If you’re staying in Oaxaca and want to explore more than just the city, Mitla is a great option for a half-day trip. You can get there within a 50-minute drive from Oaxaca City (depending on traffic) and is best known for its Zapotec archaeological site. Is it worth the trip? 100%!
My Spanish teacher recommended I visit after class, so that’s what I did. I hopped on a colectivo for the first time (which was a fun experience on its own). The driver dropped me off right in the center of Mitla. Colorful letters spelling out the town’s name welcomed me, something you’ll find in many cities and towns across Mexico.
How to get from Oaxaca to Mitla
If you don’t have a car, getting to Mitla is surprisingly easy. The most convenient (and cheapest) option is to take either a colectivo or a bus from Oaxaca City. Head to the main road on the eastern side of the city center, where colectivos and buses regularly pass by. Look for one with “Mitla” displayed in the windshield, or ask the driver if they’re heading there. The ride takes around 40 to 50 minutes, depending on traffic.
One tip: bring cash. Most colectivos and local buses only accept cash, and it’s handy to have some small bills or coins with you. Also for paying things in Mitla!
Getting back to Oaxaca was just as easy. I walked back to Mitla’s main square and waited for a colectivo heading toward Oaxaca City. After about five or ten minutes, one passed by. There’s no need to book anything in advance, just be a little patient.
What is there to do in Mitla?
Visit the Mitla Archaeological Site
The main reason people visit Mitla is the archaeological site. It’s about a 15-minute walk from the town center. Once you arrive, you can buy a ticket to enter the archaeological zone and start exploring.
What makes Mitla different from many other archaeological sites in Mexico are its geometric stone mosaics, known as grecas. These patterns were created by fitting thousands of individually cut stones together. Many of the designs have remained intact for over a thousand years.
For me, these were the first ancient pyramids I’d ever seen in real life. The pyramids in Egypt have fascinated me for as long as I can remember, so it was really interesting to learn about the Zapotec civilization and see another side of ancient history.
Mitla was once one of the most important religious and ceremonial centers of the Zapotec civilization. Later the Mixtecs continued to use it. The name “Mitla” comes from the Nahuatl word Mictlán, meaning “Place of the Dead.” Archaeologists believe priests and rulers were buried here, and the site played an important role in ceremonies connected to the afterlife.
Check out the traditional textiles at Mercado de Artesanías
Mitla is also well known for its handwoven rugs, embroidered clothing, woven bags, and other handmade crafts. Close to the archaeological site you’ll find the Mercado de Artesanías, where you can browse stalls selling colorful souvenirs and locally made textiles.
One of my favorite details was recognizing the same geometric patterns from the archaeological site woven into blankets, bags, and clothing. It’s a beautiful to see how ancient Zapotec designs are still part of life today.
If seeing more locally made textiles and learning how they’re made interests you, I highly recommend taking a day trip to Teotitlán del Valle from Oaxaca. Just like Mitla, it’s a great destination if you’re looking to get out of the city for (half) a day.
Try local food at the Mercado
If you’re looking for lunch before or after visiting the ruins, stop by the Mercado de Abastos Mitla. Inside you’ll find plenty of food stalls serving traditional Oaxacan dishes, including mole negro, tlayudas, tamales, and other regional specialties.
I still hadn’t tried mole negro, so I ordered a plate with chile relleno, rice, and a serving of the rich, dark sauce. It definitely filled me up and gave me enough energy to explore the archaeological site afterward.
I always love visiting local markets when I travel. You’ll see vendors selling fresh produce, herbs, spices, and fruits I’d never even seen before. The smell of freshly prepared food follows you while you walk through the market, making it hard to decide where to eat.
Going from Oaxaca to Mitla was definitely one of the highlights from my stay in the city. The fact that it was my first time seeing pyramids, first time traveling with colectivo and first time trying mole negro all added up to a fun little adventure. If I had time, I would have probably also checked out Hierve el Agua, but since I went in the afternoon, made it a bit too tight time-wise. If you have more time, you could easily visit both if you’re interested! If you’re looking for more activities outside of the city center, these are some of my recommendations for day trips to make from Oaxaca City.
Anyways, if you’re staying in Oaxaca and are looking for some more recommendations, I also wrote about museums in Oaxaca and restaurants in Oaxaca. Do you have more time in the area, make sure to go from Oaxaca to San José del Pacífico as well!
Enjoy your trip!
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