These guys provided a very full day of sight-seeing, which included a trip from central Oxaca to Hierve del agua and back - probably aobut 90km. We started around 10:30 (after picking up all 12 people at various hotels/bnb's/hostels around the Centro) and didn't get back until 19:30. They took us to the Zapotec ruins at Mitla, the petrified waterfall (which included an opportunity to swim in the natural pools), textile artisans (rug-weavers), ceramics, a Mezcal producer (with tasting), and a cantina with good Mexican food and music. The guide was fully bilingual, helpful and pleasant, although not equally knowledgeable in all aspects (e.g. the archeology).
It was a good deal at 300 pesos/person, but it was frustrating at the beginning and ending, dealing with Oaxaca's invariably grid-locked traffic. Especially in the morning, it would have been better to meet at a central location instead of picking up everyone individually -- this took fully 90 minutes.
The large van was comfortable (although more leg room would have been appreciated) and there was a steady stream of videos that entertained us with Mexican pop music and mini-soaps between stops. A fun sense of camraderie developed among our international group.
If a bus tour is not tThere is also the opportunity to engage a cab driver or individual tour guide who knows there area - we did that on two other days, and this had some advantages for trips to Monte Alban, ceramics, etc. Many such individuals know of artisans who will give demonstrations for a smaller audience. But Aviaco packed in the most activities for a very full and rewarding day at a reasonable price. read more
