Tlayacapan - Church of San Juan Bautista

Approximately 10km/6mi further to the north of Oaxtepec lies Tlayacapan (Náhuatl: "in the first hills"; 1634 m (5363 ft)) situated in a particularly attractive hilly setting. The Church of San Juan Bautista with its Augustinian convent was one of the first to be founded by the order in this area, where the native Indians defended themselves particularly doggedly against the Spanish invaders.

Unusually the convent is on the south side and not, as was customary, on the north side of the church which stands at the end of the spacious atrium. It has a simple façade which is topped by an Espadaña with five oriel windows. A portico to the left of the church leads to the cloister, the Gothic arcades of which are of multi-coloured stone. The cloister is adjoined by the "Sala de Profundis" in which can be seen 16th c. frescos depicting scenes of the Way of the Cross and figures of saints. Within the refectory a small exhibition room has archaeological pieces, historical documents and mummies.