
Ex-Convento de Cuilápam de Guerrero
A colossal, unfinished 16th-century convent in Oaxaca, blending Gothic and Neoclassical styles, steeped in history and legend.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere

Ex-Convento de Cuilápam de Guerrero
Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A colossal, unfinished 16th-century convent in Oaxaca, blending Gothic and Neoclassical styles, steeped in history and legend.
"Magnificent! This place is hauntingly beautiful. It’s such a calm and quiet place and ideal for reflection."

📸 Photographer's Paradise
The architecture and light create stunning photo ops. Visit during different times of day for varied shots.
🚶♀️ Easy Day Trip
Just 35 minutes from Oaxaca City, it's perfect for a half-day excursion.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Unfinished Grandeur
Main Structure
Marvel at the colossal, unfinished architecture, a blend of Gothic and Neoclassical styles, leaving visitors in awe of its scale and ambition.

Vicente Guerrero's Last Stand
Execution Site
Stand where Mexican independence hero Vicente Guerrero was executed, a poignant spot steeped in national history.

Architectural Details
Interior and Exterior
Explore the intricate details of the arches, columns, and remnants of rooms, offering a glimpse into 16th-century monastic life.

Archaeological Echoes
Adjacent Areas
Discover archaeological pieces and remnants of past life, including pottery and carvings, adding layers to the site's rich history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Getting There & Around
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Photographer's Paradise
The architecture and light create stunning photo ops. Visit during different times of day for varied shots.
🚶♀️ Easy Day Trip
Just 35 minutes from Oaxaca City, it's perfect for a half-day excursion.
💰 Affordable Entry
Admission is reasonably priced, offering great value for a historically rich site.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the expansive grounds.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Photographer's Paradise
The architecture and light create stunning photo ops. Visit during different times of day for varied shots.
🚶♀️ Easy Day Trip
Just 35 minutes from Oaxaca City, it's perfect for a half-day excursion.
💰 Affordable Entry
Admission is reasonably priced, offering great value for a historically rich site.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the expansive grounds.
👻 Embrace the Legends
Many believe the site has paranormal activity; nighttime visits are popular for ghost stories.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are captivated by the Ex-Convento's haunting beauty and well-preserved architecture, finding it a photographer's dream and an ideal spot for reflection. The historical significance, particularly its connection to Vicente Guerrero, adds a profound layer to the experience, making it a highly recommended day trip from Oaxaca City.
"The monastery is mesmerizing you immerse in the times when people lived here the architecture is also whale preserved the photograph you can take here are mind-blowing will come again soon if I can"
David Edmundo Ignacio Garcia
"Magnificent! This place is hauntingly beautiful. It’s such a calm and quiet place and ideal for reflection. A photographers dream in almost any light. It’s like $75 pesos per person and well worth it to see the interior. Bathrooms upstairs."
LS Sheldon
"It is amazing, just the architecture is beautiful and the fact that in that ex convento they shoot the second Mexican president and a few archaeological pieces do more interesting and rich the visit, it is very easy to arrive and come back in public transportation from Oaxaca city!"
Ariane Hernandez Garcia
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Ex-Convento de Cuilapam de Guerrero is conveniently located about 35 minutes from Oaxaca City. You can easily reach it via public transportation, such as local buses or colectivos, which are budget-friendly options. Many travelers also opt for taxis or ride-sharing services for a quicker journey. Guided tours from Oaxaca City often include transportation, making it a hassle-free experience.
Yes, traveling to Cuilapam de Guerrero by public transport from Oaxaca City is straightforward and commonly done by visitors. Local buses and colectivos frequently run this route, offering an authentic and economical way to reach the site.
Driving to the Ex-Convento is also an option, offering flexibility in your schedule. Parking is generally available near the site. This allows you to combine your visit with other nearby attractions at your own pace.
Absolutely! Many tour operators in Oaxaca City offer day trips that include the Ex-Convento de Cuilapam, often combined with other significant sites in the region. This is a great way to learn about the history and culture from a knowledgeable guide.
The travel time from Oaxaca City to the Ex-Convento de Cuilapam de Guerrero is approximately 35 minutes, depending on traffic conditions and your mode of transportation.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee for the Ex-Convento de Cuilapam is generally around 75 Mexican pesos per person, which is considered very reasonable for the historical significance and beauty of the site.
The Ex-Convento is typically open during daylight hours, allowing visitors to explore its grounds and structures. It's advisable to check the most current opening hours before your visit, especially if planning a late afternoon trip.
Advance booking for tickets is generally not required for the Ex-Convento de Cuilapam, as it's a historical site rather than a ticketed event. You can usually purchase your entry upon arrival.
While not explicitly stated in all sources, standard entry fees usually cover photography for personal use. Professional or commercial photography might require special permits or fees.
Yes, restrooms are available for visitors, typically located upstairs within the complex.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The Ex-Convento is most famously known as the site where Vicente Guerrero, a key figure in Mexican independence, was executed. This makes it a place of immense historical importance for Mexico.
The architecture is a striking blend of Gothic and Neoclassical styles, notable for its colossal scale and the fact that it was never fully completed. Its majestic arches and unfinished structure are captivating.
Yes, the Ex-Convento is surrounded by numerous legends, including tales of it being built by the devil or being a site of paranormal activity, especially during nighttime.
Inside, you can explore the remnants of rooms, see archaeological pieces like pottery and carvings, and even observe the old kitchen area. The execution site of Vicente Guerrero is also a significant point of interest.
The architecture is remarkably well-preserved, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the historical atmosphere. While some areas show signs of age, the overall structure is impressive.
📸 📸 Photography
The Ex-Convento is a photographer's dream in almost any light. Early morning or late afternoon offer beautiful golden hour light, while midday can provide dramatic shadows. The open-air nature of parts of the convent also makes it stunning under clear skies.
The majestic arches, the vast open spaces, and the historical remnants all offer excellent photographic opportunities. Exploring different angles, including from above with a drone, can provide unique perspectives.
Drones are often used to capture the scale and unique architecture of the Ex-Convento from above, as seen in some social media content. However, always check local regulations regarding drone usage in historical or protected areas.
Popular shots include wide-angle views of the unfinished structure, close-ups of architectural details, and capturing the historical atmosphere. The contrast between the ancient stone and the sky is also a common theme.
The dramatic architecture and historical ambiance make it a unique and atmospheric location for portraits, offering a backdrop that is both grand and evocative.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
👻 Legend & Paranormal Seekers
🏛️ History Buffs
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legend and History of the Unfinished Convent
Beyond its architectural marvel, the convent holds a significant place in Mexican history as the site where Vicente Guerrero, a pivotal leader in Mexico's fight for independence, was executed. Visitors can see the very spot where he met his end, adding a layer of solemn reflection to the visit. The presence of archaeological artifacts, including pottery and carvings, further enriches the experience, offering tangible connections to the past inhabitants and the site's long history.
Exploring the Ex-Convento is like stepping back in time. The vast, open spaces and the enduring stone structures evoke a sense of awe and contemplation. Whether you're drawn by the historical events, the architectural grandeur, or the local legends, the Ex-Convento de Cuilapam de Guerrero offers a profound and memorable experience.
Photography Opportunities at Ex-Convento de Cuilapam
Visitors often capture wide-angle shots showcasing the sheer scale of the convent, as well as detailed close-ups of the intricate stonework and remnants of past life. The historical significance, particularly the site of Vicente Guerrero's execution, adds a poignant element that can be conveyed through thoughtful photography. Many travelers also find the surrounding landscape and the clear Oaxacan skies to be excellent backdrops, making it a versatile location for various photographic styles, from architectural to portraiture.
For those looking to capture truly unique perspectives, aerial photography with drones has become popular, revealing the convent's layout and its integration with the surrounding environment. Regardless of your photographic skill level, the Ex-Convento provides endless opportunities to create stunning and memorable images that reflect its historical depth and architectural grandeur.
Local Culture and Traditions
The region's economy is primarily based on agriculture and livestock, reflecting a connection to the land that has sustained its communities for centuries. Beyond the convent and its historical significance, exploring Cuilapam offers a chance to witness the living culture of Oaxaca, where traditions are not just historical artifacts but are actively practiced and celebrated.
Visitors can also find local crafts and experience the warmth of Oaxacan hospitality, making a trip to Cuilapam de Guerrero a holistic cultural immersion. The town's connection to its past, from the colonial convent to its enduring traditions, makes it a compelling destination for those seeking a deeper understanding of Mexico's rich cultural tapestry.
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