Two stops, seven sips, and a wild ride. I love the way the Tule Tree stop gets you iconic photos fast, and I love the real mezcal action at the Mal de Amor distillery in Santiago Matatlán, where guides like Leyda and Chanel help you understand the process before you taste.

One possible drawback: the barrimobile ride is bumpy and can be windy, and there’s alcohol tasting involved, so plan your day accordingly if you’re sensitive to motion or want to stay sharp. The good news is it’s built on a tight 5-hour schedule, so you still get a full, fun hit of Oaxaca without long gaps.

Key things that make this Mezcal Tour fun

• 30 minutes at Tule Tree so you get the famous thick-trunk photos without losing the day
• Santiago Matatlán palenque visit that explains how mezcal is made
• Up to seven mezcal varieties to taste (some experiences focus on six)
• A penca drink moment where you taste mezcal directly from the agave leaf
• Barrimobile ride through fields and town with a pulquería stop along the way
• Small group size (max 20) plus English-speaking guidance

Getting started in Oaxaca City: the 11:00 meet-up and what to expect

This tour starts at 11:00 am right in Oaxaca City at City Centro by Marriott, Aldama 410, Barrio de Jalatlaco. It runs about 5 hours, and it ends back where you started, so you don’t have to figure out transportation afterward.

You’ll ride in an air-conditioned vehicle, which matters in Oaxaca when the sun is doing its thing. You also get bottled water, so you can pace yourself between tastings and the outdoor riding part.

The group stays small (up to 20 travelers). That keeps the day from feeling like a cattle car and gives the guide space to explain what’s happening in plain language, especially during the distillery visit. It’s also offered in English, which is a big deal for mezcal tours—there’s a lot of technical process, and you want to actually understand it.

Tule Tree: the 30-minute photo stop that earns its time

The first stop is Tule Tree, with a free admission ticket and about 30 minutes on the ground. This is the kind of stop that could feel rushed on paper, but it’s the right length for what you need: look closely, take pictures from a few angles, and soak in why this tree is such a famous Oaxaca landmark.

What I like about this timing is that it’s early enough that you’re not already tired from tasting when you arrive. You get a clean break before the mezcal portion kicks into gear, and the photos usually come out better when you’re not thinking about the next activity.

If you’re the type who likes to watch how people photograph things, you’ll see a lot of the same angles for a reason. You’ll also get a chance to step back and compare scale without feeling stuck waiting in lines.

Santiago Matatlán palenque tour: how the mezcal process makes sense

Next comes the heart of the experience: Santiago Matatlán and a palenque (distillery). You’ll spend about 3 hours here, and the day’s pacing is built around learning first, tasting second.

At the distillery, you’ll get an explanation of how mezcal is made, plus time to take photos while you’re there. This is where a good guide makes the difference. In the past groups, guides such as Leyda and Chanel helped translate the steps into something you can remember—what changes, what gets prepared, and why the spirit tastes the way it does.

One nice detail: you’re not just stuck inside. After the palenque explanation, you also get a ride by barrimobile through nearby areas, including a pulquería. That matters because mezcal and pulque aren’t treated like isolated museum facts—they’re part of how the region lives with agave.

The practical downside to know up front

The distillery portion is active. If you dislike walking around while listening and snapping photos, you might find it a bit fast. The schedule is tight by design, so you’ll want to stay alert and keep your camera ready.

Mezcal tastings: up to seven varieties, plus a penca sip

You’ll taste mezcal as part of the tour, with a tasting of up to seven varieties. Some experiences in this same format mention six different mezcals, but the promise is clear: you’re not doing one small sample and calling it a day.

This is also where you’ll get a very memorable tasting format: drinking mezcal from the penca (the agave leaf). That’s not a gimmick. It’s a quick, hands-on way to connect what you’re tasting to the plant itself—one of those moments that sticks because it’s physical, not just talked about.

What I like about tastings built this way is that it helps you start noticing differences instead of just chasing alcohol. When you’re guided through the varieties, you learn what to look for and what you’re reacting to. Even if your Spanish is limited, the tasting rhythm gives you built-in structure.

Alcohol note (so you can enjoy, not regret)

This tour includes alcoholic beverages tasting, so it’s a good idea to show up hydrated and ready to pace. The ride portion comes after tastings, and the barrimobile can feel intense. If you’re planning to go out for dinner after, consider eating something beforehand and taking your time.

The barrimobile ride through fields and town (yes, it’s bumpy)

After the distillery portion, you hop into a barrimobile for a ride through fields and village areas, plus a segment that includes a pulquería. Expect it to be a real ride, not a smooth parade.

In one group experience, the ride was described as bumpy and windy, with music playing during the trip. You might recognize the kind of soundtrack that turns a shaky ride into a party energy moment. Either way, treat the ride like a mini-adventure: hold on, tuck your essentials away, and don’t plan to use your phone for long video clips unless you’re okay with shaking.

Why this part is worth it: it connects the tasting to the land. You see the setting where agave grows and how the agave culture shows up in daily life. That makes the mezcal process feel more grounded, not just like a factory story.

Photo tip

Try to position yourself for quick shots during stops rather than counting on stable handheld moments while moving. The best pictures are the ones you take when the vehicle pauses long enough for you to frame them.

Price and value: is $71.81 a good deal for five hours?

At $71.81 per person, this tour can feel like a steal or a fair price depending on what you want from the day. Here’s the value math I’d use: you’re paying for round-trip style organization, an air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water, entrance coverage (including Tule Tree), a barrimobile ride, and alcoholic tastings of multiple mezcal varieties.

The “not included” item is mainly tips, which is standard for tours like this. If you would’ve paid separately for a distillery visit, transport out to Santiago Matatlán, and tastings, the bundled approach is the win.

Also, the group limit of 20 travelers helps justify the price. This isn’t a massive group experience where you lose the chance to ask questions. You’ll likely get more back-and-forth during the process explanation and tasting.

Who this mezcal tour is best for (and who should skip)

This is a great fit if you want a straightforward Oaxaca day that blends landmark photos and a structured mezcal education. It’s also ideal if you enjoy tasting alcohol with guidance, since you’re sampling up to seven varieties and learning what they are as you go.

You’ll especially like it if:

• you want the mezcal-making story told clearly in English
• you like small-group tours with enough time to actually look and ask
• you’re okay with a short, energetic ride on a barrimobile after tasting

Consider skipping (or at least adjusting expectations) if you:

• get motion-sick easily from bumpy rides
• prefer totally sober tours, since alcohol tastings are part of the package
• want a long, slow cultural visit with lots of free time

Should you book this Mezcal Tour?

If you want a high-energy Oaxaca experience that mixes a famous tree stop with a real distillery visit and multiple tastings, I think this one earns its place. The Tule Tree photo stop is efficient, and the Santiago Matatlán portion gives you a clear arc: learn how mezcal is made, taste multiple varieties, then ride out into the agave world that shapes the flavors.

Book it if your goal is a fun, guided day with clear structure and good value at $71.81. Skip it if you’re not into bumpy rides or you’d rather do mezcal at your own pace without alcohol tasting built into the schedule.

If you go ahead, bring a little flexibility for the ride portion, and you’ll leave with more than just souvenirs—you’ll leave understanding what you tasted and why.

FAQ

What time does the Mezcal Tour start?

The tour starts at 11:00 am.

Where is the meeting point in Oaxaca City?

You meet at City Centro by Marriott, Aldama 410, Barrio de Jalatlaco, 68080 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., Mexico.

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 5 hours.

What stops are included during the tour?

The tour includes Tule Tree and a palenque/distillery visit in Santiago Matatlán, plus a barrimobile ride that goes through fields and town areas.

How much mezcal will I taste?

The tasting includes up to seven varieties of mezcal.

What does the price include?

It includes an air-conditioned vehicle, mezcal tastings (alcoholic beverages), bottled water, the barrimobile ride, and entrance to Tule Tree (and the barrimobile ride).

What is not included in the tour price?

Tips are not included.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, it’s offered in English.

Is free cancellation available?

Yes. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance of the start time.

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