Oaxaca is famous in Mexico for its colonial architecture, indigenous markets and handicraft villages. But one of the highlights was the trip to the archaeological site of Monte Albán - a magnificent Zapotec city carved into a mountaintop.

Getting to Monte Albán from Oaxaca

We set off early - but not too early - to find the best way to reach the massive ruins of Monte Albán. We strolled through the Zócalo (main square) and found a cheap round-trip bus. We bought a return ticket for 70 pesos ($4 USD) per person. By 11:00 AM, we were on the bus with a few fellow passengers heading southwest.

The grand pre-Columbian archaeological site of Monte Albán was built into a mountaintop 10 kilometers southwest of the city of Oaxaca de Juárez, at an elevation of about 400 meters above the valley floor. We arrived shortly and were given three hours to explore the site - plenty of time to wander this incredible ancient city.

The Zapotec Capital of Monte Albán

Occupied from the 8th century BC, the site was a center of Zapotec culture from about the 1st century BC to the 8th century AD, after which it was occupied by the Mixtecs until the Spanish conquest in the 16th century. At its peak, Monte Albán had a population of around 25,000 people, making it one of the most important cities in Mesoamerica.

The ruins were majestic. For 2 hours we explored the terraces, dams, canals, pyramids and artificial mounds which were literally carved out of the mountain. The engineering feat is astounding - creating a massive flat plaza on a mountaintop, surrounded by pyramids and temples.

Exploring the Great Plaza

The Gran Plaza (Great Plaza) is the heart of Monte Albán, a massive artificially leveled terrace stretching 300 meters long by 200 meters wide. Around this central plaza stand numerous structures:

• The North Platform - A massive complex with sunken patios and stairways
• The Ball Court - Where the ancient Mesoamerican ball game was played
• Building of the Danzantes - Featuring carved stone slabs with enigmatic figures
• The South Platform - Offering spectacular views across the valley
• System IV - The tallest pyramid structure at the site

The views from the pyramids were spectacular - you could see the entire valley of Oaxaca spread below, and appreciate the strategic importance of this mountaintop location. The Zapotecs chose this site not just for defense, but for its commanding position over the three valleys that converge near modern Oaxaca.

Santo Domingo Church and a Mexican Wedding

Back from the pyramids, we wandered through Oaxaca, home to many impressive churches. The most stunning was Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán, a magnificent baroque church completed in 1608. The interior is covered in elaborate gold leaf decorations and intricate stucco work.

We were lucky enough to find ourselves in the middle of a crazy wedding celebration! Mexican weddings are vibrant affairs with music, dancing, colorful decorations, and the whole community joining in the festivities. It was a wonderful glimpse into local culture and traditions.

Our Monte Albán Experience

Monte Albán is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and absolutely deserves the recognition. The combination of impressive archaeological remains, stunning mountain setting, and the incredible engineering achievement of creating a city on a mountaintop makes it one of Mexico's most remarkable ancient sites.

Unlike some more crowded archaeological sites, Monte Albán felt spacious and peaceful. You can climb most of the structures and really get a sense of the scale and grandeur of this ancient Zapotec capital.

Have you visited Monte Albán? Did you take the bus from Oaxaca's Zócalo or go on a tour? Were you able to climb the pyramids? Did you also visit other ruins in Oaxaca state like Mitla? What did you think of Oaxaca city - the churches, markets, and food? Share your experiences in the comments below!

Monte Albán is an absolute must-visit when in Oaxaca. The mountaintop setting, well-preserved ruins, and the sheer scale of the Zapotec engineering achievement make it one of Mexico's most impressive archaeological sites. Combined with the colonial beauty of Oaxaca city, it's a perfect day exploring ancient and colonial Mexican history!