Archaeological Site
Monte Albán RuinsThe former capital of the Zapotec people is today an illustrious ruin, but for over a thousand years it served as the second-largest ceremonial site in…
Valles Centrales
The historic yet sophisticated city of Oaxaca is ringed by a slightly more rustic collection of towns and villages that tout some the state's biggest calling cards: ancient Mesoamerican ruins, indigenous crafts, industrious markets, riotous festivals and fields full of mezcal-producing agave plants. There are three main geographical arteries: the Valle de Tlacolula, stretching 50km east from the city; the Valle de Zimatlán, running about 100km south; and the Valle de Etla, reaching about 40km north. All are within easy day-trip distance of Oaxaca city. The people of these Valles Centrales (Central Valleys) are mostly indigenous Zapotec.
Explore Valles Centrales
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Top attractions
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Valles Centrales.
Natural Pool
Mineral SpringsNatural springs have never looked this good. Set in truly ethereal surroundings amid low brush-covered mountains, Hierve El Agua (meaning 'the water boils…
Archaeological Site
Zona Arqueológica de MitlaSecond only to Monte Albán in their importance, though not as old, the ruins of ancient Mitla date from the final two or three centuries before the…
Archaeological Site
Atzompa RuinsIf you like your pre-Hispanic Mexican ruins suitably ‘ruined’ and crowd-free without compromising on authenticity or spectacular setting, opt for Atzompa…
Arts Center
Centro de las Artes de San AgustínPretty San Agustín's large, early-20th-century textile mill has been superbly restored as the Centro de las Artes de San Agustín (CaSa), a spectacular…
Landmark
El Árbol del TuleVisitors flock to the village of El Tule to behold El Árbol del Tule, which is, by some counts, the fattest tree in the world. California's General…
Handicrafts
Alfarería Doña RosaIt was doña Rosa Real Mateo (1900−80) who invented the method of burnishing barro negro with quartz stones for the distinctive shine. Her family alfarería…
Notable Building
Edificio de los DanzantesThis structure combines an early (Monte Albán I) building, which contained famous carvings known as Danzantes (Dancers), with a later structure that was…
Viewpoint
Plataforma NorteThe North Platform is almost as big as the Gran Plaza, and affords the best views. It was rebuilt several times over the centuries. The 12 column bases at…
Viewpoint
Plataforma SurThe 40m-high South Platform, with its wide staircase, is the tallest in Monte Albán and is great for a panorama of the plaza and the surrounding mountains…
Archaeological Site
Yagul RuinsIf you want photos of Zapotec ruins without hordes of tourists milling around in the background, Yagul is your kind of place. The ruins (known as 'Pueblo…
Monastery
Ex Convento DominicanoStanding by the highway in dusty Cuilapan, the Ex Convento Dominicano (aka Santiago Apóstol) with its pale 'green' stone walls seems almost to grow out of…
Ruins
San José El MogoteAs far as Zapotec ruins go, Mogote is the oldest of the old. The site predates Monte Albán in its earliest incarnation. Indeed its inhabitants are thought…
Archaeological Site
Zona ArqueológicaAncient Zaachila, rather like Mitla, was a post-Classic Zapotec city that took root after the demise of Monte Albán. It was later conquered by the Mixtecs…
Cave
Prehistoric Caves of Yagul & MitlaApproaching Yagul from the main road, you can make out a large white rock painting of a person/deity/tree/sun on a cliff face on the Caballito Blanco rock…
Church
Santa María de la AsunciónTlacolula's main church is notable for its ornate baroque side-chapel, known colloquially as the Capilla de la Plata (Silver Chapel), a dazzling riot of…
Notable Building
Edificio JArrowhead-shaped Building J, constructed about 100 BC and riddled with tunnels and staircases (unfortunately you can’t go inside), stands at an angle of…
Museum
Ex-Convento de Santo DomingoThis rehabilitated former convent, previously a dilapidated jail, is now a first-class art museum and includes a room dedicated to the work of local magic…
Museum
Museo Estatal de Arte Popular de OaxacaSan Bartolo's excellent, modern, folk-art museum, with its bright pink facade, is on the south side of the main village plaza. It’s very nicely done and…
Distillery
3 Mezquites de Don GoyoThis family-owned distillery in San Baltazar Guelavila (about 9km southeast of Santiago Matatlán) produces top-notch mezcal made from wild agaves,…