Oaxaca Mezcal Route
16°54′N 96°24′W
- Days
- 6
- Distance
- 210 km
- Pace
- Medium
- Waypoints
- 6
- Est. budget
- $3 150 pp
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October to April (dry season); Day of the Dead is late October
Six days through the valleys of Oaxaca: palenques in Santiago Matatlán and Santa Catarina Minas, the mineral cascades of Hierve el Agua, and the Zapotec ruins of Mitla — with market lunches in between.
THE ROUTE, STOP BY STOP
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1
Oaxaca Citytown · Day 1
Colonial streets, baroque churches and the mezcalerías of Calle Macedonio Alcalá.
Tip Visit the Mercado 20 de Noviembre for smoky grilled meats.
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2
Santa Catarina Minastasting room · Day 2
The home of clay-pot distillation, a rare tradition.
Tip Ask to see the clay pots (ollas de barro).
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3
Santiago Matatlándistillery · Day 3
The mezcal capital of the world, with palenques on every corner.
Tip Visit a small family palenque for a tasting with the maestro mezcalero.
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4
Tlacolula de Matamorostown · Day 4
The Sunday market is one of Mexico’s oldest.
Tip Go early and eat barbacoa for breakfast.
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5
Mitlaviewpoint · Day 5
Zapotec stone mosaics and mountain views.
Tip Visit before 10 am to avoid the heat.
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6
Hierve el Aguaviewpoint · Day 6
Petrified waterfalls above a valley of agave.
Tip Walk the cliff-edge trail and swim in the natural infinity pools.
Scenic drive notes
Highways between Oaxaca City and Mitla are good; side roads to individual palenques can be dusty and unsigned. Hire a local driver — and an English-speaking guide — for the mezcal days.
Carry cash for small palenques and bring a hat and sunscreen.
Tasting-room etiquette
Always ask before photographing producers or their families. Buy a bottle from each palenque you visit — it’s the best way to say thank you. Sip slowly: traditional mezcal is a sipping spirit, usually served in a jícara or copita with orange slices and sal de gusano.
Where to stay
Casa Oaxaca — boutique hotel in the historic centre; Hotel Los Amantes — design hotel near Santo Domingo; family-run posadas in Mitla.
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