Tlacolula Market: How to Visit the Sunday Market in Oaxaca

Mercado de Tlacolula is one of the most vibrant experiences in Oaxaca.

Also known as the Tlacolula Sunday Market, this weekly tianguis offers an authentic glimpse into Oaxacan culture – from its legendary barbacoa to its handcrafted textiles. It feels like stepping into a centuries-old tradition, where Zapotec vendors sell fresh produce, traditional foods, and handmade goods.

If you’re planning a trip to Oaxaca, Tlacolula Market is a must. I’ve explored this market many times, and no visit feels complete without sitting down for a meal of tender lamb barbacoa or picking up a beautiful Tlacolula scarf.

Whether you’re here for the food, shopping, or cultural experience, this guide will help you navigate the Sunday market in Oaxaca. I’ve included what to look for – from food to crafts as well as how to get to the Tlacolula mercado.

One of the top things to do in Oaxaca is explore the Tlacolula Market, home of the original smoke hall. In this image women dressed in traditional clothing cook meat and vegetables on the grills. In the background are more people and decorative flags hanging on the ceiling.

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A Brief History of Mercado de Tlacolula

Tlacolula Market is one of the oldest markets in Oaxaca, dating back to pre-Hispanic times. For centuries, Indigenous communities from the region have gathered here to trade goods-bringing in everything from pottery and textiles to fresh produce and livestock.

While the market has evolved, it still retains its traditional atmosphere, making it an essential stop for those wanting to experience Oaxaca’s rich history and vibrant market culture.

What to Eat at Tlacolula Market

Oaxaca is famous for its food, and Tlacolula Market is no exception. Here, you’ll find some of the best traditional dishes from Oaxaca, made fresh by local vendors. Whether you’re craving smoky grilled meats, rich stews, or sweet treats, the rich culinary options in this market seem endless.

People sit at tables at different barbacoa stands inside the Tlacolula Market. Colorful papel picado hangs from the ceiling above.

One of the must-try dishes is lamb barbacoa, a Sunday specialty slow-cooked to perfection. You can also enjoy carne asada, freshly baked pan de cazuela, and refreshing nieves (Oaxacan-style ice cream). Be sure to arrive hungry—this market offers plenty of unique culinary experiences.

Lamb Barbacoa

A woman ladles consome from a large pot of barbacoa into a bowl at the Tlacolula Sunday Market. Behind her is a sign painted on the wall that reads, Biendvenidos al Puesto de Barbacoa Chabelita.

This tender, slow-roasted lamb is cooked in an underground pit and served with warm tortillas, fresh salsa, and consomé (a flavorful broth made from the drippings). It’s one of my favorite meals in Oaxaca, especially if you love bold flavors.

Carne Asada

If you love grilled meats, head to the pasillo de carnes asadas (grilled meats section). Here, you can pick your cut—tasajo (thinly sliced beef), cecina (spiced pork), or tripe if you’re feeling adventurous.

A woven plate lined with paper and topped with a variety of grilled meats freshly grilled at the smoke hall in the Tlacolula Market of Oaxaca. The plate includes chorizo, tasajo, cecina, tripa and chile de agua peppers.

You can grill it on the spot and serve it alongside traditional grilled produce like nopales (cactus), cebollitas (grilled onions), and chile de agua, a local chili with a spicy and herbaceous tang.

Pan de Cazuela

In my opinion, Tlacolula’s signature bread is a top contender for best pan dulce in Oaxaca. You can tear this soft bread apart to reveal delicious strands of bittersweet, spiced chocolate with notes of cinnamon, vanilla and even anise seed.

Nieves

Oaxaca’s signature nieves (handmade ice creams) are a refreshing treat after a heavy meal. Flavors range from tuna (prickly pear) to leche quemada (burnt milk), and local vendors take pride in using fresh, natural ingredients. While nieves can be found throughout Oaxaca, they’re especially popular at Tlacolula Market.

What to Buy at Tlacolula Sunday Market

Beyond food, Tlacolula Market is a shopper’s paradise. You’ll find everything from artisanal crafts to fresh produce, making it a great place to pick up souvenirs or gifts.

Colorful, hand woven area rugs hang at a market stall at the Tlacolula Sunday Market. They are one of the top things to buy at the markets in Oaxaca.

• Tlacolula Scarves – These colorful, floral scarves have a surprising history: their origins trace back to Ukraine! They are widely worn by local women and are a unique piece of Oaxacan culture.

• Handwoven Baskets – Beautifully crafted by Zapotec artisans, these baskets are both practical and decorative.

• Alebrijes – Intricately painted wooden animals that make for a perfect keepsake.

• Traditional Pottery – Tlacolula has excellent ceramic pieces, from barro rojo (red clay) to barro negro (black clay) pottery.

• Local Honey & Chocolate – Oaxaca is known for its rich chocolate and high-quality honey, both of which make great gifts.

For a deeper dive into Oaxaca’s markets, check out my guide to the best markets in Oaxaca.

Where is Tlacolula Oaxaca?

Tlacolula de Matamoros is a town located about 30 km (18 miles) east of Oaxaca City. It’s part of the Tlacolula Valley, an area known for its Indigenous Zapotec communities, mezcal production, and archaeological sites. The market itself is right in the center of town, making it easy to explore on foot once you arrive.

A woman carrying shopping bags walks towards a moto taxi with the words Tlacolula across the windshield. In the background people wander the outside stands of the Tlacolula Sunday Market

How to Get to Tlacolula Market from Oaxaca

The easiest way to get to Tlacolula Market from Oaxaca City is by shared taxi or bus. They will drop you off along the highway at Tlacolula and from there it’s a short walk to the mercado. To return to the city, cross the highway at the dropoff point and wait for a colectivo or bus.

Colectivos leave from Periférico (hwy. 175) south of town (map) and near the baseball stadium north of town (map). The cost is about $35 MXN per person.
Buses to Tlacolula/Mitla depart from the same area and are a budget-friendly option, though they take a longer. They are about $10 MXN per person.
Taxis are the most direct option but cost significantly more, around $300-400 MXN one way.
Tours are great if you want to learn more about the market, where to go, and what to eat. Julien recommends her friend and local guide, Israel. You can contact him on WhatsApp or Instagram (he speaks English and Spanish).

Other Places to Visit Near Tlacolula de Matamoros

People walk around the outside of the church in Tlacolula Oaxaca, which is festively decorated with papel picado strung from the highest point down to the street level. The door is decorated with colorful flowers and paper.

If you’re making the trip to Tlacolula, consider adding these nearby attractions to your itinerary:

• Templo de la Asunción – Tlacolula’s beautiful 16th-century church, known for its intricate baroque chapel.

• Teotitlán del Valle – A Zapotec weaving village famous for its handmade wool rugs.

• Mitla – A stunning archaeological site with intricate stone mosaics.

• El Tule – Home to the world’s widest tree, a massive Montezuma cypress.

• Mezcal Tour – Visit a local palenque (mezcal distillery) to learn about Oaxaca’s most famous spirit.

Looking for more great food nearby? Try Mo Kalli for a mole tasting experience which also made our guide to Oaxaca’s best restaurants.

Questions About Tlacolula Market in Oaxaca

What is the oldest market in Oaxaca?

Mercado de Tlacolula is one of the oldest markets in Oaxaca, dating back to pre-Hispanic times. It has served as a trading hub for Zapotec and Mixtec communities for centuries, maintaining its traditional open-air market structure.

What is the Sunday market outside of Oaxaca City?

The Tlacolula Sunday Market is the largest and most famous weekly market outside of Oaxaca City. Held every Sunday in Tlacolula de Matamoros, it attracts locals and travelers looking for traditional food, artisanal crafts, and authentic Oaxacan culture.

Final Thoughts About Tlacolula Sunday Market in Oaxaca

Tlacolula Market is more than just a place to shop—it’s an experience. From the rich flavors of barbacoa to the intricate crafts made by local artisans, it’s a must-visit for anyone traveling through Oaxaca. Whether you’re here for the food, the history, or the cultural experience, this market won’t disappoint.