San Pedro y San Pablo Teposcolula

Convento San Pedro y San Pablo, Teposcolula

Nestled in the scenic valleys of the state of Oaxaca, Mexico, San Pedro y San Pablo Teposcolula (usually known simply as Teposcolula) is a hidden gem far from the crowds of more obvious tourist hotspots. This quaint town, with its rich cultural heritage and picturesque surroundings, offers a unique and authentic Mexican experience for travelers seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure. The town is one of Mexico's designated Pueblos Mágicos.

Get in

By bus

From the city of Oaxaca there is one daily bus to Teposcolula operated by Autobuses Fletes y Pasajes S.A. de C.V (Fypsa). The bus stops in Asunción Nochixtlán (you may need to change buses), so the trip takes about 3-1/2 hours and tickets start at M$150.

• 1 Terminal de Autobuses (Bus Station), MEX-125, Centro. Small, rundown terminal with no seats and no bathrooms. 

By car

Teposcolulula is 120 km northwest of Oaxaca and takes 1-1/2 hour to drive.

Get around

Moto-taxis are common in Teposcolula. You can usually find some waiting near the bus station or near the Zocalo. Hotel desk staff can call a radio taxi for you. The town itself is small and easily walkable.

See

• 1 Church of St Peter and St Paul (Convento de San Pedro y San Pablo), Tlaxiaco - Oaxaca 113. The town's iconic Church of San Pedro y San Pablo dates back to the 16th century when it was built by Dominican missionaries. This colonial-era church boasts remarkable architecture and intricate details. Admire the Baroque facade and step inside to witness the beautiful frescoes and religious artifacts that showcase the town's deep cultural roots. Don't miss the chance to see the famous 16th-century fresco El Martirio de San Pedro, inside the main church. The fresco is a masterpiece of Mexican colonial art and is considered one of the finest examples of its kind. 

• 2 Casa de la Cacica, Calle Vicente Guerrero. Palace built in 1560 for the last Mixtec queen of Teposcolula (the town was a matriarchal society). This is a unique structure that shows a clear transition from indigenous Mixtec architecture to Spanish construction techniques. The eastern courtyard is reconstructed and you can see arches and balconies that are of obvious Spanish design, but with transoms and stonework that are of obvious Mixtec design. The site is of high historical interest yet little information about its context is provided. The building houses a local cultural center and childrens library with book collections on history, art, and literature. 

• 3 Parque Teposcolula (Zocalo), Av. Venustiano Carranza. 

Do

• Hike the Sierra Mixteca - Nature enthusiasts will find solace in the Sierra Mixteca, the mountain range surrounding the town. Take a hiking adventure to explore the breathtaking landscapes, diverse flora, and encounter local wildlife.

• Explore the archaeological ruins of Yucundaá -

• 1 Yucundaá, southeast side of town. Ruins of the original (pre-Hispanic) Mixtec settlement. It was abandoned when the Spanish arrived and built the Convento de San Pedro y San Pablo. 

Festivals

• Festival of San Pedro and San Pablo - late June. Enjoy traditional music, dance performances, and religious ceremonies that showcase the town's Mixtec culture.

Buy

For a hands-on experience, visit a local workshop (like Taller Tesquio) where artisans create exquisite ceramic pieces. Participate in a workshop to learn the traditional techniques of pottery and witness the skill and craftsmanship that goes into each piece. You can even purchase unique souvenirs to take a piece of San Pedro y San Pablo Teposcolula's artistry home with you.

• Tianguis, Parque Teposcolula. Explore the town's pop-up market. Every Sunday, the main square (Parque Teposcolula) comes alive with the bustling Tianguis, where locals gather to sell their wares. From colorful textiles and handcrafted souvenirs to fresh produce and traditional Oaxacan cuisine, the markets offer a sensory delight for visitors. 

Eat

Taste local cuisine and test delicacies such as stuffed peppers, or pozole. To accompany, don't stop cooling with the chilacayote water or some local mezcal. Savor mouthwatering dishes such as tlayudas, and memelas. Don't miss the opportunity to sample traditional sweets like tejate and nicuatole for a sweet treat. Be sure to try local favorites like mole negro, tasajo, and quesillo.

• 1 Temita, Trujano, Centro, ☏ +52 953 518 2040. Daily 07:30 - 21:00. Cheery small traditional restaurant serving regional Oaxacan cuisine. (updated Feb 2024)
• 2 Restaurante Doña Josefina, Iturbide 20, ☏ +52 953 552 7017. Daily 08:30 - 15:30. Comfortably casual restaurant serving regional Oaxacan cuisine. (updated Feb 2024)

Drink

There are some unusual flavors of aguas frescas sold in Teposcolula including a creamy blend of walnuts, a corn-based drink, and an agua fresca flavored with chocolate. They are often sold by guys with 3-wheel moto carts near the arcos or plaza.

Sleep

• 1 Hotel Casa Franco, Agustín de Iturbide 20, ☏ +52 953 552 7017. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. Elegantly comfortable hotel in a renovated colonial building, rooms are set around a central courtyard. Modern bathrooms with new fixtures. On-site restaurant. Most upscale hotel in the area. M$1300. (updated Feb 2024)
• 2 Hotel Jardin Plaza, 20 Noviembre 17, Centro, ☏ +52 953 518 2016. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. Moderate hotel with basic rooms with simple furnishings. WiFi is available but a bit flaky in some rooms. M$700. (updated Feb 2024)
• 3 Hotel Juvi, MEX-125, Centro, ☏ +52 953 518 2064. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. Moderate small hotel with comfortable basic rooms. Small off-street parking lot. M$500. (updated Feb 2024)

Go next

• Capulalpam
• Monte Alban
• Mitla