Monte Albán — Zapotec Capital★★★
Täglich 8:00–17:00 Uhr
85 MXN (ca. 4,50€)
Monte Albán is one of the most significant archaeological sites in Mesoamerica and a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1987. The former capital of the Zapotecs sits atop an artificially flattened mountain peak (1,940 m) above the Oaxaca Valley — a strategic and spiritual masterpiece.
At its peak (200–700 AD), the city had 35,000 inhabitants and controlled the entire valley. The Zapotecs invented one of the earliest writing systems in Mesoamerica and a 260-day ritual calendar.
Highlights
- Gran Plaza: The monumental main square (300×200 m) on the mountain peak, surrounded by pyramids and temples. The panoramic view over the valley is breathtaking.
- Los Danzantes (The Dancers): Mysterious stone reliefs (500 BC) with distorted human figures — now believed to depict war captives or medical illustrations.
- Tomb No. 7: The finds (gold, jade, turquoise, crystal) are displayed in the Museo de las Culturas in Oaxaca City — one of the richest tomb finds in Mesoamerica.
- Observatory: An arrow-shaped building believed to have served as an astronomical observatory.
💡 Tipp
Monte Albán is only 9 km from Oaxaca City. At 8 AM, you have the site almost to yourself — tourist buses don't arrive until after 10 AM. Colectivos depart from the Periférico market.
