Authentic Day In My Zapotec Village - Private Experience.

We had an unforgettable experience in Zapotec Village trip with Cesar and his family. From the moment we arrived, everyone welcomed us with such genuine warmth and generosity that we immediately felt at home. The hospitality was thoughtful and personal, with every detail—from the beautifully prepared meals to the carefully planned activities—handled with exceptional care.The food was incredible, featuring delicious, memorable flavors that made each meal feel like a special occasion.Nothing felt rushed or overlooked; every part of the trip was thoughtfully organized while still allowing us to relax and enjoy the moment.We left with wonderful stories, meaningful connections, and beautiful memories that we will treasure for years to come.It was worth every penny, and we wholeheartedly recommend this unforgettable experience!

This is a relaxing and really fun day! The slower pace and rhythms of the village life were such a pleasant way to get out of the busier Oaxaca Centro. Cesar is a delightful and attentive guide who has an absolutely lovely extended family. We particularly enjoyed roasting and making traditional chocolate—This is a somewhat long process and made for time for conversation with his sweet Abuela. We strolled around his village and visited the beautiful church and stopped along the way to meet many of Cesar’s friends and acquaintances. After helping make tortillas, we enjoyed an incredibly good lunch and then departed to a nearby ancestral mezcal distillery owned by a friend of Cesar. This was a stunning family owned mezcaleria and we spent a good while talking to the owner while he kept the stills going. Of course we tasted some excellent mezcal while we relaxed right in the distillery by the bubbling pots. Many of their mezcals are made from wild agave and are very rare treats. This was not a large commercial distillery but rather one dedicated to the passion of producing mezcal by hand and in the old ways. Overall this was an awesome experience and I would highly recommend this day trip to anyone who wants to experience a bit more of a rural village and it will be one of our best memories of our trip to Oaxaca!

I did this tour at the suggestion of a friend that lives in Oaxaca, and I am so glad that I did! This is the real deal authentic tour of a local village. If you are interested in a very personal and educational day then this tour is for you! Cesar takes care of everything from stay to finish, is very hospitable and extremely knowledgeable about so many aspects of daily life - it's really impressive! I learned so much about many topics - cacao making, mezcal production the ancestral way, and on and on. Even more memorable was how I truly felt at home with Cesar and his family - they welcomed me like an old friend. Highly recommend this tour!!

This was the most special experience we had during our whole stay in Oaxaca. Getting to spend the day with Cesar and his family was such a privilege, and they made us feel right at home. Breakfast was delicious and then we were able to observe and take some turns helping make chocolate. Cesar introduced us to his village and explained to us about daily life there. We were able to tour both a shoe factory and an apron making business and finished the day at an ancestral mescal distillery. Lunch was homemade and amazing as well. The pace of the tour was relaxed, and Cesar was able to tailor it to how long we wanted to spend at each stop. (You can also let him know if you'd like to skip any of the stops as well). We learned so much and truly felt like we were able to understand daily life in a Zapotecan village. Cesar is a wonderful guide and so easy to speak to. My husband and I highly recommend this experience.

What an amazing experience. I won't repeat what has already been said in previous reviews, but there is a reason why every single reviewer rates this tour as excellent and raves about the experience. My wife and I were in Mexico for three weeks and took a lot of tours, but this one is one we will remember the most. César and his family were such a joy to meet. I truly appreciate that he gave us the opportunity to see and experience what life is like in a small Mexican village and to be welcomed into to his family's home. This is the real, authentic Mexico, and my wife and I truly feel privileged that we were able to experience and be part of it for a short while.

Words cannot fully capture the magic of this tour—it was, without a doubt, the highlight of our entire trip to Oaxaca. From the moment we met César and his warm, welcoming family (including their adorable dogs, Choco and Arena), we felt like we were visiting longtime friends. The experience was incredibly personal and authentic—an intimate look into the daily life, culture, and traditions of a Zapotec family. The day began with a delicious breakfast of pan dulce, tamales, and traditional Oaxacan chocolate—simple, soulful, and the perfect start to what would become a truly unforgettable experience. After breakfast we made traditional chocolate, learning each step of the process from César and his mother, who graciously demonstrated this meaningful ancestral technique. We then enjoyed freshly made memelas from their beautiful outdoor kitchen—getting to help with the preparation made it all the more special. Our day happened to coincide with a local market, and it was such a joy to walk through it, buying fruit, bread, and beautiful handmade earrings. César also introduced us to his brother, a talented artist, and I was thrilled to take home one of his original pieces. We ended the tour at a family-run mezcal distillery, Dios Nunca Muere, where we met Saul, the passionate owner. He walked us through the entire mezcal-making process and shared tastings of his small-batch mezcals. It was informative, warm, and generous—the kind of experience you can’t get anywhere else. Out of everything we did in Oaxaca (and we did a lot!), this was by far the most meaningful and memorable. If you're looking to experience the true heart of Oaxaca—its people, flavors, stories, and spirit—this tour is an absolute must. Shtioz yhibu (thank you in Zaoptec), César and family, for opening your home and hearts to us. We’ll carry this day with us always.

Spending the day with the Zapotec family in their village was one of the most meaningful and memorable experiences of our entire trip to Oaxaca. From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed with such warmth, generosity, and hospitality—it felt exactly like being invited into home and a heart. We learned about their traditions, language, and history in the most authentic and personal way. Hearing their stories, and sharing a home-cooked meal together gave us such deep respect for their culture and way of life. It was humbling and beautiful to witness the pride and care they bring to their work, their land, and their family. This wasn’t just a visit—it was a connection. We left with full hearts, a deeper understanding of Zapotec heritage, and a profound sense of gratitude. If you have the chance to spend time with this incredible family, don’t hesitate—it’s a day you’ll carry with you forever.

5-star review alert! We just spent an unforgettable day in San Dionisio Ocotepec (SOD) with Cesar from Yudiza Tours, and we're still buzzing from the experience! Cesar is a fantastic guide who's fluent in Spanish, English, and his native Zapotec - and his family's warmth and hospitality will make you feel like part of the familia. From the moment we arrived, we were treated like honored guests. We met Cesar's parents, girlfriend, uncle, and half the town as we explored the village. The highlight of our day was the delicious breakfast served in Cesar's family's rustic kitchen - think handmade tables, dirt floor, and wood fire comal - it was like stepping back in time! But that was just the beginning. We got to experience the real Oaxaca, from touring the local church and library to visiting Cesar's uncle's farm, where we saw corn and agave fields and even petted the cattle. We also marveled at his brother's stunning art gallery, saw the family business bicycle shop, and ended the day with a tour of a Mezcal distillery. Cesar's storytelling skills will have you laughing, and his passion for his culture is infectious. The moto taxi ride was a fun bonus, and the entire tour was incredibly authentic. If you're looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience that will leave you with unforgettable memories and a new appreciation for Zapotec culture, book this tour. Trust us, you won't regret it! After you've done the touristy stuff in Oaxaca, come to SOD and experience the real deal with Cesar and Yudiza Tours.

So after going on other great tours to all of the obligatory sights outside of Oaxaca (Monte Alban, Mitla, etc) we were looking for something a little different. I saw A Day in the Life of a Zapotec Village had gotten excellent reviews and so I made contact with Cesar. I’ll cut to the chase. This turned out to be among our most positive experiences in all of Oaxaca. This small village is the real deal. Cesar is very warm and his whole family, whose primary language is Zapotec, couldn’t have been more accommodating. We started with a delicious breakfast after which we were shown how authentic chocolate is made. This took about an hour and was really interesting. After that we walked around town which was also fun. Then it was back to the house for a delicious lunch. The day ended with a trip to an ancestral Mezcal distillery. We really enjoyed Cesar’s family along with his girlfriend, his brother and a neighbor who is a master chocolate maker. This was no dog and pony show but, rather, a real cultural exchange with an indigenous family. Highly recommended.

We had such an amazing day with Cesar and his family. I loved watching his great aunt make chocolate and his mom cook lunch. Not to mention his uncle’s Mezcal was the best I have ever had. We visited his brother’s art gallery and his friend’s Mezcal distillery as well to complete the wonderful and unique experience in Cesar’s hometown. A truly memorable experience and when I visit Oaxaca in the future, I will bring friends to experience it all over again. Thank you Cesar and your lovely family (and the two doggies) for such a wonderful day.

I had the pleasure of taking an incredible tour with Cesar to his home town San Dionisio Ocotepec, and it was truly an unforgettable experience. From the moment we arrived, Cesar made us feel right at home. He welcomed us with open arms and invited us into his family home, where his mom prepared a delicious, authentic meal that was full of flavors unique to the region. To top it off, his aunt wowed us by making chocolate from scratch in the traditional way. Watching the process and tasting the fresh, handmade chocolate was such a treat! After this, Cesar took us on a ride in his tuk-tuk to visit his friends' mezcal dispensary. There, we were treated to a fascinating and educational walkthrough of the entire mezcal production process. Cesar explained the ancient, ancestral methods used to craft mezcal, showcasing the care, knowledge, and passion that go into each bottle. We were able to see the entire journey of mezcal—from the harvesting of agave plants to the distillation process, and of course, tasting the final product. This tour was not only a deep dive into the rich culture and traditions of the region, but it also felt like a personal, authentic experience that allowed us to connect with the people and practices that make this place so special. I highly recommend this tour for anyone seeking a unique, enriching experience! Thank you Cesar and to his family.

Our experience with César’s was an absolute highlight of our stay in Mexico. The day began with a beautiful breakfast and chocolate-making session followed by a walk through the local market and town, where we sampled the refreshing, locally made drink tejate and fresh fruit. The meals supplied were made fresh by the lovely women in his family, and were some of the best we had. We also had the opportunity to create artwork with César’s talented brother and learn about the traditional mezcal-making process. This distillery’s mezcal is far superior to any other we have tried in Mexico. What makes it even more special is their use of ancestral and sustainable techniques. If you’re looking for an authentic experience, this tour is a must!

This was hands down my favorite experience I had during my stay in Oaxaca. (And I did a LOT of tours/experiences)! We came as guests and left as friends. The family was so welcoming and we got to watch (and participate!) in the cacao process. We got to eat some delicious home-made food and explore the village. We also got to visit Cesar’s brother’s art gallery!! He does amazing work!! The mezcal tour was my favorite one that I did during my trip and hanging out with Cesar all day was a real treat! This experience was very different from others I did and it really was like going and visiting a friend for the day!

This was a great tour run by a wonderful human, Cesar. It was nice to see a town outside of the city center and he planned such a nice mix of activities and cuisines. Definitely worth doing if you're in Oaxaca City.

I booked a tour with Cesar for myself and 8 friends. We started out the day learning about ancestral chocolate making techniques, before talking a walk around the village, having lunch with his family and visiting agave fields and an artisan mezcal distillery. It was a wonderful experience from start to finish. We were made to feel so welcome by Cesar and his family and there were many unique thoughtful touches. We were there during day of the day so we also got to observe some local traditions surrounding this holiday and eat an absolutely delicious meal. The mezcal from the distillery he took us too was my favorite from my entire trip too. Highly recommend for those wanting a slow paced tour where you really get a feel for local life. It is not your typical tourist group tour experience and exactly what we were looking for. Thanks Cesar!

Authentic, hands-on experience with family! Best mezcal distillery visit. Thanks Cesar for a great day ! Highly recommended !

Ceasar offers a personal and truly marvelous experience of life in a Zapotec Pueblo. He arrived promptly, the car was safe and comfortable, and his love for his community was evident throughout the day. Visiting his home, watching cacao turned into chocolate, enjoying a traditional meal, and meeting his family enriched our Oaxaca experience. It was market day in this tiny village, and as we strolled with him, we met locals, learned about indigenous government, and toured the nearby fincas. We ended the day with a stop at a local palenque to taste traditional mescal. Caesar is a comfortable, charming guide and knowledgeable local. We give this tour our highest recommendation. Jessie and Dan

Cesar was an excellent host and tour guide. He made sure our tour and visit to his village and Oaxaca was enjoyable. Cesars family was warm and inviting and didn't mind that our cooking skills weren't as good as theirs. His mother was funny and a very happy lady and we enjoyed her very much. The distillery tour was informative and relaxing. Very enjoyable day!

This experience is so FULFILLING ! Cesar really does a beautiful job by inviting you to spend a whole day with his family at their actual house in his village, alongside with his mother, father & aunt. You'll share the table for breakfast and lunch (freshly made by his mom & aunt!) while you learn from their culture, as well as learning how to actually make traditional Oaxacan Chocolate & some traditional savory dishes. Cesar also takes you to get to know his village and see some very cool things, like a local hand-made shoe factory and also visit one of his friends (Samuel) to where he makes hand crafted Mezcal. Overall, it's a very humbling and wonderful experience, and Cesar makes you feel at home from the very beginning ! I would for sure re-do this experience again when I come back !

Sharing a day with this family and this village was truly a treasure. We arrived on market day and even though, at nearly 6' tall I towered over all the other women by at least a foot, I felt welcomed and my curiosity felt no language barrier. I love that this town is actively preserving and sharing their culture and tradition. I am so glad to have been a part of their day. Learning can be a two way street and engaging together with multiple generations was beautiful. Contact Cesar at ladxatours.com or cesarin28gar@gmail.com to plan your experience. You will not regret a single moment.

Our day spent with César and his family was truly unforgettable. It will be hard not to write a very, very long review! César was the kindest, most welcoming guide who brought us into his home and offered a very authentic experience. It’s obvious that he is passionate about showing people his culture and he’s very good at what he does. His mother showed us how to make chocolate from scratch, and we even got to try grinding the cacao beans ourselves! She also showed us many other things in the kitchen, and we loved everything. We got to try some really delicious breakfast and lunch too, which was truly the best food we had in Mexico ! César took us all around his town, and we visited many interesting places which we loved. He took us to his friends Mezcal distillery (Dios Nunca Muere), where we saw how Mezcal is produced from the plant to the bottle, and tried some delicious samples with him and the owner. It was a very intimate experience, and did not feel like the usual Commerical tours as we just sat and chatted for a while, drinking mezcal like friends. We really appreciated being collected and dropped back to our accommodation in Oaxaca. I also want to note that we were hesitant about the deposit through PayPal but it is as César needs to buy all the ingredients etc. for the trip! It’s also best for both of you to book through his website directly. This was the best way to spend your money if you are looking for an authentic, relaxed and memorable day to learn about culture. Thank you so, so much to César and your family for welcoming us into your home. There is so much more I can say but instead, go experience it yourself. Lea and Jon Joaquín from Ireland :-)

We did a lot of great things in Oaxaca, but this was the best day of all. Our guide welcomed us into his home in a remote Zapotec village for a day preparing chocolate and meals the traditional way. You can’t get this experience in Oaxaca City. We also toured the pueblo and went to local sites, including an artisanal mescal distillery run by a local family dedicated to the tradition vs the comercial industry. You will be lucky to have this experience.

This experience was very personal - you essentially are welcomed into Caesar's own actual family, in his home, with his mother, father, brother and two lovely dogs Choco and Arena and a cat named Tita?. He offered to send the dogs off but we declined. If you are looking for high paced adventure travel or are afraid of missing out this may not be for you. If you want to have an intimate understanding of a life and attempt to see the world through another persons eyes then this is an extraordinary experience.

Wonderful authentic experience. Cesar fielded our questions with thoughtful, articulate and insightful responses. His appreciation for sharing and conserving the Zapotec ancestral way of life is a warming to see in todays younger generation (fom historical references to modern day efforts to keep the land pure of pollutants, waste and contamination). Highly recommend this tour for those looking for a true authentic day in the life of a traditional Zapotec village that has yet to be fully engulfed with urbanization.

If you want to see what true Zapotec / Mexican village life is like, do not miss this day with César! Great guide; excellent English; down-to-Earth. He and his family are as warm and welcoming as can be. Understand, this is not a "Luxe" excursion. If you're someone who needs to go "glamping" instead of "camping" this is likely not for you. It's a long day in that the drive out is a bit over an hour. Breakfast (homemade chocolate and bread) and lunch (homemade tortillas with various toppings) are made in a traditional "comal" over an open wood fire. César's mother and the ladies preparing everything are charming and gracious. In truth, the tortillas were the best food experience we had in Oaxaca (we found some of the restaurants to be highly over-rated). We helped prepare the chocolate from the freshly-toasted beans (again, over on open fire). The visit to a small, locally run mezcal distillery was very interesting and worth seeing despite the fact we had already seen a larger operation on a different day. If you're fortunate enough to be in the village around noon, ask César if it's possible to go up to the old church's bell tower for the midday ringing! Can't recommend this excursion highly enough! Thank you, César & Family! Jesse & Mac

Our guide Caesar was great. He took us to visit his family. We had lunch, learned to make tortillas, chocolate, experienced the life of the pueblo including a wedding near his house.

Taking this tour gave us the feeling of being closer to old Mexican culture than anything else we did on our trip to this country, Cesar and his family made us feel like welcome guests in their home. Watching (and taking part!) in the making of chocolate was something we won't forget. For a day, we were transported to another world. You can't ask more of a tour than that.

We hoped our experiences would be as good as the reviews and now think a sixth star would be a better description. Everyone we met was lovely and the food delicious. Cesar shared much more information than we had from another guide elsewhere The car and driver also couldn’t have been better. I enjoyed participating in the chocolate making and it will make you appreciate every bite of chocolate you take. The town was lovely and our briefer stop at the mezcal farm was interesting too. With the price of gas, we are not sure how he made any money so make sure he gets a big tip!

This tour was the highlight of our week in Oaxaca. Cesar is an excellent guide, warm and accommodating, with a list of activities that he tailors in real-time to your interests. The village is beautiful and peaceful, and we were lucky to go on market day (Tuesday), where we tried new fruits and local foods. Cesar shared not only the history of the village but also Zapotec history, language, and culture. The food, made in a traditional way using fire to cook, was amazing - my favorite was the memelitas with quesillo. Cesar also has two rescue dogs an adorable and cuddly rescue cat. I felt very at home on this tour and didn't want to leave. Highly recommend!!

We had a great day with Cesar. Above all, this a relaxing experience: a great way to slow down, learn about traditional Zapotec culture, and experience the home and community of someone who has great pride in sharing it. There was zero hustle and bustle here, but instead relaxing over breakfast and lunch in Cesar’s home, walking around the village (where were we were fortunate to catch a quinceañera and live band), and visiting a small, artisanal mezcaleria. If you’re looking for an opportunity to meet someone local and feel like you’re truly “in” the place you’re visiting, this is a tour for you.

It was a great day to spend a day after we first arrived in Mexico with a tour to a quiet village. His family made us feel very comfortable and provided us with great food and an opportunity to see how they live in such a beautiful area. The trip to the distillery was very interesting to see how mezcal is made in an artisanal manner.

It was a wonderful day with Cesar. His immense pride in his village was evident from the moment we met him. He provides an intimate experience, bringing us to his home to meet his family and enjoy a delicious homemade meal. Cultural traditions were on display with every stop and activity. Truly a unique immersive experience for anyone who wants to learn more about Zapotec history and culture. We wish Cesar much future success!

I had a wonderful week in Oaxaca — so much good food, so many interesting things to see and do — but my visit to Cesar’s village was the highlight. Cesar is not a professional tour guide and it shows in the best possible way — no canned speeches, no sales pitches. He picked us up at our hotel, took us to his parents’ house, introduced us to his dogs and cat, then gave us a snack of Oaxaca chocolate and bread. He taught us how to make chocolate, we wandered around the town visiting a few local shops, then had a delicious lunch prepared by his mom in the open kitchen. Afterwards, he took us in his moto-taxi — a sort of open air, three-wheeled golf cart type vehicle — to the local shoe manufacturing site and then up into the hills to an artisanal metzcal distillery. It was casual and fun and just really special, much more like being a guest of someone who loves his home and simply wants to share it with you than your typical tour. Highly, highly recommend.

It sounds simple enough: spend a day with your guide's Zapotec family in a typical Oaxacan town. But man, oh man, what an adventure. Cesar and his family made us welcome in his home, and we enjoyed the shade of the traditional open-air kitchen while his mom made us breakfast. After we played with the cat and Cesar's two rescue dogs we explored the town. We deviated off-tour to stop in to a small store that sold typical dry goods (pottery, basketry for home use) and a candy store--fun!--before heading back to see how chocolate is made and have lunch. Then it was into the tuk-tuk and off to the distillery...an excellent finish to an excellent day. Zero sales pressure--Cesar wants you to enjoy his town and the life there, nada mas. I cannot recommend this highly enough if you want to see the real Oaxaca.

Beautiful day with César in his village! It was very interesting and we enjoyed the village, the activities at his house and the visit to a small mezcal factory. It was a unique and fun experience and César was a great guide. We can really recommend this tour!

We had the best time visiting Cesar in his Zapotec town! Cesar himself is lovely: he has a huge smile, and was welcoming and kind. He is also very proud of his heritage and town, and he includes a lot in his tour! The day was perfect — it like we were visiting a friend who was showing us around some very special places that we never would have seen otherwise. We started the day with a traditional breakfast of chocolate and egg bread, learned how to make chocolate from cacao, visited a beautiful church and saw its old organ, bought fresh fruits to picnic at a local mineral water spring, admired beautiful embroidery in a shop in town, visited a traditional mezcalero who also farmed his own agave, and met a whole bunch of incredibly friendly, welcoming, interesting people. I would do it all again if I could! This day is one of my best memories from Oaxaca, and brings a smile to my face even now. Thank you, Cesar & family! -Holly & Kyle

My husband and I loved this tour! Don't hesitate to book this tour if you are interested in an authentic cultural experience. Also note that you are supporting a small family business in a Zapotec community in Oaxaca. In my mind, it's hard to imagine money better spent when traveling in Oaxaca. Cesar and his family are so friendly and welcoming and we had an amazing time. Activities include a lovely breakfast of chocolate and traditional bread, learning the process of making chocolate, touring the town, visiting a sandal factory owned by local women (I bought some sandals I love!), eating a traditional lunch with some of the most delicious tortillas I've ever had, sampling local mezcal and visiting an artisanal mezcaleria, etc. Also I enjoyed spending time with Cesar's dogs and his kitten Tita. He has a big heart and has rescued these dogs and kitty from a hard life on the streets. Oaxaca generally combines so many aspects of what makes Mexico what it is--indigenous influence, colors, architecture, food, fiesta, amazing handicrafts, beautiful natural wonders and landscapes, and of course warm , friendly, welcoming people. That is what you get with this tour. It is a private tour--just your party. As a result, you get a very personal experience and a chance to talk to Cesar, his family and others. For example, we met the owner of the local mezcal distillery because he showed up in the middle of our tour. He explained how his goal is to preserve the traditional way of making mezcal and avoid industrial processes that compromise quality. This experience was so much better than a mezcal distillery tour we had done a few days before that was definitely a more touristy experience and definitely more industrial. As we were leaving, Cesar gave us tiny baskets containing the chocolate we had helped make that morning. We made hot chocolate with it for the next few days :) Summary: Fantastic, authentic tour that is a great learning experience and helps the local community in Oaxaca.

This tour was the highlight of our week long trip to Oaxaca! Cesar was a wonderful, friendly guide and host and his family was so warm and welcoming. We ate a delicious breakfast, learned how to make ancestral chocolate and walked around Cesar's beautiful pueblo, stopping at the church, a shoe making cooperative and a couple little tiendas. Everyone we met was very friendly. At the end we visited a mezcal distillery and learned about the fascinating way mezcal is made. We really enjoyed the relaxing pace of this tour and felt like we were hanging out with personal friends. Our kids had a great time as well. I highly recommend this tour to anyone who wants an authentic and memorable experience in a Zapotec pueblo! Check out his website for more history.

If you want a tighly-schedued, drive-by tour, this is not for you. But, if you want to drive around Cesar's village in his tuk tuk, eat a traditional Zapotec breakfast of chocolate milk and egg bread, learn the village's history, see their church's historic organ, help make chocolate, see how Ndaava artisan shoe are made, enjoy a healthy lunch made by Cesar's mom, learn the history of Zapotec aprons+ shop some pretty impressive embroidery, visit Cesar's uncle's agave farm, see (and sample) how mezcal is made, and scratch the ears of Cesar's rescue dogs, then this tour is for you. We did a LOT and it never felt scripted. Cesar adjusted based on our conversations. The day was more like hanging out with new friends. Cesar's pride in his culture & family is super evident. Without a doubt one of the top travel experiences I've had.

Cesar picked us up at our hotel and drove us out to his community where he explained his culture and Zapotec way of life in a modern Mexico. This is not a mass-marketed, corporate brochure experience. Instead, we were introduced to Cesar's family, the women's co-op where shoes are made, a lady who sells and makes dresses for the community, and passersby in the community who at times joined us to see spectacular museum-worthy artifacts like an organ from the 1700s. This experience was like hanging out with a good friend at his house where we could talk and ask questions over freshly made food and drinks. When I expressed my interest in mezcal, Cesar took us out in his tuk-tuk to their land where his family grows, harvests, and distills artisanal mezcal. The ability to walk in the dirt fields next to years-old agave plants was truly special. Each time we thought we had had the greatest experience, Cesar would take us to see one more thing. We were so delighted at the end of our day to be gifted the chocolate we had made from roasting cacao beans, cracking them from their shells, grinding them on a metate and tasting all along to see how the flavors developed. The day with Cesar was the highlight of our trip to Oaxaca.

We LOVED this interesting day with Cesar and a few other travellers, full of laughter and surprises. In particular I enjoyed the warm and generous hospitality of his family and the grounding that it gave Cesar as our guide. And the visit to Geu Beez (Zapotec for River of Bees) Mezcal producer was like nothing I had experienced. I came away inspired by the project of caring for the environment, making spectacular mezcal, and passing on proud traditions of many many generations.

My kids and I enjoyed a pleasant day with Cesar in his town. Cesar took care of everything and his personality and English skills made him easy to talk with. We hung out at his house, the chocolate factory and took a ride in his tuktuk to the nearby hills for a short hike. It was a relaxing day in his village and Cesar was a genuinely warm and friendly host. I would recommend this tour to anyone who likes to have more personalized experiences while traveling.

Cesar picked us up in a luxurious and comfortable van at our Airbnb. We drove through the Oaxaca countryside to his "village in the clouds." We were greeted by his parents, Abuella, and other family members who demonstrated the art of chocolate making from the beans to our luscious chocolate bars to take home. The family served us a delicious breakfast of bread, homemade tortillas and hot chocolate. After a tour around his town to meet artisans, visit a shoe making factory, an apron making shop, flower shop, food market and his town square, we had lunch of fresh tortillas, eggs, herbs and Oaxaca cheese. We then visited an artisan Mezcal place and met with the master Mezcal maker. He demonstrated and explained the process and then provided us with samples to try. We had a spectacular day in the company of the warmest, kindest people. It was a privilege to meet them and spend time learning about the Zapotec culture.

I'm so glad I booked this tour! I wanted an authentic Oaxacan experience and we got it for sure. There wasn't a tourist anywhere. The food was delicious, the artisnal tours were fun and educational. The chocolate making experience was a highlight I will never forget. Cesar is a warm, humble and conscientious tour guide. His family was welcoming and kind. I felt like I was visiting old friends. I would recommend this tour to anyone looking to experience what real life is like outside the city center. Book now! You won't regret it.

Cesar was one of the best tour guides we have ever had. First and foremost we visited his family that are the nicest people ever! For breakfast they gave us a traditional oaxacan breakfast of yam bread and hot chocolate. Next we made chocolate ourselves which was very fun for my teenage sister. After, we visited several shops that are very important to the Zapotec village. We learned how to say a very words in the native language, and learned a lot of the customs/cultures of the natives. After we visited several shops that are essential to the village, we ate lunch which consisted of a traditional meal to the natives. Cesar’s mother and girlfriend made us fresh made tortillas, eggs cooked on a comal (hot plate), fresh green and red salsas, cheese quesadillas, beans, Nopales, cucumber water. Caesars mom showed us how to make fresh tortillas for the quesadillas. She even said that we should stay because we did such a good job, hahaha! At the end of the experience we went to a local mezcal distillery and saw firsthand how the Mezcal process is. We even got a taste of it, and we brought some home! The mezcal is purely local and a duo consisting of father/son work together. It was a fun experience getting to know everyone and how their everyday lifestyle works! I would definitely recommend anyone to do this tour 1000%!

An eventful day in a quiet Zapotecan village ...... one hour exactly from Oaxaca City was our ride in the collectivo. Starting with the tradition breakfast of hot chocolate and bread before a hike up the mountain to see some beautiful views. Upon returning to the village we stuffed ourselves with a typical homemade lunch. Having fueled up we made chocolate by hand from roasting the beans to finished product. The day was quickly coming to a close so we made our way to a place that made mezcal by hand. It was dark and going on 7pm so we had to end our fun filled day to head back to the city. Definitely recommend contacting Cesar to create an adventure that suits your interests.

My son and I had a great day with Cesar in Mitla and Hierve el Agua. He is a very good and knowledgeable tour guide as well as a very pleasant and fine person. A tour with Cesar will be a more personalized and fun experience than other tours, and you will be glad you did it.

My day with Cesar was amazing! I even learned some Zapoteco. :) His village is really a non-touristic area and "the real mexico". His family is superfriendly, we laughed a lot  and had good food! Thank you, Cesar!

I had the experience of a lifetime, but I want to go again, so I guess I will have at least two experiences! Cesar is super nice and really wants you to enjoy his village and the surrounding countryside as much as he does. He will do his best to make sure you are happy with the tour. My first stop was at his home, and his family is a great example of how welcoming Oaxacan people can be, and his mother makes a mean tortilla!