The Western valley contains the roads that come from Mexico City. On or near these roads are the Municipio (rather like a U.S. county) of Etla (Wednesday market), and the villages of Yanhuitl�n (Dominican monastery), Atzompa (brown and green pottery), Arrazola, (carved and painted wooden animals), and includes the ruins at Monte Alb�n, the Hacienda in San Jos� del Mogote, and the archaeological site in Huitzo.

The Eastern valley centers on the International Highway to Tierra del Fuego, and passes through or near to the villages of El Tule (the giant cypress tree), Teotitl�n del Valle and Santa Ana del Valle (rugs and other wool weavings), Tlacolula (Sunday market), Mitla (ruins) and Hierve el Agua (natural attraction); and on to Tehuantepec (4 hours) and the Isthmus. Along the way are the ruins of Dainz�, Lambityeco and Yagul.

To the south, there are two roads. One goes to Puerto Angel, on the coast, through San Bartolo Coyotepec (black pottery), Jalietza (cotton weaving), San Martin Tilcajete (painted wooden animals) and Ocotl�n (Friday market, home of Rodolfo Morales). The other passes through Xoxocotl�n (famous Day of Dead cemeteries), Cuilapan (Dominican monastery), Zaachila (Thursday animal market), and eventually Juquila (with a Miraculous Virgin) and on to Puerto Escondido.

There are also collectivos (shared taxis) to most of the above destinations.

No matter which direction you choose, it is impossible to cover all there is to see in a single day. This means that you will be constantly faced with choices of destination, and of method of travel, and the amount of time you have and the budget you have decided upon are going to have a lot with the choices you make.

Buses and collectivos leave from different locations in the city of Oaxaca, depending on their destination. There are both first and second class bus stations, two main collectivo stands, and several minibus terminals scattered throughout the city. Your hotel's concierge and various travel agencies specializing in local tourism can be of some help, as can the chat rooms on Mexico Online. The following taxis and tour operators are among many helpful resources you can use once you arrive.

Casa Linda Folk Art Tours
Experienced folk art tours, go to the best places to buy folk arts
Folk Art Fantasy specializes in art tours, crafts and fine art studios
Stay in lovely, art-filled Casa Linda B&B with gardens & meditation room
Airport/bus station pick up/drop off & daily shuttle to Oaxaca
San Andres Huayapam, Oaxaca, Mexico * Tel: + 52 (951) 540-8020

Descubre Oaxaca - Tourist Services
The most important Tour-Operator in Oaxaca City
Wholesalers Travel Agency specializing in Shared Services to the most important Sights in Oaxaca and Bird Watching Tours
Cars, Vans, Buses for rent - English Speaking Guides (Spanish, French, Italian & German upon request)
Oaxaca Travel Consultant for Individuals and Groups in Private and Shared Services
Ave. Independencia #709 Centro, Oaxaca, Mexico (Cathedral in zocalo is in front of us) * Telephone + 52 (951) 514-5806

Oaxaca Birding Tours
Dedicated to personal birding & cultural tours in Oaxaca
Our program is available throughout the year
Supreme birding experience
Our emphasis is on professionalism, reliability & personal attention Cuauhtemoc # 5 Teotitlan del Valle, Oaxaca * Tel:(951) 524 4371 *

Tours Oaxaca
Personalized Guide Services by Certified Guide Juan Manuel Santiago
Private and Group tours to all of Oaxaca's Ruins & Crafts Villages
Make your own itinerary for your private tour to suit your interests
Highly recommended for being fun and informative tours
Ave. M. Bravo #206 Centro, Oaxaca, Mexico * Telephone + 52 (951) 501-2122

Viajes Xochitlan Tours
Luxury Tour Vehicles
Multi-lingual Tour Guides
Hotel Reservations at Special Prices in Mexico
Special Events, Conventions & Conferences
M. Bravo #210 Int, A & B * Tel: (9) 514-3271 * Fax: (951) 514-3628