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Monte Alban Route

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Monte Alban

Monte Alban is one of the first cities in Mesoamerica as well as one of the most powerful, located 10 kilometers outside Oaxaca city at a height of 2,000 meters above sea level. The civilization started around 500 bc by the Zapotec civilization and then eventually was populated by the Mixteca culture. Monte Alban was the seat of power over the central valleys, it`s political influence extending far beyond the walls of it’s city.

San Bartolo Coyotepec

This town has become world famous for it’s hand-made black pottery. One of the most coveted qualities of their black pottery is the shiny finish given to it by rubbing it with a quartz crystal before firing it in an underground homemade kiln.

Arrazola

The famous alebrijes started in Mexico city but it was brought here to Oaxaca by the people of Arrazola and perfected. Practically all of the families in this town make a living by creating these wood carvings most of which are of mystical creatures painted colorfully, an art handed down from generation to generation.

Cuilapam

Just stepping in this ex-convent is like stepping back into the 16th century. Never finished for unknown reasons, this beautiful yet ominous construction is a must see whilst here in Oaxaca.

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Mitla Route

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The Tule Tree

An ahuehuete tree with a height of 42 meters and a diameter of 14 meters, the Tule Tree is arguably the oldest tree in the world. Through the millenium, amazing figures have emerged on its trunk and branches that have taken on a life of their own. Surrounded by markets and outdoor restaurants, the Tule Tree is a great place to visit on your way to Mitla.

Teotitlan del Valle

Teotitlan is filled with a wonderfully colorful zapotec tradition, the weaving of wool rugs, or how we say it in Mexico, “tapetes“. The whole town’s primary income comes from the selling of these tapetes so it offers tourists gallery after gallery of simple and complex rug weavings which vary from family to family. You can find the simple Mitla grecas in their weavings o even a painting from Picasso, such is their skill.

Sit down and watch a demonstration of how they weave and how they create the colors of their tapetes using plants and the cochinilla insect.

Mezcal Factory

One of the alcoholic beverages that Oaxaca is known for is Mezcal. Oaxaca, having 8 different regions, offers a grand variety of mezcals and what better way to enjoy some than going to a mezcal factory where you can observe how it is made and then taste test as many as you want.

Mitla

The second most important archaeological site in Oaxaca, Mitla, which means “The place of the dead”, was a ceremonial and religious construction for the priests and nobel classes of the Zapotec culture. Mitla is the only archaeological site in Mesoamerica decorated with elaborate grecas and geometric figures which cover walls, friezes and tombs making Mitla quite a unique destination.

Hierve el agua (extra)

Passing Mitla and going up into the mountains for about 30 minutes, you arrive at “Hierve el agua”, or “The Water Boils”. Known for it’s large petrified waterfalls and the natural spings which bubble up from underground giving this place its name, Hierve el agua is a place of beauty, rest and relaxation. Take a dip in the springs and enjoy the view and a nice typical Oaxacan lunch.

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Sierra Norte Route

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If it’s nature you want, you don’t want to miss out on a trip to the Sierra Norte. Small towns and beautiful mountain views await as you visit San Pablo Guelatao, where president Benito Juárez was born, then on to the ecotourisim town of Ixtlan de Juárez where you can visit their beautiful church and take a stroll around town. Our last stop is Calpulalpan where you can get a nice relaxing temazcal and if you’re lucky enjoy some of the music the town is famous for.

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Mixteca Route

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One of the most cultural routes in Oaxaca is the Mixteca route especially if you are interested in the evangelism of the Dominican order founded by Santo Domingo de Guzmán. We visit Santo Domingo Yanhuitlan and their beautiful 16th century church there cotimuing on to San Pedro – San Pablo Teposcolula, one of the 5 “Pueblo Magicos” in the state of Oaxaca. There we visit their famous open chapel and then finish up with a visit to  Coixtlahuaca where you can observe original religous paintings and their open chapel which was one of the first built in the Mixtec region.

If anything characterizes Oaxaca it’s its food. Regional dishes such as black mole, coloradito, green and red estofado, stuffed chiles and higaditos attract hungy national and international tourists. But the food doesn’t just appear on the table. It is carefully prepared with ingredients that come from the many local markets. On Thursdays the town of Zaachila  has its local market. Fridays belong to Ocotlan which is one of the most important markets in Oaxaca after Tlacolula which is the largest and most indigenous market in Oaxaca taking place every Sunday. Local Oaxacan markets of filled with color and smells that you just don’t experience any other place in the world, so come and experience it for yourself!

Declared Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 1987 by the UNESCO, the city of Oaxaca is full of old churches, colonial edifices, interesting museums and restaurants. The Santo Domingo church is the main attraction and one of the most beautiful ones due to its gold laminated walls and altars. Next to the church, you can visit the Santo Domingo museum, one of the most important museums in Oaxaca. Let’s not forget the local markets dotted all around the city with their delicious food and colorful stands. Take in our beautiful Oaxacan culture as you walk through the cobblestone streets of our vibrant and enigmatic city.