San Pablo Villa de Mitla

What Makes It Magical

Nestled in the area of Oaxaca known as Valles Centrales (Central Valleys) is this Magical Town where the spirit of its ancient inhabitants is still felt in the ancient Zapotec city; its ceremonial center shares part of its place of worship with the Iglesia de San Pablo Apóstol (church). Downtown is an open-air market, its wares the products of the peoples’ work: textiles and mescal. And, there are also the mineral waters that give off orangey glimmers and have created petrified waterfalls.

Why You Should Go

Mitla Archeological Site

• This is one of the most important archeological sites in Oaxaca.
• It was settled by the Zapotec people after the fall of Monte Albán, and then by the Mixtecs.
• The mosaic fretwork embellishments make it unique.
• There are hundreds of thousands of carved pieces.

At the Very Least

Admire the geometric designs of the fretwork in the archeological sites.

Don’t Miss

1. Figure out how much time you have to live on the Columna de la Vida (Column of Life) in the archeological site.
2. Enjoy locally made mescal.
3. Take home hand-loomed clothing.