About This Experience

Monte Albán is one of the earliest cities of Mesoamerica, founded around 500 BC by the Zapotec civilisation on a levelled mountaintop overlooking the Oaxaca Valley. For over a thousand years it served as the political and ceremonial capital of the Zapotecs. The site, a UNESCO World Heritage site, features grand plazas, pyramids, tombs, and carved stone reliefs — all set against a breathtaking panorama of the surrounding mountains and valley.

What to Expect

The main plaza is an enormous flattened hilltop ringed by pyramids, platforms, and a ball court. The Danzantes Gallery displays carved stone slabs depicting human figures — some of the oldest monuments in Mesoamerica. From the North Platform, the views stretch across the entire Oaxaca Valley. The on-site museum houses artefacts from the elaborate tombs discovered at the site, including gold jewellery and jade ornaments.

Practical Tips

• Monte Albán is only 9 kilometres from the centre of Oaxaca — about 20 minutes by taxi
• Arrive early to explore before the midday heat
• The site is at altitude (1,940 metres) — the sun is strong, so bring protection
• Wear comfortable walking shoes — the site is large and the terrain uneven
• Allow 2–3 hours for a thorough visit including the museum
• Guided tours provide valuable context on the Zapotec history and astronomy