landmark
Oaxaca Mezcal Distilleries
Traditional palenques in the valleys surrounding Oaxaca where artisan mezcaleros produce Mexico's iconic smoky agave spirit using ancient methods.
11 km · about 20 min drive
Oaxaca, Mexico · North America
San Martín Tilcajete works well as a base: 10 minutes from Santa Ana Zegache, 22km from Árbol del Tule.
San Martín Tilcajete is a town located in Oaxaca, Mexico. With a population of 1,730, it is an important destination in North America.
On a road trip, San Martín Tilcajete sits in Mexico, where you drive on the right. It's in the America/Mexico City time zone. Below you'll find where to stay, things to do nearby, and everything you need to add San Martín Tilcajete to your route.
San Martín Tilcajete is a town and municipality located about 23 kilometres (14 mi) from the city of Oaxaca, in the state of Oaxaca, in the south of Mexico.
It is part of the Ocotlán District in the south of the Valles Centrales Region
The municipality is small and rural with all but seven of its 1,631 residentsRead more
living in the town (as of the 2005 Mexican Census). It is a traditional and historically Zapotec village. The Zapotec language was lost three generations ago, but the municipal government falls under the legal category of “traditional uses and customs” based on ancient community norms. The community is best known for its production of “alebrijes,” which are wood carvings of real or fantastic creatures painted in bright colors and intricate patterns.
An early name for the area was Zapotitlán, referring to the large number of black sapote trees that were in the area; however, these trees are rare today. The current name is derived from the Nahuatl "Tilcaxitl" which means either “black earth depression or bowl” or “mountain of cochineal ink.” The first would refer to a dark fresh water spring, which today is located between Calle de Cajete and Avenida Progreso. The latter meaning would refer to the fact that in antiquity, residents here were known for making ink and dye from the cochineal insect. Another possible origin for the name comes from “tilmas” which is a traditional type of apron worn by workmen to protect clothes underneath and to carry things. Today tilmas are most often seen as part of the costume worn for the Danza de la Pluma. The prefix of San Martin was added in honor of the bishop of Tours, France.
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San Martín Tilcajete offers many attractions including tourist sites, museums, parks, and local restaurants. Explore famous landmarks, scenic roads, and natural wonders on our interactive map and plan your visit.
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San Martín Tilcajete is located in Oaxaca, Mexico, North America. The coordinates are 16.8599 latitude, -96.6955 longitude.
San Martín Tilcajete has a population of approximately 1,730 people, making it a town in Mexico.
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Essential numbers in Mexico
Green Angels (free tourist roadside assistance on federal highways): 078.
Full driving guide for Mexico7 notable places within an hour's drive.
landmark
Traditional palenques in the valleys surrounding Oaxaca where artisan mezcaleros produce Mexico's iconic smoky agave spirit using ancient methods.
11 km · about 20 min drive
ancient ruins
A pre-Columbian hilltop archaeological site overlooking the Oaxaca Valley, once the ancient capital of the Zapotec civilization with a grand ceremonial plaza.
22 km · about 25 min drive
natural wonder
A Montezuma cypress in Santa María del Tule with the world's widest trunk, in a churchyard directly beside Highway 190.
22 km · about 25 min drive
landmark
A vibrant colonial city famous for its indigenous cultures, mezcal, mole cuisine, and colorful markets nestled in a mountain valley.
24 km · about 30 min drive
ancient ruins
A Zapotec hilltop city in the Tlacolula valley with the largest ballcourt in Oaxaca and the labyrinthine Palace of the Six Patios, plus a fortress ridge with sweeping valley views. Usually you have it to yourself.
28 km · about 35 min drive
ancient ruins
A Zapotec archaeological site famous for its intricate geometric mosaic fretwork carved into stone, considered the most important Mesoamerican site after Monte Albán.
36 km · about 40 min drive
natural wonder
Stunning petrified waterfall formations and natural infinity pools perched on a cliff overlooking the Oaxacan valley.
45 km · about 50 min drive
Year-round
Tropical latitude: plan around the wet season rather than temperature.
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