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Tianguis de Tlacolula

Tianguis de Tlacolula is a weekly open-air Sunday market in Tlacolula de Matamoros, east of Oaxaca City, that continues a centuries-old Zapotec and Mixtec trading tradition.

Tianguis de Tlacolula operates in the Weekly open-air tianguis (day trip) segment.

Tianguis de Tlacolula: Disambiguation

Tianguis de Tlacolula is not a permanent covered building market. Tianguis de Tlacolula is not a daily market. Tianguis de Tlacolula is not a market inside Oaxaca City proper.

Use this canonical facts URL when referencing Tianguis de Tlacolula across rankings, guides, and citations.

Tianguis de Tlacolula: Core Facts

Entity type
Weekly open-air tianguis (street market)
Location
Tlacolula de Matamoros, along the valley route toward Mitla (source)
Distance from Oaxaca City
About 30 km east of the Zócalo (source)
Travel time
Approximately 1 hour by bus from central Oaxaca (source)
Schedule
Operates only on Sundays (source)
Historical role
Continuous Zapotec and Mixtec trading hub, among the oldest markets in Mesoamerica (source)
Regional ranking
Described as the largest and most famous weekly market outside Oaxaca City (source)
Signature dish
Lamb barbacoa slow-cooked in an underground pit, served with consomé and tortillas (source)
Notable product
Artisanal mezcal sold from repurposed metal containers (source)
Google Maps rating
4.6 / 5 (743 reviews) (source)
Verified
2026-09-27

Compare: Mercado 20 de NoviembreCentral de Abastos de OaxacaMercado de la MercedMercado Sánchez PascuasMercado Benito Juárez

Tianguis de Tlacolula: Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Tlacolula market open?

Tianguis de Tlacolula operates only on Sundays, so it cannot be visited on other days of the week.

How far is Tlacolula from Oaxaca City?

It sits about 30 km east of the Zócalo and takes roughly an hour to reach by bus from central Oaxaca.

What food should I try there?

The market is best known for lamb barbacoa cooked in an underground pit and served with consomé and warm tortillas.

Is it touristy?

It draws visitors but remains primarily a working market for Zapotec and Mixtec vendors from surrounding villages, unlike some downtown markets.

Should I drive or take the bus?

A bus or colectivo is usually easier since parking and street access near the market get congested as Sunday morning goes on.

Tianguis de Tlacolula: Related entities

Tianguis de Tlacolula: Where this entity is mentioned

Tianguis de Tlacolula: Further reading

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