The Full Loop: Hierve el Agua + Mitla + Tule + Mezcal Review: The "Sightseeing Marathon"
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This is the most popular day trip in Oaxaca, often called the "East Valley Route." It promises to show you five major sights in a single day: The Tule Tree, Mitla Ruins, Teotitlán Rugs, Hierve el Agua Waterfalls, and a Mezcal Distillery. It is a marathon, not a sprint.
📋 Quick Summary
- Best for: Travelers who want to tick off every major sight efficiently
- Duration: 11 hours (Prepare for a long day!)
- Group size: Group (Usually a Sprinter Van)
- Price: $50 per person
- Pace: Fast. ~45-60 mins at each stop.
Pros & Cons: Our Honest Take
What We Loved
- ✓ Incredible value: You see 5 distinct cultural sites
- ✓ Logistics handled: Driving this route yourself is exhausting
- ✓ Mitla and Hierve el Agua are both UNESCO-tier sites
- ✓ Includes a stop at the "World Capital of Mezcal" (Matatlán)
Drawbacks
- ✗ Very fast paced. You won't have hours to lounge at the pools.
- ✗ Lunch is late (usually around 2-3 PM)
- ✗ Entrance fees usually extra (~$15 USD total cash needed)
Heritage & Value
This tour is designed to let you "dive into the mysterious heritage" of Oaxaca. Beyond the big sights, it handles the logistics that make this route expensive to do on your own.
- The Buffet: The tour stops at a large traditional buffet (usually valued around $220 MXN). It's an "all-you-can-eat" spread of moles, tlayudas, and local stews—perfect for refueling after the ruins.
- The Tule Tree: It's not just a big tree; it's over 2,000 years old. Seeing it in person (it takes 30 people holding hands to circle it!) is a humbling start to the day.
The Marathon Itinerary
Final Verdict
Best Value Day Trip
If you only have 3-4 days in Oaxaca, you must do this tour. It covers the entire eastern valley in one sweep. Yes, it's tiring, but seeing the Tule Tree, Mitla, and Hierve el Agua on separate days would take 3x the time and money.
Check Availability ($50)Free cancellation up to 24 hours
AboutDiego Garcia
Senior Mezcal Reviewer & Industry Expert
Mezcal specialist with 15 years of experience in the Oaxacan spirits industry. Dedicated to preserving traditional production methods.
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