The trip was great but it wasn’t the guide nor the destinations that made it spectacular, as you probably guessed it, it was the company Meli and I had by our sides. We made many friends this day and all worth mentioning but we only mention a few for the sake of our readers.
We started our day early at 9 AM at the Zocalo, the city plaza for a 10 am transport. Our ride showed up at 10 exactly and we putted around town picking up other clients to join us. As per usual something was mistaken or unexpected, today it was our guide being unable to be on time. He was late and unfortunately didn’t make up for for the charisma.
We began the day by seeing the Tule tree, the widest known tree on the planet requiring 33 grown individuals to lock hands to complete the wrap around the tree. It costs you 10 pesos to get in, but once in you really couldn’t see the tree any better as there was still gates around the base of the tree. Actually for Meli and I the view from far was the view that did it justice.
Following this, we went to the mezcal tasting. After we were showed the process of mezcal making, we were poured generous shots and then a portion their of, for all your tastings after 4 shots moving up in strength; it was brief and good at that as it was rather slapped together. They advertise as a Spanish and English language guide but it primary catered to Spanish speakers.
After the mezcal we kept our rout to Milta. As for the archaeological site it was brief, if you spend 10 minutes socializing or buying wears in the market outside you would have missed it. It is very small and has been heavily restored with limited sections available to experience And costing 75 MXN pesos with no drone access. As always the one temple and debatable most important ruins of Milta have been destroyed and a catholic church built over top in colonial times. By this time I am starving and still a thrifty traveler so I packed a lunch, a couple of sandwiches so you are not forced to buy over priced food at your guides cousins restaurant. We had our packed lunch, two “Oaxacan sandwiches” like our friend Kho called them and they became a thing after that, of course.
Then following, the weaver shop and we were told how the process starts with the cotton and how they obtain the different colors, all from nature. After being surprised by the prices, but accepting of the artistic craftsmanship 1200 CAD for a massive rug doesn’t seem so extreme but in our case we where unable to come to a deal. We found the rugs or blankets were priced on their time spent on said project. After browsing the wars and getting a lesson in fabric dying and weaving, we were brought to said restaurant. It was only a buffet and it was ok, meli said; but not great she payed around 150 MXN pesos.
After lunch we headed for Hierve el Agua. It was getting late and cold but we hiked to remain warm on a trail to the base of a calcified waterfall where we got great photos, also paying 75 MXN pesos per person and an additional tip (optional) to the man who walked us through the trail (50 MXN). After the hike it was late and time to go, we piled in the bus tired a little hangry and with a little less money in our pockets than intended, and drove in the dark home to Oaxaca city for now. We didn’t arrive till half past 8 PM so all in all the tour promised a 8 hour execution and gave us the it’s fair share of excitement and unexpected events.
Everyone was friendly, the guides felt entitled, the cost was fine but possibly more worth it in Spanish. None of the events where paid for and required you to pay the bill driver prior to arrival. An additional cost totaling around 650 MXN pesos
Experience 3/5
Food 2/5
Atmosphere 3/5
Voyage Express 