The second-most-important archaeological site in Oaxaca State (after Monte Albán), Mitla is in the upper end of the Tlacolula Valley. Where Monte Albán was the political center of the Zapotec civilization, Mitla was the religious center. Other worthy archaeological sites along Carretera 190, the newly resurfaced highway to Mitla, are Lambityeco and Yagul.
Carretera 190 is also the road to the great textile town of Teotitlán del Valle, where house after house is set up as a workshop where both men and women work on back-strap looms. Prices can be high, but the workmanship justifies it. Nearby Santa Ana del Valle has weavings at lower prices.
