TOUR BOILS THE WATER, EL TULE, TEOTITLAN DEL VALLE, MEZCAL, MITLA MITLA ARCHELOGICAL AREA
1 – Tour El tule – Tule tree (ahuehuete)
This ahuehuete is the tree with the largest trunk diameter in the world, measuring 14.06 meters (almost 44 meters in circumference approximately). It takes about 30 people holding hands to go around the tree; It is 42 meters high, its crown has a circumference of 58 meters, a volume of 816,829 m3 and its weight is 636 tons.
One of the peculiarities of the Tule is that on its trunk you can see various shapes, such as an elephant, the head of a lion, a crocodile and even a goblin’s house.
The legends of the Tule tree
Several ethnic groups in Oaxaca have the belief that men come from trees, there is a ritual known as the Mixtec dance of the sabino, in this way it is venerated with offerings and ceremonies.
There are two legends about the origin of the Tule tree. The Zapotecs say that this large ahuehuete was planted 1,400 years ago by Pechocha, a priest of Ehécatl, god of the wind.
The other legend tells us about King Condoy, an ancestral leader of the Mixe region, who dominated the Cempoaltépetl hill. The king and his followers undertook the journey to build the city of Mitla and thus prevent another king from taking over those lands.
2 – Teotitlan Valley Tour – Wool Rugs
Teotitlán, in the state of Oaxaca, is one of the places where creativity and tradition intertwine to give birth to genuine works of art. Its name means “Next to the House of God” in Nahuatl and in Zapotec it is known as Xa-Guie, which means “Under the stone.”
Teotitlán del Valle is located just 30 kilometers from the city of Oaxaca and is distinguished by the artisanal production of multicolored rugs. Before the arrival of the Spanish, the region was one of the main Zapotec cities. According to Fray Francisco de Burgoa, Teotitlán is the first city founded by the Zapotecs in 1465. After colonization, the customs and traditions of this town were syncretized, giving birth to a rich mestizo culture that is expressed both religiously and in their dances and parties.
Currently, among the cultural wonders of this town is the production of fabrics with ancestral techniques. Sarapes, rugs and carpets, all of them are produced with wool dyed with natural dyes extracted from minerals, plants and even insects, such as the grana cochineal extracted from the cactus and which gives us its crimson red color.
Currently, among the cultural wonders of this town is the production of fabrics with ancestral techniques. Sarapes, rugs and carpets, all of them are produced with wool dyed with natural dyes extracted from minerals, plants and even insects, such as the grana cochineal extracted from the cactus and which gives us its crimson red color.
3 – Mezcal Factory Tour
Enjoy this tour to learn about the wide variety of Mezcales, also create our combination suggested by a mezcalier to finally taste it.
Santiago Matatlán, a town known for being the capital of Mezcal, where we will begin to learn facts such as why mezcal is deeply rooted in Oaxacan culture, since it is present in various traditional celebrations. We will begin our tour by visiting two palenques where they make Mezcal with an ancestral process, that is, they produce it by hand. Although it is known that Mezcal is distilled from more than 20 types of Agave, now let’s imagine the flavor of them made by hand, which is why we recommend being open to trying their wide variety of them to be able to identify the Mezcal that best delights our palate.
4 – San Pablo Villa de Mitla Tour – Mitla Archaeological Zone
Part of its name is due to the Mexica who called it Mictlán, which means “Place of the Dead”, and it is that both in ancient times and in our days it seems that the spirit of its ancient inhabitants remains in the archaeological zone, as well as in the streets that proudly look towards the Tlacolula Valley.
The reason to go:
The archaeological zone of Mitla. It is one of the most important in Oaxaca and stands out for its decoration with mosaic fretwork and the hundreds of carved pieces that have been found. This area was inhabited by the Zapotecs after the fall of Monte Albán and later by the Mixtecs.
5 – TOUR HIERVE EL AGUA PETRIFIED WATERFALLS
Hierve el Agua: mystical place, where nature surrounds us and still marvels.
This landscape is unique in America, since there are only two systems of petrified waterfalls in the entire world. In Oaxaca we have the honor of having the only one on the continent, and very close to Oaxaca City, too!
This is a vision that you will not forget: a landscape that disappears into the horizon, full of natural pools and clean, therapeutic waters, and a monumental petrified waterfall, immune to time; which was once part of a pre-Hispanic irrigation system.
Hierve el Agua is a wonderful place nestled in the heights, and has been recognized as a possible sacred place of the Zapotecs, as it stands like a spring – almost an oasis – in an area that is quite arid, in the middle of the mountains, surrounded by vegetation.
It is characterized by its white color and the immensity of these natural pools (they measure more than 200 meters high). It is known that Hierve el Agua – the system – was formed millions of years ago by carbonated water that flowed downhill, driven by the current that comes from the top of the ravine.
At the same time, the contrast between the white of the pools and their turquoise water makes it an almost paradisiacal vision, where you can take a break from your routine and let yourself be enveloped by the sounds of nature, in the peace of the water. This turns out to be a slightly warmer temperature than usual, varying between 22 and 25 degrees Celsius. It’s well below boiling point, but that’s where the name of this place comes from!
Even so, the pools are not the only attraction of Hierve el Agua, since its historical legacy makes us learn more about the ancient inhabitants of the region. In addition, it is a true tourist attraction that you can enjoy for more than a few hours, as there are bathrooms, dressing rooms, palapas, and small inns where you can taste delicious Oaxacan food.
Hierve el Agua is just an hour and a half by car from the center of Oaxaca City, we will be your starting point to discover the wonders of Oaxaca!
10 hrs
60km
1 - 20
- COST (MX)
$700 per person
$300 deposit per person
Does not include tickets and food
- TRAIL NOTES
Wear comfortable clothes
It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes (you will walk 4km throughout the entire route)
Use sunblock
Towel and swimsuit (if you want to swim in boiling water)
Insect repellent
The group will be picked up between 7:30 and 8:20 in the morning at their accommodation in the historic center.
FIRST STOP
We will begin by visiting the town of Santa Maria el Tule where you can see the ancient Tule tree.
SECOND STOP
Then we will enter Teotitlán del Valle, a Zapotec community where different traditions are preserved such as weddings, their community forms of organization, their language, and the management of wool textiles, the latter being one of the finest and most laborious artisanal processes in Mexico. resulting in pieces of textile art superior to luxury brands, for this we will visit a family workshop.
THIRD STOP
After this we will move to a mezcal factory where we will have an explanation about the process of making mezcal in the factory and then have a tasting of them.
FOURTH STOP
You will also visit the archaeological zone in Mitla, the magical town.
after visiting the impressive archaeological zone
FIFTH STOP
Before heading to Hierve el Agua we will have a “time meal” at a traditional food buffet.
SIXTH STOP
Finally we will enter the mountain communities to see the petrified waterfalls of Hierve el Agua.
END OF THE TOUR
At the end of the tour we will return to the city of Oaxaca and finish the tour one block from the city’s Zócalo.
Note: Mitla is not open on Mondays.
10 hrs
60km
1 - 20
- COST (MX)
$700 per person
$300 deposit per person
Does not include tickets and food
- TRAIL NOTES
Wear comfortable clothes
It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes (you will walk 4km throughout the entire route)
Use sunblock
Towel and swimsuit (if you want to swim in boiling water)
Insect repellent
10 hrs
60km
1 - 20
- COST (MX)
$700 per person
$300 deposit per person
Does not include tickets and food
- TRAIL NOTES
Wear comfortable clothes
It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes (you will walk 4km throughout the entire route)
Use sunblock
Towel and swimsuit (if you want to swim in boiling water)
Insect repellent
10 hrs
60km
1 - 20
- COST (MX)
$700 per person
$300 deposit per person
Does not include tickets and food
- TRAIL NOTES
Wear comfortable clothes
It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes (you will walk 4km throughout the entire route)
Use sunblock
Towel and swimsuit (if you want to swim in boiling water)
Insect repellent
