Oaxaca Historical Tours: Top 5 Picks for History Buffs

Alright, you are planning a trip to Oaxaca and have more than a little interest in digging deep into the area’s colorful story? Then you’re absolutely in the right spot! Oaxaca is a place just overflowing with history, from ancient Zapotec and Mixtec civilizations right on up to its key roles in Mexican history. This place offers layer upon layer of stories just awaiting anyone with an interest to listen, and getting a good tour can really open that history up. Instead of wandering around vaguely and reading dry plaques, these guides bring things to life. Let’s get to those suggestions, yeah?

1. Monte Albán Exploration

Okay, first on our list, we got the tour that centers around Monte Albán. What can I tell you, it’s a completely important archeological site that once served as the capital of the Zapotec civilization. What is so attractive about Monte Alban? Well it perches atop a mountain with spectacular views! These tours will usually handle the travel there and back. These things are often quite helpful as Monte Albán is not right in the middle of Oaxaca city itself, and arranging transportation by yourself might be a little tricky the first time. Guides are quite skilled in the history of the place, so you can soak up tons about Zapotec culture, beliefs, and engineering. Some tours might toss in additional little extras such as visiting nearby villages famous for things such as handicrafts, or, for instance, artisanal goods, basically, it spices up the adventure a bit.

Anyway, it could be really advantageous to locate a tour that offers a small group size. What is a ‘small’ group, you may ask? Maybe, six to ten people, that will offer more opportunities for asking your guide things and in a way makes it more likely you’ll get individual attention. Sun protection is usually crucial here; that place could be brutal when it comes to rays. So bringing sunscreen, wearing a hat, and bringing sunglasses could be very helpful, and it will make things just that bit more pleasing, and easier. I think that might actually be vital! Bringing water is a plus, too, in my view.

2. Historic Oaxaca City Walking Tour

Well then, if seeing the core of Oaxaca on foot sounds great, well the “Historic Oaxaca City Walking Tour” might really be up your street. So I can tell you, these walking tours frequently take you to major must-see spots around the historic city center such as the Zócalo (the main square), the Oaxaca Cathedral, plus the Templo de Santo Domingo. These locations aren’t just amazing to see; a knowledgeable tour guide helps you learn so much about their architectural importance and the occasions of key importance that shaped them.

You can definitely gain plenty from knowing just a little about your own tolerance for walking before choosing a walking tour. Some of these tours might be a little longer or operate at a bit faster rate, that could perhaps become tiring, if you are not ready for that. You will probably want to locate a tour which mixes seeing some main sights and possibly exploring some less famous spots – something which will let you experience both popular and less well-known sides of Oaxaca, if that makes sense. Do you like to shop? So it may be that your walking tour includes some stops for shopping so it will provide for you that shopping chance!

3. Mitla and Hierve el Agua Tour

Well then, this option combines some culture plus natural things. If I am remembering correctly Mitla serves as another impressive archaeological site which is well known for its detailed mosaic stonework. As I understand it “Hierve el Agua”, are like, petrified waterfalls, that offer breathtaking views plus photo possibilities, so remember your camera if that happens. During Mitla Tours your guide tends to shed some more light on Mixtec history, plus, that is combined, together, alongside “Hierve el Agua”, by describing the formations themselves, of course.

Something you will definitely have to keep in mind is the fact that these tours can be on the longer side since they combine two separate sights, which will certainly effect things, basically. It’s almost a given that comfortable shoes might be pretty much required, just like being ready for varying conditions with respect to weather, for instance the heat found in Mitla contrasted with, perhaps the slightly cooler air surrounding “Hierve el Agua” – packing layers is a choice, in this instance. You know it’s almost beneficial if a tour happens to go through little towns recognized for things such as textiles or mezcal production so it gives you just a little flavor that showcases regional culture. Is it worthwhile? Most definitely!

4. Culinary History Tour

Okay, well this tour takes things from, say, the architectural towards tasting. It involves studying Oaxaca’s history by means of its culinary tradition. The tours will typically move around places like local markets, or the locations that serve traditional food. Guides generally highlight some historical and cultural relevance, as pertains to meals that are being tried, to perhaps enable one appreciate, that history via the tastes as you experience them! They almost make it an experience to see, smell and taste things.

Consider tours which visit local family-run eateries plus vendors at the marketplace, instead of just hitting up mainstream restaurants. Just remember to bring your hunger along with a mindset that can easily absorb unusual food pairings because, who knows, but possibly they will try your culinary senses as you know them. I’m saying, it has the potential to happen! Remember that any culinary trip also becomes a chance to master meal stories which tie history with each recipe ingredient, if you were interested.

5. The Tlacolula Market Tour

What could I explain concerning this option, okay? I believe that the Tlacolula Market occurs weekly – on Sundays, when I remember correctly, plus, becomes one of Oaxaca’s biggest and most culturally enriched markets. Tours toward the Tlacolula sector enable any person experiencing firsthand, its native life, its sights, sounds along with a very palpable bustle as anyone wanders between booths full of everything imaginable – produce toward handcrafted stuff plus local meals which cannot usually possibly come any fresher!

So, I find that haggling abilities definitely comes really useful, as can a mind that doesn’t shy far from masses. I guess. Be very mindful what photos are acceptable too, in that part of any trip- – being polite relating to taking shots respects the area. In short, locate trips designed well to encourage communication that takes place involving vendors along with tour guides willing to share insights as relates not just what sells however furthermore things like who manufactures that or what that certain item will represent culturally etc. Basically: get closer than simply tourist.