Things To Do
in Tlacolula de Matamoros
Tlacolula de Matamoros is a small highland town in Oaxaca, Mexico, just east of Oaxaca City, set in the fertile Tlacolula Valley. It is renowned for its vibrant Sunday market that draws artisans and locals from across the region. The town blends colonial-era architecture with traditional Zapotec and Mixtec heritage visible in crafts and daily life.
Visitors come for authentic Oaxacan flavors, colorful textiles, and a glimpse into rural Mexican life that remains warm and hospitable.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a visit to the main square, Plaza de Tlacolula, where you can admire the stunning colonial architecture and vibrant atmosphere. As you stroll, stop by the Church of Santo Domingo de Guzmán, marveling at its intricate baroque façade and beautiful interior. Enjoy a traditional breakfast at a local café, sampling regional specialties like tlayudas or memelas.
After lunch, immerse yourself in the local culture at the Tlacolula Market, where you can browse colorful stalls filled with handicrafts, textiles, and fresh produce. Engage with local artisans, learning about their crafts and the history behind their work. As you wander, take a moment to appreciate the lively interactions and the rich aromas of traditional Oaxacan cuisine wafting through the air.
As the sun begins to set, head to a nearby restaurant for a taste of Oaxacan cuisine, enjoying a meal that might include mole or quesillo. After dinner, take a leisurely walk through the town, where you can experience the serene evening ambiance and perhaps catch a glimpse of locals gathering in the square. Conclude your day with a visit to a local bar, sipping mezcal while listening to traditional music.
Start your day with a guided tour to the archaeological site of Mitla, one of the most significant Zapotec sites in Oaxaca, known for its unique geometric designs. Explore the ancient ruins, learning about the history and significance of the site while enjoying the breathtaking landscapes surrounding it. Capture stunning photographs of the intricate stonework that has stood the test of time.
After exploring Mitla, enjoy a picnic lunch in the nearby lush countryside, surrounded by the natural beauty of Oaxaca. Once recharged, visit the nearby archaeological site of Dainzu, where you'll find impressive ruins and fewer tourists, allowing for a more intimate experience. Wander the grounds, marveling at the ancient pyramids and intricate carvings while soaking up the serene atmosphere.
Return to Tlacolula and settle down for dinner at a local eatery, trying traditional dishes such as pozole or carne asada. Spend the evening at a local artisan workshop, where you can participate in a hands-on activity, such as pottery or weaving, guided by skilled craftsmen. End your day by enjoying a quiet moment on a terrace, gazing at the stars in the clear night sky.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| 🥗Lunch at casual cafe | $4-10 |
| 🧺Groceries for a day | $8-20 |
| 🚶Local transportation (short ride) | $2-6 |
| 🎟️Museum or market entrance | $3-6 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich traditional culture and welcoming locals
- Iconic Oaxaca flavors and fresh, regional ingredients
- Vibrant Sunday market with authentic crafts and foods
- Accessible base for exploring valley villages and textiles
- Limited English in some market stalls
- Smaller town amenities compared with Oaxaca City
- Market crowds can be overwhelming on Sundays
- Some sites require car or taxi for day trips
- "Buenos días" - Good morning
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "¿Dónde está el mercado?" - Where is the market?
- "Habla inglés?" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Tlacolula de Matamoros
Visit one of these nice places.
Colorful stalls, early light on stacks of cheese and produce, and bustling vendors create kinetic scenes for street photography.
Historic church with adobe walls and modest neoclassical touches, offering a quiet contrast to the market’s bustle.
Cobbled streets and colonial facades with colorful textiles hanging to dry and locals going about daily routines.
Close-up portraits and wide-shot hillsides around weaving workshops showcase artisans at work and traditional looms.
Food in Tlacolula de Matamoros
Tlacolula de Matamoros Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A large, crisp tortilla topped with refried beans, quesillo (Oaxaca cheese), avocado, lettuce, tomato, and salsa. Best sampled from market stalls and casual taquerías in Tlacolula.
Must-Try!
Thinly sliced, cured beef that is often fried or grilled and served with tortillas, fresh salsa, and grilled peppers; common in local markets and taquerías.
Rich, dark sauce made from chiles, spices, chocolate, and nuts; typically served over chicken or turkey with rice and tortillas.
Oaxaca’s famous string cheese, enjoyed fresh in plates, melted on tostadas, or added to quesadillas and tlayudas in local markets.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Historic market known for produce, moles, cheeses, chapulines (grasshoppers), and a wide array of regional snacks; ideal for a morning food stroll on market days.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a friendly 'buenos días' or 'hola' when entering shops. A handshake or brief hug is common among acquaintances in social settings.
Be respectful around religious sites; dress modestly and speak softly inside churches. Asking for permissions before photographing people is courteous.
Cash is king in markets; haggle gently and smile. Respect vendors’ space and avoid blocking aisles with bulky purchases.
Safety
Tipping in Tlacolula de Matamoros
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, tips of 10–15% are appreciated if not included in the bill. For informal street meals or markets, small tips (a few pesos) for helpful vendors or guides are customary.
Cash (MXN) is widely preferred in markets and small eateries. Some larger restaurants or hotels may accept cards; ATMs are common in Oaxaca City and Tlacolula town centers.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm to hot days with clear skies; afternoon thunderstorms are common in July–August. Stay hydrated, wear sun protection, and plan market visits early when flavors are freshest.
Mild days with cooler mornings and evenings; can be pleasantly crisp. Mornings are ideal for market photography and outdoor strolls.
June to September brings afternoon showers; roads can be slick and markets bustle with wet-weather vendors. Pack a light rain shell and footwear suitable for damp conditions.
Tlacolula de Matamoros at Night
Hiking in Tlacolula de Matamoros
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Gentle to moderate hikes along the valley rim with views of the Tlacolula Valley and surrounding villages; suitable for a half-day excursion.
Airports
How to reach Tlacolula de Matamoros by plane.
Located near Oaxaca City, about 20–40 minutes by car from Tlacolula depending on traffic; connections to major Mexican cities and some international destinations.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A mix of mestizo residents and Zapotec-influenced communities; traditional crafts and languages persist in surrounding villages.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Widely played and watched across Oaxaca, with local matches and informal games common in towns.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Tlacolula de Matamoros.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist in markets and certain eateries: beans, nopales (cactus), roasted peppers, quesillo, grilled vegetables, and fresh salsas. If mole is served, ask for a vegetable-friendly preparation and request no lard or meat-based toppings; many places can accommodate with a vegetable-based mole or simple tortillas and beans.