Native Trails MyTrails 2025 206 Oaxaca 38 Visit of Mercado Zaachila in Oaxaca with ice tasting Duration: 01:30 h · Level: Easy Today you will visit the tianguis of Zaachila, a market that originates in times dating back to the pre-Hispanic period and whose tradition has been preserved largely unaltered. Here you can find not only victuals – in particular fruits and vegetables of every description – and snacks, but also a cattle market. Follow the scent of the ocote tree to reach the third section of the market where firewood and charcoal are for sale. After your tour of the market, some refreshment will be welcome: How about ice cream? The “nieves” of Zaachila are rooted in a long history and offer traditional, but also surprisingly new flavors. 39 Visit of the archaeological site of Mitla Duration: 01:00 h · Level: Easy Visit the archaeological site of Mitla. The importance of this “place of the dead” is still not clear and shows how much knowledge has been lost in the course of history. The buildings were probably built entirely by the Zapotec. The Group of the Columns with the Patio of the Mosaics (Patio de las Grecas) is considered one of the highlights of pre-Columbian architecture in Mexico. Mitla was the seat of the “Great Seer” and for many years the religious center of the Zapotec. Today the neighborhood of Mitla is marked by small picturesque markets where weavings and other articles are offered. 40 Mezcal production in Santiago Matatlán Duration: 01:00 h · Level: Easy Stopover in the small village of Santiago Matatlán and visit of a mezcal distillery. The famous Mexican liquor from the flesh of agaves always contains more than 40% alcohol. It is produced from the heart of the plant after it has blossomed for the first time. The leaves are cut, and the “piña” is cooked and ground; the mash thus obtained is fermented and distilled several times. A mezcal tasting is incomplete, of course, without the famous worm (gusano del maguey) – which, strictly speaking, is a caterpillar. 41 Hike to the hot springs of Hierve el Agua Duration: 03:00 h · Level: Difficult Excursion into the mountains near Mitla. From Xaaga you follow forest trails of the Sierra Madre to the springs and sinter terraces of Hierve el Agua. The hot springs have formed natural pools where you can relax after the strenuous hike. The difference in height is about 500 m (1,650 ft.). 42 Tour of bustling Juchitán Duration: 01:30 h · Level: Easy You visit Juchitán, the “Town of Flowers,” in the Pacific coastal plain. Many old traditions have been preserved here, and many of its about 90,000 inhabitants still speak the language of the former Zapotecan civilization. Juchitán is known for its beautiful craftsmanship and the “fiestas,” occasions for the women to wear the colorful costumes that have become known by Frida Kahlo’s paintings. But the town stands out for something else: Women call the tune here! They are artisans and merchants, smart in marketing their products and responsible for handling the finances. Men are craftsmen or farmers and hand their products over to the women for sale. 43 Excursion to the Zapotec site of Guiengola Duration: 05:00 h · Level: Difficult The ruins of Guiengola (Zapotec “the big rock”) are located about 15 km (9 mi.) from the town of Tehuantepec in the mountains of the Sierra Madre. The strategic location of the site makes it available only for the experienced hiker. The massive rampart, the hidden caves, and a fascinating view of the surrounding mountain ranges make this hike an unforgettable event. 44 Visit to Villa Casa Juana Romero Duration: 01:00 h · Level: Easy Today you visit the last dwelling of Juana C. Romero in Tehuantepec. Known as a benefactor of the town, she had this building erected between 1911 and 1913, few years before her death. At that time, it was the only house its size in the area. Romero, of Zapotec descent and ri-
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