Crowning a flattened mountaintop 400 metres above the Oaxaca Valley, Monte Albán is one of Mesoamerica’s most remarkable cities. Founded around 500 BCE, it served as the capital of the Zapotec civilization for more than a thousand years.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site
Monte Albán was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1987, together with the historic centre of Oaxaca. Its terraces, pyramids and ball court were literally carved out of the mountain. For the official archaeological record, see the INAH site page.
What to see
- The Grand Plaza and its flanking platforms
- The enigmatic Danzantes carved stones
- Building J, an arrow-shaped observatory
- Tomb 7, famous for its Mixtec treasure
How to visit
The site sits just 20 minutes from the city. The easiest way is a guided day trip that pairs the ruins with nearby artisan villages — see our Monte Albán Ruins & Artisan Villages tour. Go early to beat the heat and the crowds.
