If you visit the city of Oaxaca, you'll find it is more than a tourist destination; it is a place where ancestral traditions stay alive through its crafts. Each town has its own speciality, and travelling the crafts route is a unique way to immerse yourself in Oaxacan culture. In this post we take you through the towns you can't miss if you want to discover the real tradition of Oaxaca.
San Bartolo Coyotepec: home of black clay
One of the first towns you should visit is San Bartolo Coyotepec, famous for its black clay. This unique technique, which gives the pieces a dark, glossy finish, is one of the most recognisable symbols of Oaxaca. At the Doña Rosa pottery you can see how these pieces are made, from shaping to polishing with quartz stones and firing in wood-burning kilns. It is a fascinating experience that lets you appreciate the work behind every piece.
San Martín Tilcajete: the magical world of alebrijes
Another essential town is San Martín Tilcajete, known for its alebrijes. These hand-carved, hand-painted wooden figures are a blend of art and tradition, representing imaginary creatures full of colour and detail. At the workshop of Jacobo and María Ángeles, one of the most renowned in the region, you can watch these works of art being created, from the carving to the painting with natural dyes. If you decide to take an alebrije home, make sure it is handmade and painted with traditional techniques.
Teotitlán del Valle: the heart of traditional textiles
Teotitlán del Valle is another key stop on the crafts route. This town is famous for its textiles made on pedal looms, a tradition passed down from generation to generation. Here, families use wool and natural dyes — from plants, insects and minerals — to create rugs, tablecloths and other unique pieces. Visit the Teotitlán Community Cultural Centre to learn about the history of the textiles and see loom-weaving demonstrations. You can also stop by Mario Chávez's workshop, where you'll find unique, high-quality pieces.
Santo Tomás Jalieza: embroidery that tells stories
In Santo Tomás Jalieza, the textile tradition is expressed through embroidery made on a backstrap loom. This town is known for its floral and geometric designs, used on blouses, dresses and tablecloths. A visit to Abigail Mendoza's workshop lets you see how these unique pieces are made and learn about the ancestral techniques that have been kept alive over the years.
Santa María Atzompa: the charm of green clay
In Santa María Atzompa, the craft tradition centres on green clay, a technique that uses local clay and natural glazes to create unique pieces. Visit the Crafts Market to find tableware, decorative figures and more. Take the chance to learn about the making process, which involves natural glazes and firing in wood-burning kilns.
San Pablo Villa de Mitla: textiles with history
Finally, San Pablo Villa de Mitla is famous for its textiles made on pedal looms, with designs inspired by the archaeological ruins of Mitla. Visit the local workshops to see how these unique pieces are made, and combine your visit with a tour of the Mitla ruins to immerse yourself fully in the history and culture of the region.
Tips for travelling the crafts route
Travelling the crafts route in Oaxaca is a rewarding experience, but it's important to plan your trip well. Many of these towns are close to one another, so you can visit several in a single day. Bring cash, since many workshops and markets don't take credit cards, and take the opportunity to support local artisans directly. Ask about how the pieces are made: it not only adds value to your purchase, it also lets you connect more deeply with Oaxacan culture.
Why travel the crafts route?
Travelling the crafts route in Oaxaca not only lets you take unique pieces home, it also connects you with the ancestral traditions of the region. Each town has its own history and techniques, passed down from generation to generation. It is a way to support local communities and to take a little piece of Oaxaca with you.
