8 Hours, Mezcal Making

Overview

The tour runs eight hours in total, starting from a set meeting point on Cosijoeza in the Centro, and travels out by van with the operator, Oaxaca by Locals. Pickup is not included, so everyone gathers there before the drive out of the city.

The first and longest stop is Hierve el Agua itself, with three hours on site. The listing says that time can go toward a hike in the area with local guides, a dip in the pools, or both. One point the listing is upfront about: only guides from the surrounding community may guide visitors inside the park, and most of them speak Spanish only, so the Oaxaca by Locals guide accompanies the group but does not lead once inside.

On the way back the van calls at a mezcal distillery, one of the better known ones in the region, for a tour of the production process and a tasting of several styles. Reviews repeatedly mention generous tastings. The day suits travellers who want a long, scenic outing with hiking, swimming and mezcal in one package, and who are happy starting from a fixed meeting point.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet In CentroThe group meets at Cosijoeza 110A on Ruta Independencia in the Centro. There is no hotel pickup.
2. Van To Hierve El AguaThe drive heads out of the city toward the site. One reviewer mentions the final stretch of road is bumpy.
3. Three Hours At Hierve El AguaThe entrance fee is covered. Time can go toward the hike, the pools, or both. Local community guides lead inside the park, and most speak Spanish only.
4. Van To Mezcal DistilleryThe return journey includes a stop at a popular Oaxaca mezcal distillery.
5. Distillery Tour And TastingA walkthrough of how mezcal is made, followed by tastings of several different varieties. Samples are included.
6. Return To OaxacaThe van drops the group back in Oaxaca de Juárez, with one reviewer noting arrival around 5:30 pm.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points shape how this day actually goes, from the road conditions to how the mezcal tasting works.

• Getting There. One reviewer describes the final approach to Hierve el Agua as bumpy due to unpaved road, and suggests sitting toward the front if you are prone to motion sickness. Keep that in mind when choosing a seat in the van.
• Hiking And Heat. The listing mentions a hiking option with local guides, and reviewers say the stops were well timed, with a good amount of time at each one. Comfortable shoes are on the operator's what to bring list.
• Swim Gear. Swimwear is on the operator's what to bring list, and the listing highlights a refreshing dip in the natural pools as one of the draws of the day.
• Sun Protection. The listing asks for a sun hat, sunscreen and comfortable shoes.
• Cash In Pesos. Bring Mexican pesos if you want to buy food or drinks, which are available for purchase but not included. The listing specifically advises bringing pesos rather than another currency.
• The Mezcal Flow. Reviewers repeatedly describe the tasting as generous, with one calling it freeflowing. If you plan to drink freely, plan accordingly for the drive back and the evening after.

Common issues. One reviewer found the unpaved road in and out of Hierve el Agua bumpy. Inside the park, guiding is done by community members who mostly speak Spanish only, so travellers expecting detailed English interpretation on the trail may find it limited. One reviewer wished for clearer trail guidance or a simple map for the hike. Food and drinks throughout the day are at your own cost.

Common Questions