San Pablo Villa de Mitla

Architectural Tours · Mitla

4

@afar

"Ruins Like No Other Mitla is located in the Oaxaca Valley, just a short distance from Oaxaca City. However you get there, it’s worth the visit. It’s not a large site; an hour and a half will be more than enough time to walk around. There are so many things that set Mitla apart from other ruins in Mexico . First off, it’s neither Maya nor Aztec. Its influence comes from the Zapotec and Mixtec cultures. It sits right on the desert floor, so cactus, desert scrub, and aloe plants punctuate the surrounding landscape rather than jungle. There are no pyramids to climb; the highest structure on the site probably has no more than 10 or so steps to get to the top. There are no stone sculptures or carved walls to be seen anywhere. Instead, the decoration on the buildings are beautiful geometric patterns created by inlaid and interlocked pieces of stone (grecas). Amazingly enough, no two walls have the same grecas, and on some of the walls, you can still see the original red-painted stone. Some of the walls and the cupolas of the San Pedro Church (built by the invading Spaniards) have been restored to their red-colored glory. The desert backdrop, the grecas, the pops of red color – it all adds up to a very special place!"

Oaxaca Day Trip: Eastern Valley

70430 Oaxaca, Mexico Get directions

4 Postcards

See full details

More Places For You

El Asador Vasco

European restaurant · Oaxaca City

Perched above the Zócalo with a stunning view, this lively spot serves delightful Basque and Oaxacan dishes in a vibrant atmosphere.

0 Postcards

Casa de Siete Balcones Hotel Boutique

Hotel · Oaxaca City

Charming boutique hotel in a 16th-century colonial casa, with spacious rooms, seven balconies, lush courtyard, and top-notch local hospitality.

1 Postcard

Seasons of My Heart Cooking School

Cooking school · San Lorenzo Cacaotepec

Dive into the rich culinary culture of Oaxaca at Seasons of My Heart, where you'll savor local flavors and master delightful recipes with Chef Susana Trilling and her team.

1 Postcard

Hotel Escondido

Hotel · Villa de Tututepec de Melchor Ocampo

Nestled on a tranquil Pacific coast beach, Hotel Escondido boasts stylish thatched-roof bungalows with private plunge pools and a vibrant mix of local cuisine.

5 Postcards

Los Danzantes

Fine dining restaurant · Oaxaca City

Michelin-starred Los Danzantes serves innovative Oaxacan dishes and house mezcal in a lush, architecturally stunning open-air courtyard.

10 Postcards

La Mezcaloteca

Bar · Oaxaca City

Mezcaloteca is an intimate tasting room in Oaxaca that offers a deep dive into Mexico's beloved spirit, featuring a curated collection of rare mezcals and personalized tasting experiences guided by passionate experts.

9 Postcards

Museo de Arte Prehispánico de México Rufino Tamayo

Art museum · Oaxaca City

Housed in a stunning 18th-century mansion, this free museum showcases Rufino Tamayo's eclectic, beautifully curated collection of pre-Hispanic Mexican art.

2 Postcards

Mezcaleria La Casa Grande

Bar · Santa Catarina Minas

La Casa Grande is a stunning new mezcal haven where you can sip on rare spirits, chat with the knowledgeable Ángeles family, and enjoy a vibrant atmosphere.

1 Postcard

Santo Tomás Jalieza

· Santo Tomás Jalieza

Santo Tomás Jalieza, a charming town in Oaxaca, is a vibrant hub for traditional backstrap loom weaving, with a bustling market showcasing colorful handmade goods.

2 Postcards

Zócalo de la Ciudad de Oaxaca

City park · Oaxaca City

Oaxaca's lively zócalo is a vibrant hub of restaurants, street vendors, and cultural events, perfect for people-watching and soaking up the local atmosphere.

2 Postcards