Rustic Mexican Style Country Paradise

We have stayed in other properties up here because we like to be off in the country side. This property is perfectly remote. Everything in it is tasteful.

What a treat to stay in this home. The aesthetic and country life-style of the owners created an intimate and homey nest for our family. Lush vegetation all around, views over the valley, mountains, and many outside resting spots. The place is very peaceful (except when there are fiestas in the village below). But the fiestas, the music of bands, the odd tuba solo and the singing from below just added to the exceptional ambiance. With grandchildren, we found it necessary to rent a car as some destinations (including Oaxaca city) were beyond our taxi/bus prowess, but if ambitious, one could probably do without a car. We love the cultural richness and vibrant colour of Oaxaca and hope to visit again in the future.

El Barco was the perfect choice for my group of friends and I. There were 4 of us, we all fit comfortably and were able to have our own space and bathrooms. The Kitchen also came generously equipment with all of the basics from coffee and seasonings to bread and fruit. We were doing a lot of our own cooking, so that was a lovely surprise to arrive to.

Over all we couldn’t have picked a better spot. I would recommend El Barco to any type of traveler coming to the area. It would even be a perfect spot for a family with kids.

Located north of Oaxaca, this was the perfect place to stay to get away from the bustle of Oaxaca City. Nice views of mountains in the distance, two patios, well equipped kitchen, comfortable beds, plenty of hot water. About a 20-30 minute drive to the city depending on traffic. If you are visiting places south or east of Oaxaca, count on extra time to navigate around the city.

Stay at El Barco if you love silent mornings where you can watch the sun coming over the mountain to wake the beautiful Etla valley below (while eating the mangoes, bananas and papaya you bought from the women who grew them). Stay here if you want to hear nightjars serenading you to sleep and owls hooting in the night. Stay here if you want to buy homegrown organic greens and free range eggs from a farmer who arrives each Tuesday morning at the door. Stay here if you want a well-equipped Mexican- styled kitchen with lots of beautiful local pottery to serve your meals at the table formed from local wood. Stay here if you want to sip a cold Marguerita you have made from the limes you bought from a farmer in the Etla Wednesday market, while watching the sun set over the valley. Stay here if you want a property manager (Florencio) who will help you in every way he can. In short, stay here if you want a real home to come home to (or hang around in all day if you're feeling lazy) with two villages within an easy walk and to have a sense you're part of a community.

My husband and I stayed in January and February 2017 and found the house ideal for 2 - 4 people. There is a separate master bedroom cottage and another large bedroom for a couple in the house. In addition there are 2 single beds (one of which is up a steep spiral staircase). There are several terraces for outdoor meals or relaxing.

If you are interested in birding or hiking in the mountains there are excellent guides that can take you. Oaxaca has so many fabulous restaurants I won't bother to mention any by name. We tend to go exploring during the day and try out a restaurant then come "home" for dinner. If we were tired we stopped at one of the roast chicken stands on the road for an easy, tasty meal.

Whenever we come back to Oaxaca this will be our home base. Thank you Adele for sharing your beautiful home and artwork with us. We will return.