If you are looking for the place where the beautiful, bright copal-wood alebrijes, or animal figures, that you see in Oaxaca come from, then put San Martín Tilcajete on the top of your list. This small village is located about 1km west of Hwy 175 and 24km south of Oaxaca. The best part about being here is that, unlike in the markets at Oaxaca, you can see and buy the carvings straight from the makers’ houses! Just look out for the signs ‘Artesanias de Madera’ outside the houses. The village only has a population of about 1,800, so finding one shouldn't be difficult.