Tour & Activity Scams in Oaxaca, Mexico
Unlicensed guides, fake tickets, bait-and-switch excursions, and ticket scalping. Below are the tour & activities scams reported in Oaxaca — how they work and how to avoid them.
For broader context, compare this scam type with nearby destinations like Las Vegas, Miami, and Tulum.
Last updated: April 2, 2026
2
Tour & Activities Scams
10
Total in Oaxaca
How it works
Budget guides at Monte Albán and other sites claim site entry is extra, or require additional payment for narrated portions mid-tour after a low price was agreed.
How it works
Unlicensed individuals position themselves at the entrance road and parking area of the Hierve el Agua petrified waterfalls site, presenting themselves as mandatory official guides. They demand upfront payment of 150-300 MXN before allowing access and claim the fee is required by the local community cooperative. The actual community entry fee is separate, posted on a board at the gate, and the unofficial guide adds no value while pressuring visitors to tip further throughout the walk.
See all scams in Oaxaca
10 total warnings across all categories