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Archaeological site · Oaxaca, Oaxaca
Zona Arqueológica de Monte Albán
Ancient Zapotec capital on the flattened summit of a hill above the Oaxaca valley, a UNESCO heritage site, with the Great Plaza, pyramids, the ball court and the Danzantes' stones.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Zona Arqueológica de Monte Albán
Monte Albán is about 10 km from Oaxaca’s center, atop a hill that the Zapotecs flattened to build their capital, about 400 meters above the valley. It was founded around 500 BC and grew to host tens of thousands of inhabitants, dominating the central valleys for more than a thousand years. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1987, together with the city's historic center.
The center of the site is the Great Plaza, a rectangular space roughly 300 by 200 meters, surrounded by platforms, temples and stairways. At the northern and southern ends are the two largest platforms, from which you can see the entire plaza and the three arms of the valley. In the middle, Building J, shaped like the tip of an arrow, is suggested as a possible observatory.
Near the entrance are the Danzantes' slabs, stones with human figures in contorted positions, among the oldest sculptures in Oaxaca. The ball court has the I-shaped form typical of Mesoamerica. Several tombs have been found on the hill; Tomb 7 contained a treasure of gold, jade and rock crystal, now displayed in the Santo Domingo museum.
A small museum at the entrance shows artifacts from the site. Some platforms usually allow ascent via the side stairways.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
2 to 3 hours.
Best time
At opening, in the morning, when the light is soft and the heat is lower; the site has little shade. Confirm opening hours before you go.
How to get there
It is about 10 km from Oaxaca center, via the road that climbs the hill. There are vans leaving from the center, taxis and private cars, with parking at the entrance.
Tip
Bring a hat, water and sunscreen. Climb the southern platform for the widest view of the Great Plaza.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Zona Arqueológica de Monte Albán
Who built Monte Albán?
The Zapotecs, from around 500 BCE.
Can you climb the platforms at Monte Albán?
Some platforms often allow climbing via the side stairways; check locally.
Where is the Tomb 7 treasure?
In the Museum of Oaxacan Cultures, in the former Santo Domingo convent.