Ocotlán de Morelos

A small Zapotec village known for its stunning natural setting and indigenous traditions, offering a quieter alternative to busier tourist destinations. The surrounding landscape provides excellent hiking and cultural immersion opportunities.

Things to do

• Hike to Cascada de Ocotlán — A moderate waterfall hike through cloud forest that reveals the region's lush biodiversity and provides swimming opportunities in natural pools.
• Visit the village weaving cooperatives — Observe Zapotec weavers at traditional wooden looms creating intricate textiles using natural dyes and patterns passed down through generations.
• Explore the pine and oak forest trails — Trek through the surrounding montane forest ecosystem to encounter endemic bird species and experience the cooler highland climate.
• Attend the local market — Shop at the weekly village market to purchase fresh produce, handmade crafts, and interact directly with indigenous farmers and artisans.
• Visit the 16th-century chapel — Tour the small colonial-era religious structure that blends Spanish Catholic architecture with indigenous Zapotec cultural elements.
• Guided ethnobotany walk — Learn about medicinal and culinary plants used by the Zapotec community from local guides who share traditional ecological knowledge.

Food to try

• Tlayudas — Large, thin, crispy tortillas topped with refried beans, Oaxacan cheese, and dried shrimp, griddled until golden and served with salsa.
• Caldo de pollo con hierbas — A warming chicken broth infused with local mountain herbs, squash, and corn that reflects traditional Zapotec cooking methods.
• Mole negro — The complex dark mole featuring over 20 ingredients including chilhuacle chiles, chocolate, and spices, prepared for special occasions and available at local comedores.
• Huevos rancheros con rajas — Farm-fresh eggs served with roasted poblano peppers and local cheese, typically eaten for breakfast with fresh tortillas.
• Tejate (pre-Hispanic beverage) — A traditional drink made from ground maize, cacao, and mamey tree seeds that dates back to Zapotec times and is served during celebrations.
• Quesadillas with flores de calabaza — Handmade tortillas stuffed with squash blossoms, cheese, and epazote grown in local gardens, cooked on a comal.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect weaving time and spaces — Always ask permission before photographing weavers at work, as these are private craft sessions and the textiles represent significant cultural and economic value.
• Learn basic Zapotec greetings — While Spanish is spoken, greeting locals with simple Zapotec words like 'Guelaguetza' (reciprocal exchange) shows respect for indigenous language preservation.
• Participate in communal traditions — If invited to village celebrations or tequio (communal work), participation demonstrates solidarity and allows deeper cultural immersion with residents.
• Buy directly from artisans — Purchase textiles and crafts directly from weavers rather than intermediaries to ensure fair compensation and support the local economy sustainably.