Great Side Trips
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Monte Albán, one of ancient México's most impressive ceremonial centers, is located very close to Oaxaca city and is definitely a must see for any visitor to Oaxaca.  This massive complex of pyramids, terraces and crumbling temples is considered one of the most important examples of pre-Columbian culture in all of México.  Constructed by a culture that possessed a genius for building, this spectacular city is one of the most thoroughly explored archaeological sites in México.  Throughout the centuries Monte Albán has continued to amaze those who study the site and has never failed to remain both magical and mysterious.

Founded sometime around 500 AD, Monte Albán was the Zapotec capital and is built on a impressive site which dominated the entire Oaxaca valley.  The city reached it's heyday around 800 AD and at that time supported a population of over 30,000. 

There is a museum on site and a well-stocked bookstore.  If you are arriving with your private guide, or driving yourself, I suggest an early arrival to beat the busses that bring the group tours to the site.  You can hire a registered site guide at the ticket office. The site is open daily from 10 A.M. to 5 P.M.

 Location: 5 miles west of Oaxaca.                      

Friday is market day in Ocotlán de Morelos and this is one market place that is well worth the 45-minute drive from Oaxaca.  This is a market place that will give you the feeling that you are really in the heart of México.  Mingle with the locals, negotiate for goods, snack on the pan de yema (a tasty local bread), fresh fried chicharrones or sample some of the locally made chocolate or try the delicious, home made, ice cream. Most importantly, just relax and enjoy the mix of cultures and the down to earth atmosphere of a village market day.  Local products include hand made hats, fresh fruit and vegetables of every description, from the village gardens and farms throughout the region. Other locally made items include oxen yolks, hand-woven reed mats and baskets, red pottery and rustic kitchen utensils.  The town's Moorish temple is a dominant fixture, worth a look and possibly a photo or two, located in the center of town, right behind the sprawling market.

Location: 20 miles south of Oaxaca on highway 175.

This is the easiest of these side trips.  There is really only one thing to see, and it's a tree, "El Arbol del Tule"... but what a tree!  Even if your not especially interested in trees this one will blow you away.  It is said to be the world's largest tree, and once you see this magnificent natural wonder you will not doubt this claim.  El Arbol del Tule, which is actually a Ahuehuete Cypress, is over 130 ft. high, boasts a diameter of over 170 ft., weighs over 500 tons and is approximately 2000 years old.  Very impressive tree!

Location: Only 5 miles east of Oaxaca on highway 190 (to Tehuantepec).

Teotitlán is a traditional Zapotec village, which is famous for the intricate woven rugs produced here.  The rugs, and other items are all hand-loomed out of wool.  Designs vary from  traditional to contemporary.  Natural dyes made from indigo, insects, different types of mosses, sea snails, and other earthly sources are still commonly used. 

There are shops on the small main street devoted to selling the local products.  If you really like these rugs (you will), do a little searching and find the homes of the weavers where you can privately browse through the inventory.  If you get on  friendly terms with the weaver you will probably be able to strike a better deal than in the local stores.

Location: 17 miles east of Oaxaca on highway 190 (to Tehuantepec).

San Bartolo is famous for it’s brilliant black pottery.  This polished black pottery, known all over the world, was  made famous by master craftswoman Doña Rosa.  There are many shops and houses in the village that produce this much sought after pottery.  The best selection can be still be found at Doña Rosas shop, at prices that are much better than they are in the shops of Oaxaca. 

Demonstrations of the primitive techniques, still in use after centuries, that go into each piece are given weekly at Doña Rosa’s shop.

Location: 7 ½ miles south of Oaxaca on highway 175.

Arrazola is the village that is home to the renowned wood carvers who are  the creators of the Alebrijes, or imaginary, fantasy animals, and the many other objects that are carved out of a local wood named copal. Collectors prize these brightly painted wood sculptures and some have become very valuable. These imaginative carvings come in all shapes, sizes and are usually brightly colored with intricate designs, all panted by hand. 

The carvings of Arrazola have found their way into some very upscale galleries in the U.S. and Canada, always at premium prices. Although they are produced in other Mexican villages, sometimes in an almost factory like atmosphere, the village of Arrazola is the original home of carvers of the Alebrijes.  A visit to this small village is sure to be an interesting addition to your trip.

Location: 8 miles from Oaxaca on the road to Zaachila.

Additional Side Trips

Mitla

Yagul

Atzompa 

The green-glazed pottery produced by this small village is incredibly beautiful and is in use daily all over México, and other parts of the world.  Stop by the "La Casa del Artesano" on your way back  from Monte Albán and see how these beautiful terracotta and green glazed items are made following ancient, ancestral techniques.  You could also visit some of the local artisan’s homes for private showings and shopping. 

The village is located fairly close to Monte Albán, and is an easy stop on your way to, or back from Monte Albán.

Mitla

In ancient  times an important Zapotec ceremonial center, Mitla was the home of Zapotec priestly class.  It was inhabited from around 100 AD to it's peak around 750 AD.  The ancient city was probably planned and is known for the artistic quality of construction and the beauty of the intricate patterns and designs of some facades and tombs.  To date, five large architectural complexes have been found.  The main church of the small town was actually built by the Spaniards on some of the ruins.  Archaeologists are able to find remains of the ancient city almost anywhere they dig in the immediate area.

There is a hacienda style museum and a handicrafts center adjacent to to ruins.  Mitla is located 30 miles east of Oaxaca city; the ruins are open daily from 10 A.M. to 5 P.M.

Yagul

The Yagul archaeological site was settled at approximately the same time as Monte Albán, but actually outlasted Monte Albán.  The site, which is located on a beautiful hillside location, contains three distinct parts and houses the largest ball court in the Oaxaca valley.  The architectural makeup is, in many ways similar to that of Monte Albán and also contains parts that  resemble parts of Mitla.  Yagul contains some incredible facades, engravings and hieroglyphics.  This site is easily accessible and makes for some great photography, especially from the hill above the ruins.

Yagul is located 20 miles east of Oaxaca city; the ruins are open daily from 10 A.M. to 5 P.M.

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