San Bartolo Coyotepec

Visitors looking for the perfect Oaxaca souvenir can find a unique reminder in the municipality of San Bartolo Coyotepec, located about 15 kilometers south of Oaxaca. Known for its black clay pottery, its quiet streets are lined with shops, galleries and studios selling this regional pottery that has been a part of Oaxacan tradition for hundreds of years.
Visitors can check out the work of local artisans, which ranges from old school matte finish pottery to shiny and black, then head to Museo Estatal de Arte Popular de Oaxaca, where a large collection of this state treasure is on display. Afterwards, stop by the newly opened Baseball Academy, where a massive mural of barro negro (black pottery) is painted.

Practical Info

Travelers can find the widest variety of handmade pottery at the Mercado Artesanal. The most traditional pots are large jar meant for holding liquid and a container in the shape of a monkey used to hold the strong local liquor known as mazcal.