Cidade Turismo
Mexico

Before you go

Your trip to Mitla.

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

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Mitla – Oaxaca Destination Oaxaca and Monte Albán about 45 km from Oaxaca

How to get there

  • Aeropuerto Internacional de Oaxaca (OAX) Oaxaca · 45 km

Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.

From Oaxaca it is about 45 km via the federal highway, roughly a 50-minute drive. Buses and collective vans depart from Oaxaca, passing by the Tule tree and Tlacolula.

How many days

One day, covering the ruins and Hierve el Agua, on the Mitla route excursion from Oaxaca.

When to go

From October to April the weather is usually dry and the road to Hierve el Agua is in better condition. From May to September, Hierve el Agua's pools have more water, but it rains in the afternoons.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

Do you need a car?

Hierve el Agua is reached through the mountains, about 25 km away. Without a car, there are collective pickups that leave from Mitla.

Suggested itinerary

An order that works

Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.

One day in Mitla
  1. Morning
    Ruins of Mitla

    Visit the Mitla archaeological zone and see the stone mosaics of the Grupo de las Columnas and the church of San Pablo beside it.

  2. Afternoon
    Hierve el Agua

    Head to Hierve el Agua, about 25 km away, and see the stone waterfalls and natural pools on the cliff edge.

  3. Late afternoon
    Mezcal palenque

    On the return, stop at one of the mezcal producers along the road to see the stone ovens and the agave milling.

  4. Evening
    Return to Oaxaca

    At night, return to Oaxaca, about 45 km away, to dine in the city center.

Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.

Before you go

Frequently asked questions

What is special about Mitla?

The palaces with stone mosaics in geometric patterns, unique in Mesoamerica.

Is Mitla far from Oaxaca?

About 45 km east, roughly a 50-minute drive.

How to go from Mitla to Hierve el Agua?

By car or collective pickup, about 25 km on a mountain road.

Does Mitla produce mezcal?

Yes. The Mitla and Santiago Matatlán region is home to many mezcal producers.

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