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Charming Casita in the Hills of Oaxaca

Photo gallery for Charming Casita in the Hills of Oaxaca

Outdoor living area
bedroom
kitchen
bathroom
new pool

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 260.4 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Pet-friendly
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

View map
San Pablo Etla, OAX
  • Place, Iglesia Santa Cruz Etla
    ‪20 min walk‬
  • Place, San Pablo Trailhead
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Place, Zócalo
    ‪28 min drive‬
  • Airport, Oaxaca Intl. (OAX)
    ‪41 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 2)

Bedroom 1

1 Double Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Charming Casita in the Hills of Oaxaca

Wake to the sound of birds in this adorable casita just 20 minutes from downtown Oaxaca. Nestled on the shoulders of the Sierra Norte above the valley of Oaxaca, this is the ideal destination for those wishing to take advantage of all the city has to offer while returning home to the quiet and clean air of San Pablo Etla, a traditional Zapotec village. The casita is accessible by public transportation. A car is recommended but not mandatory.

Decorated in a rustic Mexican style, the casita features the best of the indoor/outdoor style of living with a sheltered outdoor living room, private terrace and gardens with loads of comfortable places to relax. This area is known for its diversity of birds and hiking as well as mountain biking. We also offer a shared in-ground swimming pool with some of the best sunsets in Oaxaca.

Your hosts Adele and John will gladly assist you in making the most of your stay at La Casita del Barco. Our manager Florencio can help you to arrange visits to Oaxaca's famous archaeological sites, colorful native markets, and rich art and culture museums to name but a few. While you are here, you might also want to take advantage of the language and cooking schools, restaurants, and shopping that Oaxaca and its surrounding villages are known for. With a nearly perfect climate, averaging 73 degrees in the day with pleasantly cool evenings and low humidity, La Casita del Barco is the perfect place for the perfect getaway.

Reviews:
"We had a wonderful time! We loved the casita and we appreciated your family's hospitality. You were there when we needed you yet we felt as though this was our home as we had plenty of privacy. We couldn't have asked for a better stay. Even our dog had a great time!" —Karen and John from New Hampshire

"What a very beautiful place—each window frames such natural loveliness! I love especially, all the Mexican art and great books." —Susanna and Brian, California

"Thank you for the great views, advice, tips, and making us feel at home away from home. Milan had a great time in the pool, chasing the dogs, feeding the chickens, and he perfected his walking skills on the rocky floors! We're so glad we found you and the beautiful casita!" —Sarah, Tim and Milan, Connecticut




Keywords: Casita,retreat,country paradise, romantic getaway

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10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (12 reviews)
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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs and cats less than 9 kg per pet (limit 2 pets total)
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property

Frequently asked questions

Does Charming Casita in the Hills of Oaxaca have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

How much does it cost to stay at Charming Casita in the Hills of Oaxaca?

As of 7 April 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Charming Casita in the Hills of Oaxaca on 7 April 2026 start from NZ$158, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Is Charming Casita in the Hills of Oaxaca pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 9 kg per pet.

How much is parking at Charming Casita in the Hills of Oaxaca?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Charming Casita in the Hills of Oaxaca?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Charming Casita in the Hills of Oaxaca?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Charming Casita in the Hills of Oaxaca located?

Located in 3a Sección San Pablo Etla, this cottage is 1.2 mi (2 km) from Iglesia Santa Cruz Etla and 1.8 mi (2.9 km) from San Pablo Trailhead. Balneario Las Brisas and Oaxaca Institute of Technology are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 26 out of 29 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 29 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 29 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 29 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 29 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.4/10

Location

9.6/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Leroy M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful

We really enjoyed our stay it was excellent.
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Yaneli P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great stay in San Pablo Etla

My partner and I had a great stay at the casita. It’s a little away from the city but still creates a nice getaway to look forward spending some time in. Great accommodations and recommendations, would stay here again if opportunity arises.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

Emma O.

Warm casita

Comfortable, welcoming, fun property.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 6 March 2020
Thank you for staying with us! We're delighted you enjoyed the unique Mexican character of the casita with its art and crafts, private garden and comfort. We hope to see you again!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ann S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely spot

We very much enjoyed our stay up in the hills above Oaxaca. The casita was just as described, and we were able to fix all the meals we wanted to. A car is a necessity but that was fine for us. We had a great experience renting from the downtown Alamo office, by the way.
Stayed 14 nights in Jan 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nigel and Ann R.

Liked: Cleanliness, communication, location, listing accuracy

A beautiful little enclave of three+ homes

We enjoyed the country aspect of the property while being quite close to Oaxaca and the ruins. Thank you!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Muertos/birthday

Wonderful!
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2023
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Arianna B.

Beatiful and peaceful

Exactly as advertised. The location is beautiful and an excellent retreat away from busy Oaxaca. We stayed for a week. Definitely worth having a rental car to be able to get places (but I think that anywhere I go). The hosts and staff were all wonderful. There were food and flowers for us when we arrived! The pool was amazing. Great hiking trails.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2017
Response from VrboOwner on 6 March 2020
We're delighted you enjoyed your time with us and we hope to see you again in the future! Oaxaca has so much beauty, cuisine and culture to share that it requires multiple trips to enjoy it fully. And we hope El Barco will be in your plans as well! Thanks!
Archival

8/10 Good

Penny B.

sweet, but a bit remote

The casita was sweet and we did enjoy our stay. it was a bit farther from anything than we had expected - a 15 minute walk to get tortillas or some milk, and an hour an a half tuk-tuk and bus into Oaxaca City. Had hoped to be in a puebla, but instead found all our neighbors were gringos, mostly also short-term renters, though all quite nice and interesting folks. Even those with cars, which we would highly recommend, did not go out at night - the roads were just too bad, and the pot-holes too deep. The pool was lovely, the neighbors friendly and helpful, and there were lots of birds in the area.
Response from VrboOwner on 6 March 2020
We're glad you enjoyed the essence of what the casita offers: a getaway from the congestion of the city in a lovely area of the country. Yes, with public transportation it can take awhile to get to downtown. If frequent trips to the city are planned, a car IS recommended. If you are generally looking to read books, relax by the pool and take walks, a car is not necessary. As far as the roads, well, that is intrinsic to Mexico, especially this time of year. Thank you for your feedback!
Verified

4/10 Poor

Natalie B.

Liked: Cleanliness, communication
Disliked: Check-in, location, listing accuracy

Cute place but noise and management problems.

The casita was adorable (albeit off the beaten track). Neighborhood noises (roosters, barking dogs) awakened me shortly before dawn. The local manager (a neighbor) did not greet me or give me a key to the front door. Consequently, I had to figure out details on my own and not leave the casita because I couldn’t lock up.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 27 December 2023
I’m sorry to hear that you had a negative experience—the issues you highlighted have not been problems for any of our past guests, and we regret that you felt they impacted your stay. We do our best to ensure our guests feel at home: in your case, we also accommodated your need of previewing the casita before reserving and refunded a portion of your stay as a courtesy. As Premier Hosts, it’s very important to us that our guests have the best possible experience, and we believe that our reviews from more than 15 years of hosting reflect this.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jean H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful , sweet , comfortable well appointed two person Casita

Have already sent a review Loved it!
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jean H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful , sweet , comfortable well appointed two person Casita

This casita is on a compound of properties. Very quiet , great views It has with everything you need to cook in if you prefer but who wouldn't want to sample the food in the city!Every small space is tastefully decorated.I would recommend it highly and stay there again. It is filled with Mexican objects but not overdone.Very cheerful helpful staff.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Therese C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Tranquil & secluded

I really enjoyed my time here. Very private and quiet and easy to relax and get work done. The view from the pool area was divine. I liked that the compound was fully gated and fenced in.
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gabriella K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect mountain getaway

I was traveling around for a few weeks before I got to Adele’s casita and it was exactly what I needed. I stayed for 11 days and had my kitty with me and loved it. Everyone there was super helpful and really friendly was so nice for being a solo traveler.The mountains of Oaxaca are beautiful especially if you don’t want to be all up in the town center. I would definitely stay here again if I come back to Oaxaca city.
Stayed 13 nights in Jan 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 17 May 2022
Thank you Gabriella, We’re very happy the casita worked so well for you and your kitty! We do hope you come visit again! Best, Adele
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ariana S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing place with a great view

I loved my stay here, would absolutely recommend this place. I've been driving through Mexico for 6+ weeks, and this was my favorite place to stay so far. It's way bigger than I thought it'd be, and the private outdoor patio area is great. Views from the pool area are amazing. Florencio, the staff, and the long-term residents there are very nice and super helpful if you need anything at all. The laundry on-site was a big plus. And, they had my kitchen pre-stocked with essentials like fruit, yogurt, juice, etc. Highly recommend!
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 17 January 2022
Thanks so much for your enthusiastic review Ariana. We are glad you had a great stay. It Is I indeed a wonderful community away from all the bustling nature of downtown. We believe having some comforts when you arrive is an important part of your stay as well, from beginning to end. Best wishes on your travels and we hope to see you again!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Marcel D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nice place to unwind

We had 4 very nice days. The casita is beautiful. We were welkomed with fruits, veggies, eggs and drinks in the fridge. Very attentive! The pool is beautiful but the water is quite cold in the winter. But a dip is still refreshing. Only minor thing is that the bed is small. Other than that, no complaints.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 15 January 2022
So glad the casita was a stop on your travels Marcel, and that you enjoyed your stay. Yes, the pool can be chilly in the winter months but the views are always there to enjoy ;-) As for the bed, yes, we are working on how to accommodate a queen in the room. It is a tricky fit! Thanks very much for making the casita part of your Oaxaca experience and we hope to see you again in the future.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Drea W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Oaxaca oasis

We had such a nice stay at Adele’s wonderful casita. It was everything we could have asked for. Very clean and well kept, we were welcomed with fresh fruit and coffee to kickstart our morning. The pool felt like a luxury to lay next to each hot afternoon. Thank you, we shall return!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2020
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Mary S.

Lovely, Restful, Authentic.

Oaxaca is an incredible place. If you want tranquility in a beautiful setting not too far from the city this is ideal.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2017
Response from VrboOwner on 6 March 2020
Thanks very much! So glad you enjoyed your stay and that Oaxaca has captured your hearts. Hope to see you again soon!
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Vernon C.

Beautiful retreat from which to explore Oaxaca

The casita is a tasteful, comfortable space that served us very well. The open living room has an exquisite fireplace in the corner that, on the chill evenings, was a delight to dine beside and enjoy a quiet, romantic evening. The kitchen is "muy Mexicano", user friendly and fully equipped. A small but complete bathroom lies off the kitchen, filled with thoughtful touches of art and function. The bedroom (s) are comfortable and clean. We chose to occupy the "optional" extra bedroom with it's lovely view out over the valley and were able to hear owls at night and lovely song birds and doves during the day. The grounds of the complex are beautifully maintained and designed. The small community consists of 3 major dwellings along the ridge, with extensive views out over the valley. The swimming pool is shared and also of tasteful design. We were able to access the laundry room beside the casita, which was very useful indeed. Finally, we found the owner and managers to be friendly, supportive and highly responsive to any needs or cares that came up for us. Highly recommended.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Exceeded all expectations. Wonderful!

Our group of eight rented both the main house and casita at El Barco to celebrate my 50th birthday and Dia de los muertos. The place is magical! It is beautiful, charming, comfortable and nicely located beyond the urban reaches of downtown Oaxaca. Property manager Florencio was attentive and helpful in getting us settled-in and his wife, Sarai, prepared three wonderfully delicious meals for us during our stay. Initially we were concerned about transportation since El Barco is a few miles from Oaxaca. We opted not to rent a vehicle and have no regrets with that decision. We enlisted the services of Sebastian to shuttle our group all over the area and act as our de facto tour guide. We can't say enough good things about Sebastian! He bent over backwards for us and made our visit truly unforgettable! My only hesitation in writing this very positive review is that it may make it more difficult to book El Barco again in the future! Great place and wonderful people! Thank you!
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Surrounded by beauty

The two of us have just checked out of La Casita and have been dropped off back in town by Lupe, the excellent taxi driver recommended to us during our stay.  La Casita provided a lovely, countryside refuge after two weeks in Oaxaca City.   We enjoyed every minute of our time--cooking vegetables purchased at market in a lovely kitchen looking out on a small inner garden, eating in the warm outdoors surrounded by bird calls and fresh breezes, walking the mountain trails and the quiet roads into the villages, and meeting so many fascinating people who gave us the warmest of welcomes and made us feel immediately a part of a very vibrant community. Wherever we looked at La Casita we were surrounded by beauty--the house itself is filled with examples of the various arts of Oaxaca and surrounded by well-kept gardens; at the pool, views stretch out across the valley to the distant mountains; and then there's always the Oaxacan sky. If you do not have a car and are thinking of renting one, let me encourage you to think again. You are bound to enjoy being free of a vehicle. The walk to either of the nearby villages is very easy. There you will find good friendly greetings from the residents, very inexpensive internet service, stores to supply all your basic needs (including fresh fruits and vegetables), and plenty of mototaxis and taxis if you decide to go further than your own legs want to take you. Definitely plan to take a half day at least to visit San Augustin Etla, home of a paper factory and an extraordinary art gallery--extraordinary for both its architecture and the quality of exhibits it hosts.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Jamison J.

Fresh Air, 15 Minutes from Centro Historico

Our second stay at the Casita was more enjoyable than the first. We strolled the cobblestone streets of centro, searched the pueblos for handicrafts and hiked the hills close to the Casita. This is an amazing location. The outdoor living room is delightful with a chiminea fireplace. A warm and romantic setting for a cool evening. We enjoyed breakfasts on the terrace watching the birds and listening to the donkeys We enjoyed several afternoons at the beautifully designed pool. The views of the hills are sweeping. At sunset we enjoyed the company of neighbors Bill and Mary. Wonderful people. Our little cat also feels right at home on the hill at the Casita, We'll be back on our next trip to Oaxaca.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

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Refreshing "Re-treat"

The moment you arrive at this casita you are completely charmed. The driveway is sensitively landscaped with varieties of agave, cacti, echeveria and other succulents. Open the front door and another picturesque view unfolds onto a stone courtyard complete with fireplace, relaxing furniture and a step down to a sunny dining area. The bedroom, kitchen and bathroom appear as they do in the photos. However, it’s not until you are actually there that you realize everywhere in the casita is a feast for the eyes. Windows frame a verdant landscape while a bedroom screen door offers a glimpse of a mini-courtyard complete with gurgling fountain and hot-pink bougainvillea. Mexican art – pottery, elaborately embroidered cushions, basketry, glazed tiles — are authentic touches that attest to the cultural talent of this region. Fresh long stemmed calla lilies are on the outdoor table as well as kitchen table and bedroom console. An assortment of fresh fruit is offered in a bowl in the kitchen. Towels, for both the pool and bathroom, are plush and bed linens are of a very fine quality. An easy drive from the town of Oaxaca, this casita is a refreshing “re-treat” at the end of a busy day. The swimming pool is long enough to swim lengths and just glamorous enough to hold a mirror to the magnificent sunsets.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Jeremy D.

Relaxing stay at El Barco

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at El Barco. The decoration and colourful detail put into the place was so impressive to us that we spent half our time in Oaxaca trying to chase down the same decorations. The manager was really courteous and on the ball with all that we needed. He was superb. This place is a great find and we will definitely be back soon, Jeremy & Marisa
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Wonderful Place

We spent 6 nights in this enchanting house in the hills above Oaxaca over Christmas 2010. The place is beautifully and painstakingly designed and decorated with Mexican crafts and art. It is impeccably clean. The outdoor spaces are a pleasure to spend time in. Internet works fine. The only problem some people might have is the challenge of driving on the difficult roads. But it is also a wonderful adventure. And try to be in Oaxaca at Christmas time, especially for the Radish Festival on December 23 and the processions on December 24!
Archival

10/10 Excellent

A "Casita" in the True Sense of the Word

This "casita" has no need of grand spaces to make it an absolute paradise of a place in which to stay for a few nights or as long as a month. The accommodations, ambience, and genuine hospitality of the hosts all contribute to making this spot a pure delight. I would recommend this property to anyone especially if being away from the bustle of downtown Oaxaca appeals.

About the host

Hosted by Adele Hammond

Host profile image

Languages:

English, French, Spanish
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