Your Local Guide To Oaxaca With A Storyteller's Touch
Private Tours Hosted By Juan Montes-Lara
Native Local Expert
20+ years touring experience.
All Questions Welcome
Discover Oaxaca with a true local.
Flexible Itineraries
Tours adjust to your interests.
“Knowledgeable, patient with questions, and connected to the places he guides you to…”
Looking for the best tour guide in Oaxaca? Find out why Juan Montes-Lara is frequently rated as one of the top tour guides in Oaxaca, Mexico.
Looking for a custom tour during your stay in Oaxaca? We’re happy to put something special together!
Rich Beauty and Captivating Culture Awaits
Oaxaca is a large Federal State, mountainous, with a wonderful climate most of the year, the highest biodiversity in Mexico and the highest number of Indian cultures still alive in the country, something one can experience at every corner, in every situation of this wonderful region.
What People Are Saying
☆☆☆☆☆
“Juan M was our guide in Oaxaca from October 30th through November 4th. He was reliable, friendly, knowledgable and accommodating. Due to the pandemic we had to modify our pre-set plans. He did a remarkable job exposing us to the history, culture and traditions of the Oaxacan culture. He exceeded our expectations. We departed with a sense of genuine appreciation and admiration for the people of this region of Mexico. We recommend Juan without reservation.”
— RT, USA
☆☆☆☆☆
“This is the second tour we have taken with Juan and we enjoyed it as much as the first. This time we toured some mountain villages and took a walk in the hills. This tour gave us a very different view of the Oaxaca area, compared to archaeology areas we visited the first time. I have learned to save up culture and historic questions to ask Juan as we drive along. We are learning a lot and that's why we travel. We plan to take more tours with him in the future.”
— NP, USA
☆☆☆☆☆
“We had the must wonderful and memorable day with Juan. In a word, he is superb, a consummate professional, extremely knowledgeable, flexible, and endlessly patient with all our many questions. And all this is wrapped up in a warm, witty, charming personality. If you have the opportunity to travel with Juan, don't hesitate- he will give you a unique and special experience.”
— BV, USA
☆☆☆☆☆
“Juan is an amazing guide. He is extremely knowledgable, friendly and observant. He is keenly aware of what travelers are interested in and what best suits their needs. We spent three full days with Juan and were so grateful for his insights and knowledge about Mexican history and culture. You cannot tire Juan out. He seems to have boundless energy. Juan took us on two strenuous hikes and he clambered up steep slopes like a 20-year-old. He is also a skilled driver, which is valuable in Oaxacan traffic.”
— PR, USA
☆☆☆☆☆
“Juan's personal connection with artists made this tour special. In the village that does wood sculpture, we toured 3 studios , each run by a different member of the same family. Each had a distinctive feeling. At lunch he suggested wonderful dishes that were typical Oaxacan. We were very happy with this tour.”
— SR, USA
☆☆☆☆☆
“I recently returned to Oaxaca. All is safe and well there now. Our experience was greatly enhanced by our excellent tour guide, Juan Montes-Lara. We spent two full days with Juan, visiting Monte Alban and the many wonderful crafts towns outside Oaxaca. Juan personally knows the artists and took us to the workshops of some fabulous, renowned artists who are not on the usual tourist bus tour route. He speaks fluent English and is most personable and pleasant to be with.”
— Trip Advisor