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Teotitlán del Valle
Teotitlán del Valle—best known for the handwoven rugs, blankets, and textiles made by its inhabitants—has been a historic weaving town since the pre-Hispanic period and remains a key Oaxacan handicraft destination. Visitors can browse and buy handmade products throughout the town, admire the surrounding Sierra Juárez scenery, and visit the modest colonial church.
The Basics
While textiles and handicrafts are the main attraction in Teotitlán del Valle, visitors should also stop by the town’s small but incredibly well curated community museum to learn more about the region’s history, culture, and art. The colonial church is another key landmark.
Tours to Teotitlán del Valle typically include stops at nearby attractions such as Hierve el Agua, Tule, and the Mitlá archaeological site, ideal for travelers with limited time in the region. However, travelers who would prefer more time to experience the village itself and browse a variety of textiles showrooms should visit independently.
Things to Know Before You Go
Travelers interested in handicrafts and indigenous culture won’t want to miss Teotitlán del Valle.
Signage is in English, Spanish, and Zapotec at Teotitlán del Valle’s community museum.
There’s a local market held every morning in Teotitlán del Valle.
Carry enough cash to buy your souvenirs as ATMs aren’t available and vendors don’t typically accept card payments.
Teotitlán del Valle may not be fully wheelchair and stroller accessible due to uneven or unpaved sidewalks.
How to Get There
Teotilán del Valle is located 15 miles (24 kilometers) southeast of Oaxaca City. It’s both a popular stop on many multi-destination day trips from Oaxaca City and easy to reach independently using public transit. Look for the Valle del Norte buses which run hourly to Teotitlán del Valle at Oaxaca’s second-class bus terminal. The last bus back to Oaxaca City from Teotitlán del Valle typically departs around 6pm. Alternatively, drive south on Highway 190.
Trip ideas
When to Get There
Teotitlán del Valle is a popular year-round destination for national and international travelers alike. If you want to browse the handmade textiles, arrive early to beat the tour group buses and visit midweek for a quieter experience. Alternatively, stop by over Easter when the town comes to life with seasonal events and processions.
The Textiles of Teotitlán del Valle
Weaving rugs and blankets on traditional backstrap or treadle looms in Teotitlán del Valle is labor-intensive and time-consuming. Traditionally made from handspun wool colored with natural dyes and patterned with intricate designs taken from nearby archaeological sites (among other motifs), prices aren’t low but they are fair. Just be sure to check that the vendor hasn’t used synthetic dyes before making a purchase and browse beyond the first showrooms you see.
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- Yagul
- Tule Tree (Arbol del Tule)
- Abastos Market (Central de Abastos)
- Mitla
- San Bartolo Coyotepec
- Oaxaca Ethnobotanical Garden (Jardín Etnobotánico de Oaxaca)
- Benito Juarez Market (Mercado Benito Juarez)
- Oaxaca Culture Museum (Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca)
- Santo Domingo de Guzmán Church (Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán)
- Casa Crespo
- Benito Juárez Home (Casa de Benito Juárez)
- Cacaluta Bay (Bahia de Cacaluta)
- 20 de Noviembre Market (Mercado 20 de Noviembre)
- Tamayo Museum (Museo Tamayo)