Zaachila Thursday Tianguis Market
The Zaachila Tianguis Market is south of the valley 20 minutes from Oaxaca City on a small country road that ends at that town. This is a fertile valley that still gets part of the Atoyac River and is famous for their good corn production. The town is very historic and has its own archaeological site to visit as well. The Tianguis Market takes place between the central park and the church and colorful stands are set up with the most traditional goods from this area of the valley such as: Pecans, alebrije woodcarvings, red pottery, peanuts, radishes and regional fruits.
Zaachila Archaeological site
This is a small dig as part of a larger site at one time. The site is in the middle of the modern town of Zaachila. Excavations here were directed by Professor Roberto Gallegos in 1962 and the dig was mainly centered on a platform containing two large tombs. There are many legends in Oaxaca that consider this as having been the last city of the Zapotecs in the valley. The analysis of the evidence from the tombs, however, proves that in the late urban era, the Mixtecs had taken over, were the new landlords and also buried their governors with great treasures. Of the tombs excavated one stands out as there were beautiful gold treasures discovered among many other fine jewels.
Entrance Fee Open daily from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Ejutla de Crespo: Thursday Tianguis Market
The Ejutla Tianguis Market is south of the valley 90 minutes from Oaxaca City, off highway 175 that leads to Puerto Angel on the Pacific Coast. This is a fertile valley drained by mountain creeks and small rivers. The Tianguis Market takes place between the central park and the church and colorful stands are set up with the most traditional goods from this area of the valley such as: Cochinilla dye, special green peppers, earthen-colored pottery, cutlery and regional fruits.
Steel knives and cutlery are also forged by hand in Ejutla de Crespo.