Antonio Zarate,
Professional Guide Services,
Oaxaca, Mexico
Antonio Zarate, Professional Guide Services, Oaxaca, Mexico |
Oaxaca Guide ServiceOaxaca, MexicoOaxaca Expert Guide Service, specializing in tours of all archaelogical ruins, museums, weaving, markets, local attractions, Day of the Dead festivities, and more! |
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| Antonio Zarate has 20 plus
years of experience as a guide authorized by the Mexican government and specializing in Oaxaca, for large groups or singles -- you could not do
better! There are so many things to see and do in Oaxaca. Arrange tour times that fit your needs, and create your own personalized itinerary! With our personal guide service, you can personally determine in advance what you will be doing, and you are not dependant on preset schedules. |  Try your
hand at spinning! |
 Explaining the Zapotec
calendar | Monte AlbanVisit what may be the oldest city in the western hemisphere! Built by Zapotecs around 300 -500 BC, this incredible site sits alone on a hilltop carved away by its builders. The spectacular location alone makes it worth a visit. From here you can see the valleys and villages around Oaxaca City and the City itself. Amazing architecture constructed with the most basic tools stirs the imagination. There are bas relief carvings of disputed meaning in the "Gallery of the Dancers." A museum on the premises shows the original position of the skeletons found in its tombs and some of the artifacts. Monte Alban is close to Oaxaca City, but to see the site you'll want a minimum of three hours. |  |
MitlaCompletely different from Monte Alban is the smaller, but deeply spiritual site of Mitla. The Spanish ravaged the site in order to use the intricately detailed stones in the construction of their church. On the way to Mitla is the famous Tule tree, a massive cypress in the small town of Tule. |  Mitla church,
Oaxaca |
 Yagul
(Oaxaca, Mexico) | YagulUnlike Mitla and Monte Alban, Yagul is not a big destination for organized tours. And that's what makes it special! This remote site above the rich farmland provides spectacular views and refreshing breezes at the top.Below the hilltop is an extensive complex of patios and structures that may have been home to priests. The absence of large groups of tourists here adds to the peaceful and contemplative atmosphere of Yagul. |
There are other smaller sites that may be visited if archaeology is your special interest.
 |
Crafts and Shopping |
| The Zapotec village of
Teotitlan del Valle is known worldwide for its fine rugs. Handwoven
and colored with natural dyes these rugs have been produced by the
same families for generations. The traditional processes of making the natural colors with plants and the chochineal insect are explained and
demonstrated. You will have the opportunity to look through the vast
choices available for sale. Village Markets are open different days in the towns of Tlacolula, Zaachila, Ocotlan, and other special areas too numerous to name. |  Weaving
demonstration |
 | San Bartolo Coyotepec is known for its beautiful black pottery. Visit a potter and see how the pots are made. |
Hierve del Agua, "The Water Boils", is an area where mineral springs running down the side have become petrified. At the bottom are pools where bathing is popular.
Overnight excursions can also be arranged to the Mixteca Alta area.
Rates
Recommendations and References...Antonio is so much more than a tour guide. He is a kind of goodwill
ambassador for his home city and state of Oaxaca. He conveyed his knowledge
of archaeological sites: Monte Alban, Yagul, Mitla and others-- in such a way
that their history came alive as I climbed their hills and pyramids. At
Monte Alban he explained the theories of positioning of the observatory and
described the details of the dancers in stone. At Mitla I could imagine the
construction of the decorative friezes which adorn the pyramids .
At Yagul, he led us to the peak looking out over the pyramids in one
direction and over the fertile patchwork of agricultural fields in the
other. Atop this mountain we imagined the royalty as they relaxed in the
bathtub carved at the summit.
My brother and I visited the wonderful city of
Oaxaca, a friendly, pleasant and beautiful city filled with spectacular
churches,museums as well as several very large local markets. One day we
employed the guiding services of Antonio Zarate as we wished to visit some
places outside the city. Of special interest to us was the market at
Zachilla and the wood carver village of Arrazola. The market was fabulous
with Antonio providing as much local history and information about the
market's people and products as we wanted without being overbearing. He was
most attentive to our questions and safety making us feel as if we had known
him for a long time.At Arrazola he took us to homes of 2 of the best wood
carvers. Asthe carvers spoke no English and we no Spanish,Antonio became a
very good interpreter and helped us with the purchase of several very nice
carvings. When we found a piece that was more expensive than we had money in
hand for, Antonio even offered to buy the piece and have us send him the
money when we returned to the States.
He also provided a tour of a huge church under repair, and awed us with his tremendous knowledge of the church's history as
well as well as how the church fit into the history of the surrounding area.
After a relaxing lunch at a very nice restaurant in the countryside,we
toured the ruins at Yagul. Again Antonio impressed us with his extensive
knowledge,not only of the site, but again the history and culture of the
area. Indianapolis, Indiana
My trip to Oaxaca was enhanced by the delightful guide service provided by Antonio Zarate, who was more like a friend showing us his favorite sites than a guide just doing a tour. I felt like I'd run into an old pal who was eager to show me the places where he'd grown up, wanting to share his enthusiasm and archeological knowledge with eager listeners. We've been escorted by guides in other parts of Mexico, but Antonio is by far the best. His knowledge of the people who inhabited the outstanding archeological sites around Oaxaca makes you feel like you can see the priests and ball-players as you walk Monte Alban, Mitla, and Yagul. He's fun to be with, too, and makes the whole touring day a delightful one by suggesting restaurants with authentic regional food and music and helping with any translations necessary.
Or you may write to us at:
Antonio Zarate, Carretera Internacional #235, Pueblo Nuevo, Oaxaca, Oaxaca, Mexico C.P. 68274. | |||||||||
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