The roots of Oaxaca flavored maguey
We invite you to taste one of the most emblematic drinks that identify the state of Oaxaca: mezcal.
Be part of a magical journey that will take you to discover the traditional process that has given worldwide fame to the distillate, whose formula, inherited by generations, is the best kept secret by Oaxacans.
Santa María del Tule
The first impression of this town is the Tree of the Tule, framed by the temple of Santa María de la Asunción, which in its main altar has the image of the Virgin of the Assumption and the Passion of Christ.
San Jerónimo Tlacochahuaya
Your curiosity for art and religion takes place in the Baroque style temple built in the 16th century, valued by its carving and artistic decoration, standing out the image of San Jerónimo, Saint patron of the town.
Teotitlán del Valle
Its inhabitants produce fine textiles in traditional pedal looms, dyed naturally and with pre-hispanic and contemporaneous designs. If you are looking for wool textiles, this is the ideal place!
Tlacolula de Matamoros
Nobody can resist photographing the beauty of its market, where you find the creativity embodied in products made of clay, reed, stone, palm and textiles.
San Pablo Villa de Mitla
Delve into its archaeological zone, whose facades are considered unique in the country; visit the Temple of San Juan Apostol, erected during the 16th century.
Santiago Matatlán
The majestic maguey plants glimpse you and announce you the arrival to a town where you can get to know the mezcal factories and outlets.
The Route Paths of the Mezcal is integrated around the production, diversity and tasting of this drink.
When you visit the large maguey plantations or tour the countryside and know their many varieties, you will discover the commitment and dedication with which the plants are taken care of for the production of mezcal in the factories or palenques. In addition, you can go deep into the mezcal communities, get to know its archaeological and colonial heritage, enjoy its gastronomy, live its traditional festivities and enjoy its magnificent hospitality.
Sip to sip
A whole life marks the elaboration of mezcal, the mezcal master has to wait more than 8 years to reap the fruits of his labor.
When the plant reaches maturity, the leaves are cut, leaving only the heart (the “pineapple”), which is cooked, milled, fermented and distilled.
There are several types of mezcal, according to the variety of maguey used or to the time of rest or aging.
Do you want to live the experience of knowing the process of elaboration of a drink whose origin goes back to ancestral times?
COME TO THE ROUTE PATHS OF THE MEZCAL
Santa María del Tule
Find in the center of the community the Tree of the Tule, millennial ahuehuete of great magnitude, whose trunk and branches present varied and capricious surprising forms.
The temple of Santa María de la Asunción dates from the 18th century, the altarpieces are covered with gold foil of three and a half carats.
You can not leave here without tasting its traditional "nieves, empanadas de amarillo y quesillo con flor de calabaza".
FESTIVITIES AND TRADITIONS
- August 15
Celebration in honor to the Santísima Virgen de la Asunción.
- Second Monday of October
Feast of the Tree of the Tule.
San Jerónimo Tlacochahuaya
Admire the temple and former convent of San Jerónimo which houses sculptures and oleo paintings. There, symbols of the Christian iconography with indigenous elements are mixed and coexist, giving it a very special character.
Know the historical tubular organ of the 16th century, whose box shows images of angels, musicians and flowers, which harmonize with the decoration of the church.
Surprise yourself in the archaeological zone of Dainzú, with its unique architectural style that has pieces with engravings unparalleled in Mesoamerica.
FESTIVITIES AND TRADITIONS
- Last Monday of July
Festivities of the Guelaguetza.
Celebration of the Virgen del Carmen.
- September 30
Fest of San Jerónimo.
Teotitlán del Valle
Visit the temple of the Precious Blood of Christ, built in the 16 century; in its walls can still be observed carved stones of the ancient Zapotec temples.
Delve into the community museum where archaeological pieces of the community are protected. The “Cuevita del Pedimento” is a place where the locals make requests to the image of the Virgin that is there.
FESTIVITIES AND TRADITIONS
- First wednesday of July
Celebration to the image of the Precious Blood of Christ.
- September 8
They worship the Virgin of the Nativity.
- October 1
Festivity in honor to the Virgin of the Rosary.
Tlacolula de Matamoros
Stroll through its extraordinary Sunday tianguis, of great color and genuine indigenous character, which offers you the opportunity to get to know the vast gastronomy of the region.
Visit the temple of the Assumption and marvel at one of the greatest jewels of Mexican Baroque art. Admire the historic tubular organ of the 18th century, in the Baroque style.
Know the archaeological site of Yagul, which houses the largest ball game in the Oaxacan region and the second in Mesoamerica.
In the prehistoric caves of Yagul and Mitla, cataloged as Cultural Patrimony of the Humanity, you will find cave paintings and vestiges of the first corn crops.
FESTIVITIES AND TRADITIONS
- April
Festival of the "nieve and mezcal".
- Second Sunday of October
A religious festival in honor to the Santo Cristo de la Capilla del Señor de Tlacolula is held.
- November
Day of the "Fieles difuntos" and responsos.
San Pablo Villa de Mitla
Live the greatest experience in the archaeological zone of Mitla, known as “Resting Place” in zapotec language, be surprised by the unique frets, located in the courtyard of the same name and considered unique in the country. Know the temple of San Pablo Apostol – erected during the 16th century above a pre-hispanic construction-, which has a spacious atrium and a beautiful portal.
Go through its traditional handicraft market and find works made with the genuine creativity of the Oaxacan artisan, as innumerable textiles and clothing typical of the region.
FESTIVITIES AND TRADITIONS
- January 25
Feast of San Pablo Apóstol.
- August 15
They worship San Pedro and San Pablo.
Santiago Matatlán
In the community museum Cerro de Sangre discover information about the production of mezcal and the pre-hispanic origins of the community.
The temple of Santiago Apóstol was erected in the seventeenth century. The atrial crosses stand out, as well as the portal and the bell towers.
The Route Paths of the Mezcal ends, until now, in Santiago Matatlán, where you learn about the production process of handmade mezcal and you fall in love with the aromas and flavors of the distillate.
FESTIVITIES AND TRADITIONS
- July 25
The religious feast in honor of Santiago Apóstol is held.
- September 1
The Virgen de los Remedios is celebrated.
- December 31
They celebrate the night of the Cruz del Pedimento, with bonfires, offerings and petitions.
...and what are you waiting for?
Let your palate discover the tradition!
