Discover Oaxaca Tours
Discover Oaxaca Tours
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Cultural Tours • Private Tours • Food Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours
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We are Benito and Suzanne, expert, bilingual guides offering private tours in and around Oaxaca. We are dedicated to providing a high-quality service, eager to share with you our love for this land, its people, and rich cultural heritage. We will adapt our tours to suit your needs. Whether you’re interested in culture, food, nature, handicrafts, archaeology, or architecture, we’ll be happy to guide you to the best Oaxaca has to offer. We look forward to sharing with you the Oaxaca we know and love!
Oaxaca, Oaxaca, Mexico
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2022
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
131 reviews
Excellent
125
Very good
1
Average
2
Poor
0
Terrible
3
Brentk56
Greensboro, NC5 contributions
Jan 2022
Suzanne showed us many of the highlights of Oaxaca over the three days we spent with her.
We traversed the bumpy road up and down the mountain to see the iconic petrified waterfalls ot Hierve el Agua and were stunned by the expansive width of the 2000 year old cypress, El Arbol de Tule. The Zapotec ruins at Monte Alban compare favorably with the more well-known Mayan archaeological sites.
Many of the small towns that ring Oaxaca feature traditional crafts and we were particularly interested in the Zapotec weavers at Teotitlán del Valle and the alebrijes wood carvings at San Martin Tilcajete. Suzanne took us behind the scenes to see the workshops of artisans.
Oaxaca has a well-deserved reputation for its cuisine and some of the best it has to offer can be found in the markets, which can be complicated spaces for tourists who don't have good Spanish language skills. Suzanne helped us navigate the stalls and we particuarly enjoyed the goat's head soup at Tlacolula and the black mole tamale at the Mercado Benito Juarez. She also took us to a restaurant where we were able to order chiles en nogada, a dish that is decorated with the colors of the Mexican flag.
If you are interested in a private tour guide, we highly recommend Suzanne at Discover Oaxaca Tours.
We traversed the bumpy road up and down the mountain to see the iconic petrified waterfalls ot Hierve el Agua and were stunned by the expansive width of the 2000 year old cypress, El Arbol de Tule. The Zapotec ruins at Monte Alban compare favorably with the more well-known Mayan archaeological sites.
Many of the small towns that ring Oaxaca feature traditional crafts and we were particularly interested in the Zapotec weavers at Teotitlán del Valle and the alebrijes wood carvings at San Martin Tilcajete. Suzanne took us behind the scenes to see the workshops of artisans.
Oaxaca has a well-deserved reputation for its cuisine and some of the best it has to offer can be found in the markets, which can be complicated spaces for tourists who don't have good Spanish language skills. Suzanne helped us navigate the stalls and we particuarly enjoyed the goat's head soup at Tlacolula and the black mole tamale at the Mercado Benito Juarez. She also took us to a restaurant where we were able to order chiles en nogada, a dish that is decorated with the colors of the Mexican flag.
If you are interested in a private tour guide, we highly recommend Suzanne at Discover Oaxaca Tours.
Written February 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
JayandLouise
Littleton, CO30 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
Oaxaca guides Suzanne & Benito exceeded our expectations ! We spent 3 days touring the city of Oaxaca and the surrounding areas. Highlights of our trip was Suzanne’s Oaxaca walking tour, Monte Albán with Benito ( the large pre-Columbian archaeological site in the Santa Cruz Xoxocotlán Municipality in the southern Mexican state of Oaxaca ) and Suzanne’s tour of Hierve el Agua (Spanish for "the water boils") is a set of natural travertine rock formations in San Lorenzo Albarradas, Oaxaca, Mexico that resemble cascades of water. The local meals experienced were delicious and we ate together 👍 The choice is yours but we loved our time in Oaxaca and your lucky to hire Suzanne & Benito for the true locals experience! BTW Excellent English spoken, fun & personable, college educated and we miss them . "Mi casa es su casa" (formal) is Spanish for "My house is your house" a common saying to invite someone into your house and allow them to make themselves at home. 🇲🇽👀❣️🙏🏻
Finally, The Guelaguetza Festival inside and outside the city is colorful, festive, fun and mostly about sharing 👀 The parades were lined with folks … music, costumes - see photos. The main auditorium show was sold out on both Mondays but there are many shows around… Our Quinta Real Guelaguetza show ( with food & Mescal ) was good & fun, especially with our new friends from Guadalajara, sharing the table.
Finally, The Guelaguetza Festival inside and outside the city is colorful, festive, fun and mostly about sharing 👀 The parades were lined with folks … music, costumes - see photos. The main auditorium show was sold out on both Mondays but there are many shows around… Our Quinta Real Guelaguetza show ( with food & Mescal ) was good & fun, especially with our new friends from Guadalajara, sharing the table.
Written August 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Daphne Hoffman
14 contributions
Oct 2021
Benito was our guide and he was great, we got exactly what we wanted. We toured the southern valley and stopped at the market in Octolan . Visited the weaving village and he took us to the best wood carvings shop with very reasonable prices. We also went to San Bartolo to see the black pottery, again the shops he took us to had the best price and selection and the masters lived on site.
He also pick us us a wonderful lunch spot.
Downside, for a business operating in Mexico, they price in USA $, the 4 of us are expats with residency in Mexico and deal with pesos. When we paid him our balance, he went online and charged us the current exchange rate, we felt the price quoted when booked should have been honored. It wasn’t that much, but why not just operate in pesos like all the other tours?
All in all it was a great day.
He also pick us us a wonderful lunch spot.
Downside, for a business operating in Mexico, they price in USA $, the 4 of us are expats with residency in Mexico and deal with pesos. When we paid him our balance, he went online and charged us the current exchange rate, we felt the price quoted when booked should have been honored. It wasn’t that much, but why not just operate in pesos like all the other tours?
All in all it was a great day.
Written October 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hi Daphne,
I'm so glad to hear that you enjoyed your day with Benito and that the tour was exactly what you wanted - that's what we aim for with all our clients, though they may come with different interests and from backgrounds. There's always something to enjoy in Oaxaca!
For future reference (if you decide to return to Oaxaca sometime!), we'll be happy to agree on a price in pesos at the time of booking if you let us know. Most of our clients are not Mexican residents and US dollars seems to be easier to deal with when making bookings from outside the country - but we're happy to adapt to different circumstances.
Thanks for taking the time to write a review, and we look forward to seeing you in Oaxaca again sometime.
Written October 18, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
seasams
15 contributions
Nov 2022
I had a fantastic day of birdwatching with Benito. He is an extremely knowledgeable guide, knowing good spots to stop, and quickly identifying everything we saw. We saw multiple endemics and wound up the day with over 60 species. We even stopped at a delicious place for lunch. Benito gives non-birding tours in Oaxaca as well, so he provided lots of information on the region.
Birding with Benito felt like birding with an old friend. I will definitely book another tour when I go back to Oaxaca.
Birding with Benito felt like birding with an old friend. I will definitely book another tour when I go back to Oaxaca.
Written November 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
jjo
Chicago773 contributions
Oct 2022
We spent two full, fabulous, weeks with Benito and Suzanne (they alternated). Benito picked us up in Mexico City and we spent our first week in various Pueblo Magicos in the State of Puebla. Every day was a thrill. We then spent our second week in Oaxaca, going on multiple excursions in the surrounding areas. Each excursion was outstanding.
Benito and Suzanne are passionate and deeply knowledgeable about the region. If you want to see a weaver, for example, they will not take you to a store. Rather, they have befriended many local craftspeople who welcome you to their homes to show you what they do for a living. We were able to watch a woman making mole negro on the traditional metate, first accompanying her to the market, watching every step of her cooking at her home, over a wood fire, and then, of course, eating the mole for lunch with her.
Benito and Suzanne are also very sensitive to your specific wants and will customize each day to your individual needs.
At the end, I felt like we had taken a deep dive into Mexican culture, and cannot imagine how the trip could have been better.
Benito and Suzanne are passionate and deeply knowledgeable about the region. If you want to see a weaver, for example, they will not take you to a store. Rather, they have befriended many local craftspeople who welcome you to their homes to show you what they do for a living. We were able to watch a woman making mole negro on the traditional metate, first accompanying her to the market, watching every step of her cooking at her home, over a wood fire, and then, of course, eating the mole for lunch with her.
Benito and Suzanne are also very sensitive to your specific wants and will customize each day to your individual needs.
At the end, I felt like we had taken a deep dive into Mexican culture, and cannot imagine how the trip could have been better.
Written November 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
katimil
San Rafael, CA113 contributions
Nov 2022 • Couples
Benito and Suzanne were extremely knowledgeable guides and did an excellent job of tailoring our tour to our interests. The markets and artisans that we visited were all first rate and delighted in sharing their crafts with us. This was by far one of the best tour experiences we have ever had. If you want to get the real flavor and history of Oaxaca City and surrounding villages, this is the tour company for you.
Written November 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Sara A
4 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
We visited Oaxaca in January and booked a walking tour of the city for our first full day, and it was a fantastic way
to start our trip. Definitely book this option on day 1, if you can!
Suzanne walked us through Oaxacan history, key points of interest in the city center, and the whole tour was sprinkled with delicious, authentic street food, which we loved. We learned so much about the local fare and felt much more acquainted with the city lay out.
We also booked an all day excursion to a local village where we experienced the art of making mole negro from scratch and a beautiful demonstration of wool rug weaving. It was such a special day, one we will cherish forever!
Suzanne is kind, generous and so knowledgeable about the city and the culture. We had a wonderful experience and highly recommend this company!
to start our trip. Definitely book this option on day 1, if you can!
Suzanne walked us through Oaxacan history, key points of interest in the city center, and the whole tour was sprinkled with delicious, authentic street food, which we loved. We learned so much about the local fare and felt much more acquainted with the city lay out.
We also booked an all day excursion to a local village where we experienced the art of making mole negro from scratch and a beautiful demonstration of wool rug weaving. It was such a special day, one we will cherish forever!
Suzanne is kind, generous and so knowledgeable about the city and the culture. We had a wonderful experience and highly recommend this company!
Written January 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
I had such a fun time with you! It was a real pleasure introducing you to some of my favorite spots in Oaxaca city, and also get to share that traditional mole making experience with you and one of my favorite local families. I look forward to seeing you back in Oaxaca again sometime!
Written January 15, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mary S
3 contributions
Jan 2020
From meeting us at the airport to helping us understand the local customs, no detail was too small or large for this experienced tour guide couple. Suzanne and Benito made our visit to Oaxaca memorable in every way. A day of sightseeing at Yagul followed by lunch at a favorite cafe in the local market and finishing with a delightful mezcal tour and tasting is just one example of the 5 excellent days of touring our family of three shared with them. Be sure to ask Suzanne for a food tour. She knows everyone and they will treat you like a local. Highest recommendation.
Written February 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
marvelous millie
vancouver22 contributions
Dec 2019
We (Canadians, two 60 year-olds and a 29 year old) had two incredible trips with Oaxaca Tours.The first was a three day overnight trip designed to reflect our interests. With Benito we went birdwatching, explored archeological sites and learned about the social and natural history of Oaxaca. We stayed two nights in cabins in small mountain villages. The trip perfectly matched our interests and expectations. Benito has many years of guiding experience and all the qualities of a great guide: extremely knowledgeable, personable, attentive, flexible, a great travelling companion. He is from the area and was able to point out and explain many things of natural, cultural and social interest that we would otherwise have either not noticed or understood.
Our second tour was to Monte Alban with Suzanne. She also has tremendous knowledge of the area and is experienced, personable, attentive, flexible, and a wonderful travelling companion.
Benito and Suzanne are a great team. They speak English perfectly which was essential for us.They responded quickly and clearly to our emails, prepared an itinerary that reflected our specific requests, and gave us the information we needed to prepare for our tours. We travelled in a comfortable vehicle with everything we needed, including fresh fruit and other snacks, delicious coffee, extra binoculars and a scope.
We had an amazing time in Oaxaca, thanks in very large part to Suzanne and Benito from Discover Oaxaca Tours.
Our second tour was to Monte Alban with Suzanne. She also has tremendous knowledge of the area and is experienced, personable, attentive, flexible, and a wonderful travelling companion.
Benito and Suzanne are a great team. They speak English perfectly which was essential for us.They responded quickly and clearly to our emails, prepared an itinerary that reflected our specific requests, and gave us the information we needed to prepare for our tours. We travelled in a comfortable vehicle with everything we needed, including fresh fruit and other snacks, delicious coffee, extra binoculars and a scope.
We had an amazing time in Oaxaca, thanks in very large part to Suzanne and Benito from Discover Oaxaca Tours.
Written January 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Leejnd
La Paz, Mexico92 contributions
Sep 2022
Four of us did two days of private tours with Benito as our guide. Both days were the BEST we spent during our entire month in Oaxaca! Day 1 we visited Monte Alban, and day 2 we toured Mitla and Hierve el Agua. During both days, Benito shared his encyclopedic knowledge about the history, culture, and traditions of the region. We would not have enjoyed, or even understood, any of these sites nearly as much without his guidance and education about what we were seeing. It makes such a huge difference to have knowledgable guide.
Benito's sedan is super comfortable, and we felt completely safe with him as our driver. His kindness and concern for our enjoyment made a huge difference as well. We would encourage anyone who wants to really delve into Oaxaca and the surrounding areas to trust Discover Oaxaca Tours. THANK YOU BENITO!
Benito's sedan is super comfortable, and we felt completely safe with him as our driver. His kindness and concern for our enjoyment made a huge difference as well. We would encourage anyone who wants to really delve into Oaxaca and the surrounding areas to trust Discover Oaxaca Tours. THANK YOU BENITO!
Written September 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
MariJose R
1 contribution
¿Tienen tours específicos de Guelaguetza por varios días?
¡Gracias!
bocawriter
boca raton35 contributions
I wanted to mention that we were referred to a young guide named Erick Jesus Garcia and really enjoyed the time we spent with him. He was very knowledgeable about Mitla and the surrounding area (we only took one day tour with him ... after having a very bad experience with a group tour that included an English speaking guide who mostly spoke Spanish to our primarily Spanish group). Erick brought it all together for us, including things that weren't on the tour. We contacted him via gmail ...erickdjg53 after he was recommended by another guide who was highly recommended but unavailable. He is also available to pick up from the airport.
JORGINA M
Guadalajara Metropolitan Area, Mexico1 contribution
Me gustaría tener los datos de la agencia de tours, ya que ire a Oaxaca en abril, de vacaciones, teléfono, email, etc.