Teotilan Del Valle
Teotitlan is a town of 6,000 people, known for our Zapotec culture who have been weaving for centuries. While we are a small town, there are plenty of shops and restaurants in town, as a well as the MUSEUM to keep you occupied. There is never a shortage or brass band parades, keeps your eyes and ears open!
WHERE TO EAT:
Morning market, open 8:30 to 11:00am, is a great place to get a traditional Zapotec breakfast. Get your favourite freshly made juice, buy some tamales made with native corn and or sit down and eat at the food vendors.
El Jaguar is a nice and small restaurant run by my cousin Isabel. She cooks very tasty traditional Zapotec food at affordable prices using local ingredients and ancient recipes.
Conchita, a small comedor that serves typical Mexican street food and local dishes, she opens until late 10:00pm.
Guelaguetza, a medium sized family owned restaurant offering local dishes at affordable prices.
Tlamanalli is run by Abigail Mendoza and her sisters. Abigail has been traveling the world to promote Zapotec food and has hosted famous Chefs like Anthony Burdain, Tomasina Miers and Alejandro Ruiz. The food is well made respecting the traditional Zapotec tradition with no short cuts; Abigail uses the Metate to grind all her ingredients. A three course meal with drinks would cost around $1000 pesos, no credit cards are accepted but you can also order a la carte.
El Descanso, very clean and beautifully decorated, the food is tasty and the price range is medium.
Tierra Antigua is another well decorated and nice restaurant of the medium scale serving authentic and delicious Zapotec food at the entrance of town on Av Juarez.
All options, other than Tierra Antigua are within 10 minutes of walking from the house.
Surroundings
Teoptitlan is also a great jumping off point for many local attractions. We are happy to arrange a taxi (roughly 170 pesos per hour) to any of these or advise on local transport.
Ancient archeological ruins of the Zapotec people. Roughly 45 minutes by taxi or a communal bus from highway 190.
Swim in springs water that formed a natural infinity pool with a view of the valley below. An hour drive away by taxi or accessible by bus from highway 190 to Mitla and then a communal taxi to the site.
Oldest tree living in Mexico. More than 2000 years old, and 50 meters in circumference.
All neighbouring small town come together on Sundays at this lively weekly market. From food, to clothes, to produce, to tools, you can really find anything you are looking for or at least enjoy some browsing and people watching. If you are adventurous, you might considering checking out the baratillo - the local livestock markets - where you can find cows, goats and maybe even a good looking cowboy!
Matalan is known for its mezcal, but there are many palunques for you to visit around here.
