Mitla, Oaxaca Travel Guide: Your Guide to Exploring the Ancient Zapotec Capital
Looking for the perfect day trip from Oaxaca? Well, our Mitla, Oaxaca travel guide is here to share all of the details for visiting this incredible place just outside the city!
Known as "The Place of the Dead," Mitla is rich in Zapotec history and offers visitors a chance to explore intricate stone mosaics and well-preserved ruins.
The town also offers vibrant local markets, traditional Oaxacan cuisine like mole and tlayudas, and proximity to natural wonders like Hierve el Agua, making it an excellent spot for a cultural and historical experience just outside the popular city of Oaxaca.
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Mitla, Oaxaca Travel Guide: A Quick Intro
Before diving into how to get to Mitla, and what it's like exploring the town, we're going to share a few fun facts and some helpful info for you about Mitla.
What is Mitla, Oaxaca Known For?
Mitla is renowned for its Zapotec history, intricate architecture, and vibrant artisan culture.
Its claim to faim is its archaeological zone, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and one of the most historically significant Pre-columbian sites in the country.
Where is Mitla Located?
Mitla is located in the Tlacolula Valley, about 44 km (27 miles) southeast of Oaxaca City. It is a top touristic location off of the main highway that also goes to the iconic Hierve el Agua, making the two a great combo for a day trip from Oaxaca,
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How Do I Get to From Oaxaca City to Mitla?
It is super easy to get from Oaxaca to Mitla, as there are a variety of options including driving, taking public transportation, using private transportation, or going on a guided tour.
By Car
- Route: Take Highway 190 (Carretera Internacional) southeast from Oaxaca City to Mitla. The journey is about 44 km (27 miles) and takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
- Tips:
- Renting a car is a convenient option if you plan to visit nearby attractions like Hierve el Agua and Arbol del Tule.
- Parking is available near the archeological site and markets, and is free of charge
- Benefits: You have the freedom to visit at any time, and stay as long as you'd like. We drove, and also stopped at some cool places along the way.
By Bus
- Route: Public buses to Mitla depart from the Central de Abastos or Second Class Bus Terminal in Oaxaca City. Look for buses heading toward Mitla or Tlacolula.
- Cost: Around 20–30 pesos ($1-2 USD) each way.
- Time: The bus ride takes about 1 1/2-2 hours, with frequent stops along the way.
- Tips:
- Double-check with the driver that the bus goes directly to Mitla.
- Get off near the Mitla Archeological Zone or the main plaza.
By Colectivo (Shared Taxi)
- Route: Colectivos to Mitla depart from the Central de Abastos or specific colectivo stands in Oaxaca City.
- Cost: Around 40–50 pesos ($2–3 USD) per person.
- Time: The journey takes about 1 hour and a half with fewer stops than buses.
- Tips:
- Look for taxis marked “Mitla” or ask around at the stands.
- Colectivos fill up with 4–5 passengers, so you might need to wait a bit before departure.
By Taxi or Ride Share
- Ordering: You can get a taxi from the street, order and Uber, or use the local ride share app Didi
- Cost: Around 500-650 pesos ($25-$32 USD)
- Time: The journey takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes
- Tips:
- Use this only for groups, and know how you're going to return.
- Download Didi and compare prices with Uber,
By Guided Tour
- Many guided tours from Oaxaca City include Mitla as part of a day trip, often combined with other attractions like Hierve el Agua, Arbol del Tule, Teotitlán del Valle, or a mezcal distillery.
- Cost: Tours range from $40-60 depending on places included.
- Benefits: Includes transportation, entrance fees, and a guide to enhance your visit.
Mitla, Oaxaca Travel Guide: What to Expect
So are you ready to see what Mitla is all about? It's time to dive into the best part of our Mitla, Oaxaca travel guide.
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Things to See & Do in Mitla, Oaxaca
Mitla is small, but it actually does have a few different ways to enjoy it, which is what makes it the perfect day trip from Oaxaca! Here are the main highlights of the city:
Mitla Archeological Zone
Explore the Mitla Archeological Zone is the number one reason that tourists take the trip over to Mitla from Oaxaca.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site famous is famous for its intricate geometric mosaics and Zapotec architecture. Mitla served as a religious and ceremonial hub, earning its name, which means "Place of the Dead."
There are two different areas of the archaeological zone, both valid to visit with the same ticket. Highlights fo the area include the Hall of Columns, a fascinating structure detailed stone patterns, and the Tombs, where their unique designs symbolize the afterlife.
Artisan Markets Around Mitla
All around the archaeological zone there are tons of stalls selling handmade crafts, clothing, and souvenirs.
The town is renowned for its woven rugs (tapetes), embroidered clothing, and handmade jewelry, using natural dyes and showcasing the rich Zapotec heritage.
We had no idea there would be so many, and spent an entire hour browsing all of the shops! we'd definitely recommend spending some time to check out all of the different spots. Just make sure to bring cash, as most vendors (or maybe all of them) only accept cash.
Ervin Frissell Museum
For a deeper dive into Mitla’s history, visit the Ervin Frissell Museum, a hidden gem located near the archeological site.
Named after a prominent archaeologist, the museum houses a collection of Zapotec artifacts, including pottery, ceremonial tools, and ancient carvings. The exhibits provide context for the archeological zone and help visitors understand the spiritual and cultural significance of the site.
Another massive draw to the museum is the stunning tree in the middle of the patio that is complemented with colorful papers to make up the canopy.
Visit Templo Católico de San Pablo Villa de Mitla
Located right next to the archaeological zone is one of the most popular churches in San Pablo Villa de Mitla. Unlike next door though, people can enjoy the church every day of the year.
Templo Católico de San Pablo Villa de Mitla is the oldest church in Mitla, and has a beautiful exterior with its large vibrant domes and stone walls.
Celebrate Dia de los Muertos
One of the best times of the year to visit Oaxaca is during Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). There is an abundance of celebrations in and around Oaxaca, and Mitla also has their own massive party.
We visited Mitla on Sunday, November 3rd, which was the very end of a week celebrating Dia de los Muertos. Little did we know, that the night before Mitla had partied hard until the early hours of the morning.
With fireworks, music, and dancing, this is definitely one of the most authentic celebrations that you can experience, and it is certainly on our bucket list for future trips to Mexico this time of year.
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Mitla, Oaxaca Travel Guide: Amenities
Now that you know the best things to do in Mitla, it's time for the next part of our Mitla, Oaxaca travel guide, which includes dining, shopping, and accommodation.
Food & Drink
There are plenty of restaurants in Mitla, giving you options of both local and slightly international flavors to choose from.
We decided to eat at a small colorful restaurant on a side street, called Zapoteca, which had both indoor and outdoor seating, cute decor, and delicious Oaxacan food.
Shopping
Like we mentioned earlier, there is plenty of shopping located in Mitla, particularly surrounding the archaeological zone. Make sure to bring cash and check out the beautiful textiles and handmade articles made by the locals.
Staying in Mitla
Looking for a truly authentic experience? Well, spending a night in Mitla is the perfect way to enjoy Mitla without the tourists, and have a few local meals in this charming town.
There aren't a ton of accommodation options, but here are some of the top ones you can stay at:
- Casa Regina Oaxaca: located in the outskirts, this is the perfect relaxing getaway equipped with a restaurant, room service, bar, garden, year-round outdoor pool, and a terrace.
- Confetti Pool Club: Located just a few minutes walk from the center, this adults only accommodations has a garden, a terrace and a bar. The hostel has an outdoor swimming pool, hot tub, karaoke and a shared lounge.
- Hotel Hacienda Don Cenobio: Located right in the heart of town, this hotel has an outdoor pool, free private parking, a fitness center, bar, and a garden with a playground.
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Mitla, Oaxaca Travel Guide: Price & Timetable
Now you know the main highlights of our Mitla, Oaxaca travel guide. But in case you needed some quick info, here are the prices and hours for visiting Mita.
When Can You Visit Mitla?
Mitla can be enjoyed from the early morning until the late afternoon, as many of the shops and restaurants are open all day.
The archaeological zone is open daily (with the exception of Mondays and Thursdays) from 10 am to 4:30 pm, and the museum is open from 10 am to 3 pm, and is closed on Mondays.
How Much is the Entrance to Mitla?
The only place that you do need to pay to see in Mitla is the archaeological zone, which has small price of 95 pesos to enter (just $5 USD). Just make sure that you have cash, as they do not accept credit cards.
The ATM was completely empty when we went, so we had to walk all the way to the center (about 15 minutes each way) to take out money.
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Mitla, Oaxaca Travel Guide: Getting Around
Mitla is a small city, and there are two main areas to experience, which are the ruins area and the city center. Both areas can easily be explored on foot, and the ruins are just a 15 minute walk from the city center.
If you need, there are taxis in the area, but it truly is not necessary with the town being so small.
We left our car in the main parking area between the ruins and the artesan market, which was free of charge, Then we did everything else in the area by foot.
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Mitla, Oaxaca Travel Guide: Other Things to Keep in Mind
Now you know almost everything you need to know to visit Mitla! But don't go just yet - we have a few more things to share with you in our Mitla, Oaxaca travel guide.
Weather in Mitla
Mitla experiences warm temperatures year round, with hot, humid summers, and mild, dry weather throughout the winter months.
We visited Mitla in early November and we had beautiful, sunny weather.
The Best Time to Visit Mitla, Oaxaca
The best time for visiting Mitla is in the fall til spring, when the weather is still warm, but isn't too hot. Dia de los Muertos is also definitely the best time to visit, as you can see the small town come alive with their vibrant celebrations.
When is the Best Time of Day to Visit Mitla?
The best time of day to visit Mitla is first thing in the morning before the crowds start pouring in, or you can opt for later in the afternoon after most tour groups have already left.
We ended up visiting midday/early afternoon, since we decided to visit Arbol del Tule and the Sunday market of Tlacolula de Matamoros on the way. If we were to do it again though, we'd visit the Tree of Tule first thing in the morning, skip the market, and then go to Mitla still in the morning.
Another option is to visit Arbol del Tule in the afternoon, spend the night in Mitla for the Dia de los Muertos celebrations, and then go to Mitla early in the morning before the tourists come, and continue to Hierve el Agua for the afternoon.
How to Prepare for Visiting Mitla, Oaxaca
Here are some of the things we'd recommend bringing with you for your visit:
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Is Mitla, Oaxaca Worth Visiting?
Mitla is definitely an excellent place to visit outside of Oaxaca to dive into the history and culture of the region.
While the ruins aren't as impressive as Chichen Itza for example, they are still worth a visit, and also even more so if the other things in the city and surrounding areas are included in your itinerary.
How Long Do You Need at Mitla?
Mitla is the perfect day trip from Oaxaca, and can also be paired with the Tree of the Tule and Hierve el Agua, which are also in the same direction.
We'd recommend a few hours at Mitla to be able to see the ruins, market, and the museum, as well as to grab some lunch.
If you are visiting Oaxaca for Dia de los Muertos though, you could also opt to spend the night for their big celebration in town!
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We hope our Mitla, Oaxaca travel guide has helped you in planning the perfect day trip from the city! Don't forget to pair it with a trip to the incredible Hierve el Agua, which is one of the most bucket list experiences we had in Mexico.
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