / 100
- Rating
- 4.5/5 (100)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- $43 per person
The ancient Zapotec city of Monte Albán is one of Mexico's most impressive archaeological sites, and this tour is designed for you to experience it without rushing and with the best explanations. Start your day with pan
What you get
About this experience
The ancient Zapotec city of Monte Albán is one of Mexico's most impressive archaeological sites, and this tour is designed for you to experience it without rushing and with the best explanations. Start your day with panoramic views of the Oaxaca Valley while a certified guide shares the history, temples, and secrets of the ancient Zapotec capital. Afterward, travel to the artisan village of Arrazola to get an up-close look at the real process of creating Alebrijes: the carving, painting, and symbolism. Later, discover the unique Black Pottery technique in San Bartolo Coyotepec, where artisans show you how they achieve its signature shine. This trip includes comfortable transportation, hotel pickup, on-board insurance, and guidance throughout the day. It's ideal for first-time visitors to Oaxaca looking for an authentic, clear, and well-guided experience. More than 24,000 travelers have enjoyed this route with us!
What's included
Included
- Guided tour of a black clay workshop in San Bartolo Coyotepec
- Meeting point pickup and drop-off
- Free time for photography at Monte Alban
- Professional guide bilingual.
- Transport by air-conditioned minivan
- Guided tour of an alebrije workshop in Arrazola
Not included
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
- Admission in Monte Alban
What you'll see and do
Zona Arqueologica de Monte Alban
Explore the ancient Zapotec capital with a certified guide. Walk through plazas, temples, and terraces while enjoying spectacular views of the valley.
90 minutes here · Admission not included
San Antonio Arrazola
Learn about the complete process of creating alebrijes: copal carving, painting, and traditional techniques.
60 minutes here
Visit an authentic workshop where the famous black clay is produced. Observe the unique firing, glazing, and design techniques found only in Oaxaca.
60 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Oaxaca City
In front of the entrance to the Ethnobotanical Garden, on the corner of Constitucion and Reforma streets.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
In front of the entrance to the Ethnobotanical Garden, on the corner of Constitucion and Reforma streets.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Tue, Thu, Sat
- Group size
- Up to 8 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Enjoy Oaxaca
Know before you go
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 100 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
9 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
100 verified traveler reviews for Monte Alban, Alebrijes & Black Pottery: Oaxaca Essential Day Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Monte Albán, a Zapotec wonder!
Monte Albán is a majestic archaeological zone! If you go to Oaxaca, you must visit this amazing place. You truly feel closer to heaven and their Zapotec's Gods. The tour included a visit to one of Arrazola´s alebrijes´factories, where you will be immersed in the magic of colorful creatures. We also went to a ¨Black Pottery¨factory, where the bilingual worker explained the full process of creating this beautiful ceramic. Ede, our tour guide, was engaging and funny. She is very passionate about Monte Albán and the Zapotec culture. Jesús, our driver, drove carefully and entertained us with Oaxacan music, Oaxaca history and legends. It was a wonderful trip!
via Tripadvisor
More than just the Ruins!
The tour of the ruins was amazing, and I had worried that a short tour (only a couple of hours) meant a boring or shallow experience. No, this was actually fascinating, with lots of room to walk and explore, and our guides were so helpful in Spanish and English. The van picked us up right at our hotel. What stood out to us on the tour was that in the second half of the day, we explored two local artisan groups (one of wooden carvings, one of pottery) we never would have thought to seek out, and we were charmed. We've told all our friends this was the best day of our week-long trip to Oaxaca!
via Tripadvisor
Best tour ❤️
Amazing tour! I really enjoyed the time at Monte Alban. We were lucky the weather was perfect! Ede is a good and patient tour guide. ❤️
via Tripadvisor
Wonderful experience to explore Monte Albán and the artisan towns!
We did the full day tour to Monte Albán, Arrazola town (alebrijes, Manuel Jimenez) and Coyotepec town (black pottery). It was a fantastic experience to learn more about the history and culture of Oaxaca and Mexico. Most of the tour is spent at Monte Albán and at the craft towns you see a bit of how things are made and have time to do some shopping. It’s nice because everything is quite close to Oaxaca city so the drives in-between weren’t too long and the transportation was very comfortable. Lunch was paid separately (230); it was a buffet that had a lot of local food and was good. Edelmira was our guide and Oscar was our driver. Both were fantastic! Edel was very knowledgeable, friendly, and took good care of the group. Tip: it gets very hot in the day and Monte Albán is very exposed so make sure to bring a hat, sunscreen, and water! Snacks also if you tend to get hungry, but there are places to buy things along the tour.
via Tripadvisor
Don't miss this one!
This is a trip that should not be missed. I was worried that it was in both Spanish and English but Edde was fully explaining in both languages. She has such a talent for telling the history and legends that you travel in time with her. I can't thank our driver, Ramsee enough for his skill and safe driving skills. All in all a magical trip. They took excellent care if this eighty year old!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Tue, Thu, Sat
- Price range
- $43 to $50
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 35
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 74
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Monte Alban, Alebrijes & Black Pottery: Oaxaca Essential Day Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Oaxaca City.
How much does Monte Alban, Alebrijes & Black Pottery: Oaxaca Essential Day Tour cost?
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Prices start at $43 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Oaxaca City usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Monte Alban, Alebrijes & Black Pottery: Oaxaca Essential Day Tour take?
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Plan for about 8 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Oaxaca City is not rushed.
Is Monte Alban, Alebrijes & Black Pottery: Oaxaca Essential Day Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 74 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.5/5 across 100 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Oaxaca City, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Monte Alban, Alebrijes & Black Pottery: Oaxaca Essential Day Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Monte Alban, Alebrijes & Black Pottery: Oaxaca Essential Day Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Monte Alban, Alebrijes & Black Pottery: Oaxaca Essential Day Tour?
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Around 35 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Oaxaca City can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Oaxaca City and add a light layer if any part of the 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Monte Alban, Alebrijes & Black Pottery: Oaxaca Essential Day Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Oaxaca City within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Oaxaca City?
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On Outty we rank every Oaxaca City experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include AUTHENTIC OAXACA CULTURAL FOOD TOUR, eat like a local., Hierve el Agua 2.5 hours, Mitla, Tule, Rugs and Mezcal for a Day, Traditional Oaxaqueña Cooking with Grandma's Recipes. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Oaxaca City?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Oaxaca City?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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