PHOTO ART
LAMBITYECO
Lambityeco is a captivating archaeological gem. This Zapotec settlement flourished off Highway 190 in the Oaxaca Valley during the Late Classic Period. Renowned for its exquisite artwork, particularly the stunning stucco masks and tombs, Lambityeco offers a window into Zapotec culture. The site's name, meaning the still mound, reflects its Zapotec heritage.
TLACOLULA MARKET
The Tlacolula Market is a vibrant Sunday market 45 minutes from Oaxaca de Juarez. Often hailed as the region's best, Tlacolula explodes with sights, sounds, and flavors. The market offers an immersive experience for visitors, from fantastic local food to colorful plants and unique crafts. Vendors from surrounding communities, representing 16 ethnic groups, come together in a mesh of languages, cultures, and traditions. The Tlacolula Market is simply unforgettable.
MATATLÁN
Matatlán agave isn't just an ingredient – it's a legacy, a testament to Oaxaca's indigenous people and their enduring cultural heritage. Oaxaca's agave fields give birth to mezcal, a spirit as complex as its history. For generations, communities like the Zapotec have used agave for mezcal, rituals, and medicine. Mezcal's rise in popularity is welcome, but it's crucial to remember its deep indigenous roots. Traditional knowledge is vital, and respectful engagement ensures these communities are recognized as the true stewards of this remarkable spirit.
ARRAZOLA - ALEBRIJES
In the heart of Oaxaca lies Arrazola Xoxocotlán, a town forever linked to fantastical creatures and the visionary artist who brought them to life – Don Manuel Jiménez, "El Tallador de Sueños" (The Dream Carver). From a young age, Jiménez's passion for sculpting took root. He molded imaginative creatures from clay, later graduating to wood carving. His artistry transcended mere figures – human forms, nativity scenes, and masks all received his touch. These works found homes not just in Oaxaca but across the globe.
Arrazola Xoxocotlán's artistic legacy extends far beyond Jiménez himself. Wood carving thrives here, with hundreds of families channeling their creativity into the vibrant alebrijes. These captivating figures, a whimsical dance between real and imagined creatures, embody the town's deep-rooted identity. Jiménez's influence rippled throughout Oaxaca. His exhibitions, championed by art enthusiasts, ignited a spark in neighboring towns like San Martin Tilcajete and San Pedro Taviche. They embraced the alebrije tradition, ensuring its continued existence.
Arrazola Xoxocotlán's artistic legacy extends far beyond Jiménez himself. Wood carving thrives here, with hundreds of families channeling their creativity into the vibrant alebrijes. These captivating figures, a whimsical dance between real and imagined creatures, embody the town's deep-rooted identity. Jiménez's influence rippled throughout Oaxaca. His exhibitions, championed by art enthusiasts, ignited a spark in neighboring towns like San Martin Tilcajete and San Pedro Taviche. They embraced the alebrije tradition, ensuring its continued existence.
TEOTITLAN DEL VALLE
Teotitlán del Valle is located in the foothills of Oaxaca's Sierra Juarez mountains. The town is renowned for its exquisite handwoven textiles. This tradition, meticulously passed down through generations, boasts a rich history dating back to the Aztec era. Teotitlán's artisans, predominantly Zapotec people, weave their heritage into each thread. The mastery of backstrap loom techniques, such as natural dyes like cochineal and indigo, imbues wool with vibrant hues. Designs range from the timeless geometric patterns echoing nearby Mitla archaeological sites to contemporary creations inspired by modern artists.
YAGÚL & MITLA PREHISTORIC CAVES
Oaxaca's Cuevas de Mitla & Yagul offer a glimpse into the extraordinary ingenuity of Mesoamerica's earliest inhabitants. In this UNESCO site, the stunning 12,000-year-old cave paintings share the spotlight with the architectural wonders of Yagul, a Zapotec city. These caves, especially Guilá Naquitz, hold groundbreaking finds: the earliest evidence of plant domestication in the Americas – 10,000-year-old cucurbit seeds and corn cob fragments. This link between humanity and nature paved the way for Mesoamerican civilizations to flourish.
SANTA MARIA DEL TULE - THE TULE TREE
In Oaxaca's Central Valley, 15 Minutes to the southeast of Oaxaca de Juarez, Santa María del Tule, known as El Tule, offers a refreshing alternative to Oaxaca's bustling tourist center. Vibrant streets lined with traditional adobe houses create a picturesque backdrop for local shops brimming with handcrafted treasures and enticing regional cuisine. The relaxed atmosphere fosters a sense of discovery, where the linguistic sounds of Spanish and indigenous languages weave a tapestry of local life. Santa María del Tule boasts a rich history, reflected in its aged churches and welcoming residents. El Tule provides a true testament to time.
The town's claim to fame is El Árbol del Tule, a magnificent Montezuma Cypress boasting a 2,000-year history. With one of the widest trunks on Earth, this ancient giant captivates visitors with its gnarled branches that resemble playful shapes. A local landmark and cultural treasure, El Árbol del Tule is a true wonder.
The town's claim to fame is El Árbol del Tule, a magnificent Montezuma Cypress boasting a 2,000-year history. With one of the widest trunks on Earth, this ancient giant captivates visitors with its gnarled branches that resemble playful shapes. A local landmark and cultural treasure, El Árbol del Tule is a true wonder.
SAN BARTOLO - BARRO NEGRO
Located about 25 Minutes south of Oaxaca de Juarez, San Bartolo Coyotepec is a town steeped in artistic heritage. Here, generations have transformed the earth into captivating creations. Charming streets and vibrant markets make up a vibrant city. Here, barro negro, or black clay pottery, reigns supreme. Considered one of Mexico's finest, black clay transforms in the hands of skilled artisans. The art stretches back to the Monte Albán era; San Bartolo Coyotepec beckons with exquisite black pottery and a timeless artistic legacy.
JUCHITÁN'S MARKET
Juchitán de Zaragoza is Oaxaca's third-biggest town, alive with Zapotec culture. The historic downtown is filled with the grand arches of the mid-1800s Palacio Municipal and the timeworn beauty of the 17th-century Parroquia church. The true heart of Juchitán lies in its market. Picture a sensory explosion: sizzling street food like stewed iguana tamales, colorful textiles displayed by vendors speaking Zapotec, and vibrant displays of smoked fish and towering stacks of totopos. Juchitán is an unforgettable cultural immersion.
JUCHITÉC ECOLOGICAL FORUM
For over two decades, the Foro Ecologico Juchiteco has been a beacon of environmental protection in Juchitán, Oaxaca. At the heart of the organization's endeavors lies the meticulously maintained iguana sanctuary, a haven for these revered reptiles. Here, visitors embark on educational journeys, gaining insights into the intricate roles iguanas play within the delicate balance of the local ecosystem. The sanctuary serves as a refuge and a platform for fostering a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of all living beings.
The organization's initiatives extend beyond the sanctuary, encompassing a native plant nursery, comprehensive recycling programs, and robust environmental education curricula. In 2018, they spearheaded the XXVIII edition of the Festival del Río and established a dormitory for indigenous youth. The Foro Ecologico Juchiteco's unwavering commitment to safeguarding the natural world and cultural heritage is an exemplar for all.
The organization's initiatives extend beyond the sanctuary, encompassing a native plant nursery, comprehensive recycling programs, and robust environmental education curricula. In 2018, they spearheaded the XXVIII edition of the Festival del Río and established a dormitory for indigenous youth. The Foro Ecologico Juchiteco's unwavering commitment to safeguarding the natural world and cultural heritage is an exemplar for all.
TLACOTEPEC
The sensual vibrancy of tradition lives in Tlacotepec -Some practices are as old as time. One is the exchange between Muxe and nature, like using bulls for transportation and field work. Muxes participate in all the home activities; they are revered Muxes are the Epitome of respect and traditionally are the ones who initiate males in sexual practice.
SEÑOR DE ESQUIPULAS CHAPEL
The Chapel of the Lord of Esquipulas is where the Muxes find their place. Here, the colorful columns mimic the Muxe’s colorful huipils. The fusion of Zapotec culture and Catholicism reveals the complexity of Oaxacan society. Despite the layers of colonial influence, Muxes, who are proud of their identity, find reassurance within the walls of the Señor de Esquipulas Chapel.
SALINA CRUZ
Salina Cruz unfolds a love story as vast as the Pacific Ocean. Here, under fiery sunsets, shimmer Salinas de Cruz - Mexico's legacy as a salt producer. These salt flats hold a strange beauty, a loneliness mirrored in the vastness, yet a glimmer of hope remains. The wind paints stories on the dune slopes, stories of enduring love. On the shore, a Mexican flag flutters, a beacon of home.
