Experience mezcal country the authentic way on a guided visit to Santiago Matatlán, the World Capital of Mezcal. Your day starts with hotel pick-up in Oaxaca and a comfortable drive in an air-conditioned vehicle to a family-run palenque where the experience begins.
From there, you’ll board a barrel-shaped bus, a safe and fun local vehicle used to explore Matatlán. With your local host providing explanations in English, you’ll ride to the agave fields to learn about cultivation, harvesting, and the origin of Oaxaca’s most iconic spirit. Continue by barrel-bus to a traditional pulquería, where you’ll see the production of pulque and sample a fresh serving.
Return by barrel-bus to the first palenque for a guided walkthrough of the mezcal-making process, including roasting, milling, fermentation, and distillation. Enjoy a tasting of artisanal mezcales, with no obligation to buy.
Next, in our AC transport, travel to a second palenque for an additional tasting, the option to purchase lunch, and a mezcal cocktail prepared on-site.
At the end of the experience, relax during the return transfer to your hotel or Airbnb in Oaxaca. This tour combines clear logistics, English explanations at key stops, and a unique barrel-bus ride—ideal for travellers who want a structured, cultural, and well-organized day in mezcal country.