Tour Options

Dozens of Oaxaca City operators lead half- and full-day city tours or trips to outlying market villages, half-day excursions to Monte Albán, and full-day journeys to Mitla. Hiking, horseback, and mountain-biking excursions are popular, as are treks to waterfalls and soaks in hot springs. More adventurous (and fitter) travelers can explore the remote mountain villages of the Mixteca and Sierra Norte, camping or staying in simple cabins.

Bicicletas Pedro Martínez. Bicicletas Pedro Martínez leads hiking and biking (and mixed) tours in the Central Valley or to Puerto Escondido. Custom tours are available, too. Prices vary, and larger groups get larger discounts. Aldama 418, Centro Historico, Oaxaca, Oaxaca, 68000. 951/514–5935. www.bicicletaspedromartinez.com.

Expediciones Sierra Norte. Expediciones Sierra Norte has one- to five-day hiking, biking, and horse-riding trips into the Central Valley and the Sierra Norte, ranging from beginner level to extreme expeditions. You either camp or stay in simple cabins. There is also the option to participate in volunteer days. Calle M. Bravo 210, Centro Historico, Oaxaca, Oaxaca, 68000. 951/514–8271. www.sierranorte.org.mx.

TierrAventura. TierrAventura has everything from one-day trips to local villages to six-day excursions to the coast. As each tour requires only two or more people, you can expect to have your questions answered by the knowledgeable guides and your tour personalized. Expect to see some villages far off the beaten path. Calle Abasolo 217, Centro Historico, Oaxaca, Oaxaca, 68000. 951/516-4644. www.tierraventura.com.

Turismo El Convento De Oaxaca. Turismo El Convento De Oaxaca operates out of the Camino Real hotel and gives reliable tours with English-speaking guides. Four-hour Monte Albán trips cost MX$330; eight-hour outings include trips to other sites and cost MX$484. Half-day trips to Mitla also visit El Tule and Teotitlán and cost MX$484. Excursions to area villages and markets can also be arranged. Rates include transport to and from the Camino Real or other Oaxaca City hotels. Private tours are also available. Calle 5 de Mayo 300, Centro Historico, Oaxaca, Oaxaca, 68000. 951/516–5791. www.oaxacaexperts.com.