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Archeological site in the state of Oaxaca in Mexico
Photo: Arian Zwegers from Brussels, Belgium, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Mitla is one of the most important Zapotec archaeological sites in Oaxaca, second only to Monte Alban. The site is strange in that the modern town of San Pablo Villa de Mitla has grown in and around the ancient ruins, so that there are different archaeological zones with ruins, sometimes blocks away from each other, all of which comprise the official Zona Arquelogica. The town is a designated Pueblo Mágico.
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Main entrance is at the Columns Group
Historic 18th century church built over Zapotec temples and underground crypts that some think had a gate to the underworld. The church is a beautiful single-nave structure with 3 domes. The church is adjacent to the Mitla archaeological site.
There are separate caves close to Mitla and close to Yagul. They are combined into one UNESCO citation. The two nearby sites constitute a single . The caves significantly predate the Zapotec culture and show evidence of human domestication of the three sisters 10,000 years ago (making it older than Tehuacan).
Casual restaurant close to the Church Group of the archaeological site. Traditional regional Oaxacan food with a variety of moles, mezcal cocktails, and outstanding views from the outdoor dining area.
Casual restaurant with regional oaxacan cooking, specializing in various shades of mole. Generous portions. Recommend tlayuda de tajajo at lunch or huevos entomatados for breakfast.
Traditional Mexican restaurant with fresh grilled meats and tortillas. Note that the 18:00 opening hour is regarded as a loose suggestion, you might plan for dinner at 20:00.
Palenque and demonstrations showing how mezcal is made. Large assortment of mezcals for sale, including some of the flavored cream mezcals.
Small independent mezcal producer that makes and sells mezcal in town, close to the archaeological zone. Several types of mezcal are available, including barrel aged varieties in a range of strengths, from about 40% alcohol (80 proof) up to about 60% alcohol (120 proof).
Peaceful upscale guesthouse with garden swimming pool, very comfortable rooms and personal service. Breakfast included.
New hotel with modern amenities and large rooms. Parking available. On-site restaurant.
Spacious, clean, comfortable rooms with tempermental hot water.
Boutique hotel with large, comfortably furnished rooms, outdoor pool area, spa treatments.
Large marketplace for Oaxacan artesanias with an outstanding selection of textiles as well as pottery, carved wooden statues, and alebrijes. Open air stands that make it feel like a tianguis.
By bus
Second-class buses run about every 15 minutes throughout the day, departing from the Central de Abastos in Oaxaca. Fares start at about M$20.
By combi
Combis (colectivos) drive down Blvd. Jose Vasconcelos (MEX 190) in the city of Oaxaca with signs that say "Mitla" on the windshield. These run frequently all day and will also cost about M$20.
By taxi
A taxi is the most flexible and convenient way to travel and will cost about M$400.
Mitla is easy to get around by foot or bicycle. Most of the sites are in town and fairly close to each other, but a taxi is useful for visiting nearby villages or outlying sites.
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Oaxaca · International · OAX
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