Cuilapam Convent (Ex Convento de Cuilápam)

The Basics

Comprising a church, chapel, cloisters, and convent set in a large complex, Cuilapam Convent can be visited independently from nearby Oaxaca City. However, most visitors stop briefly at the convent on history, architecture, and artisan tours of the Valles Centrales, many of which also visit Monte Albán and the town of San Bartolo Coyotepec. Some even include mezcal tastings and options range from half-day shared tours to full-day private excursions, meaning there’s something to suit most schedules.

Things to Know Before You Go

• A popular stop on tours of Oaxaca’s Valles Centrales region, Cuilapam will especially charm history and architecture enthusiasts.

• There is a small fee to enter the cloisters and it’s worth it to see the murals.

• Combining a trip to Monte Albán, Cuilapam, and Coyotepec is a good way to see more than you could independently in just one day.

• The Cuilapam Convent is accessible for wheelchair users and those with limited mobility.

How to Get There

Situated in the town of Cuilapam de Guerrero, 20.5 miles (33 kilometers) southwest of Oaxaca City, the Cuilapam Convent is easily accessible by private vehicle. However, most people choose to visit as part of a guided tour of the Valles Centrales with round-trip transportation included for added convenience.

When to Get There

There’s no bad time to visit the Cuilapam Convent which is accessible year-round; however, to see the surrounding town at its best, stop by in July when the residents pay homage to Santiago the Apostle. Expect to see traditional dances such as La Danza de los Jardineros and Comparsa de Viejitos, as well as parades, fireworks, rodeos, and more.

Oaxaca's Religious Sites

The Cuilapam Convent is striking in its own right, but there are plenty more historically, architecturally, and religiously significant buildings across the state of Oaxaca. The Metropolitan Cathedral—which flanks Oaxaca City’s zócalo (central square)—is one such example, while the 16th-century San Jerónimo Tlacochahuaya in nearby Tlacochahuaya is another.