Market Tours
The markets in the towns of Oaxaca’s Central Valleys are fantastic, overflowing with color and life. Although the markets are open daily, each town has a specific market day when people from the surrounding countryside stream into town to sell their goods and produce, and buy what they need from other vendors.
We offer personalized tours to the Wednesday market in Elta, the Thursday market in Zaachila, the Friday market in Ocotlan, and the Sunday market in Tlacolula, as well as the daily 20 de Noviembre and Benito Juárez markets in the city of Oaxaca itself. Along the way, Nora will help you sample market specialties from trusted vendors and assist you in purchasing any items that catch your eye. We are licensed tour guides and provide transportation in late-model insured vehicles authorized for tourism.
Tlacolula - Sunday
Thirty minutes east of the city, the Sunday market in the town of Tlacolula and into the surrounding streets. On this tour we will enjoy the color and excitement of the market, visit the famous rug weaving town of Teotitlan del Valle, and sample mezcals at a local palenque. We will also stop at the nearby archeological site of Lambityeco and the landmark 2,000 year-old tree in the town of Tule. Tours can also be pre-designed to suit your interests.
Lunch is not included in the tour price.
Zaachila - Thursday
The Thursday market in Zaachila is known for its authentic, traditional atmosphere and vibrant displays of local crafts and produce, particularly pottery. It is also recognized for its strong connection to the region's indigenous Zapotec heritage and its bustling livestock market. The ruins of Zaachila, very near to the market, are unique because they were the last capital of the Zapotec empire and are known for their well-preserved tombs, including one with rich offerings. The site offers a look at a Zapotec city that was still inhabited when the Spanish arrived, and it also features Mixtec influences stemming from its later conquest by the Mixtec people from the northern part of Oaxaca.
Lunch is not included.
Etla - Wednesday
The Etla market is held every Wednesday in the town of Etla, forty minutes west of the city. The tour includes the lovely market building, a visit to the Centro de las Artes de San Agustín (CASA), and Las Peñitas Church. Formerly a textile factory, the art center is known for its beautiful mountain setting and exquisite architecture. This venue hosts a range of art exhibitions, workshops, and cultural events. Nearby is an artisanal paper making factory where you will be shown how a complex process can transform a mixture of water, fiber and other organic materials into one-of-a-kind sheets of paper and works of art. Tours can also be pre-designed to suit your interests.
Lunch is not included in the tour price.
Tour Prices
Ocotlan - Friday
The Ocotlan market takes place every Friday in the town of Ocotlan, forty minutes south of the city. The tour includes the market itself, the local museum, and the former home of the celebrated Oaxacan painter, Rodolfo Morales. We will also visit the town of San Martin Tilcajete where some of Oaxaca’s best alebrijes (wood carvings) are created. We will then go on to the back-strap weaving town of Santo Tomas Jalieza and San Bartolo de Coyotopec, home of the world-famous black pottery. Tours can also be pre-designed to suit your interests.
Lunch is not included in the tour price.
Oaxaca City Markets
The City Markets tour is a morning walking and tasting excursion that begins at 9:00 AM and includes three of Oaxaca's bustling city markets. We will start close to the Jalatlaco neighborhood at the historic Mercado de La Merced, and then go on to the Zocolo for a surprise. Next, we will visit the major downtown markets of Benito Juárez and 20 de Noviembre. Along the way, Nora will help you sample market specialties from trusted vendors and assist you in purchasing any items that catch your eye. Finally, your tour will end around noon at one of the downtown chocolate makers where you will watch the magical process of converting cocoa beans, sugar, cinnamon, and almonds into Oaxacan chocolate (yum!).
Price per person is $55 USD for 2-3 people, $50 USD for groups of 4-7, and $45 USD for groups of 8 or more. The tour price includes tastings. The walking distance is close to two miles total.