Caves of Mitla - The Craddle of Corn
The Origin of Culture
Ruta: Del Maiz
Just east of Oaxaca, near Mitla, lies one of the places where the story of cultivated corn began. Hidden among cliffs and desert vegetation are pre-Hispanic caves that preserve some of the earliest evidence of maize domestication in Mesoamerica.
Our approximately two-hour hike leads through cactus landscapes to five cave entrances, several of them with prehistoric cave paintings. Protected by the communal lands of San Pablo Villa de Mitla, this landscape offers a glimpse into thousands of years of human connection with the land.
From there, we continue to Santiago Matatlán, often called the cradle of mezcal, where we visit a local family that still prepares Pulque, an ancestral drink made from the sweet sap of the agave.
After lunch in Mitla, we visit a traditional textile workshop and discover how ancient symbols continue to live in contemporary weaving. Many patterns are inspired by corn, cacao, and the geometric designs of Mitla.
A journey through caves, agave, and textiles — following the threads of Oaxaca’s rich cultural history from prehistoric times to the present.
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