What you Need to Know: Visiting Zapotec Pyramids in Oaxaca, Mexico
Oaxaca has an undisputed reputation for being one of the safest states in Mexico, home to delicious traditional dishes, and for its rich and diverse history. The state of Oaxaca is full of beauty and endless things to do and see, including visiting the ancient Zapotec ruins of Monte Alban. If you have always wanted to see a pyramid in person, now is your opportunity! After living in Oaxaca for over 3 years, I’m going to share with you my insider tips on seeing one of the most impressive archeological sites in Mexico.
Enjoying the view from atop one of the pyramids at the World Heritage UNESCO Site Monte Alban (Oaxaca, Mexico)
What is the Monte Alban archeological site?
Monte Alban, located in the state of Oaxaca Mexico, is located about a 20-minute drive outside of Oaxaca City. This World Heritage UNESCO site will take you on a trip back in time to when the Zapotec culture ruled. You might recognize this archeological site because it is pictured on the blue 20 peso note in Mexico.
Monte Alban was once the capital city of the ancient Zapotec Civilization. Here you can learn about Mexican history, human sacrifices, and early forms of agriculture and government - all while exploring these incredible ruins. Monte Alban is one of the few remaining sites in Mexico where it is still permitted to climb the pyramids. As many archeological sites have banned this behavior, it is unclear how much longer it will continue.
The Monte Alban archeological site as pictured on the 20 peso note in Mexican currency (Oaxaca, Mexico)
Visiting Monte Alban: What You Need to Know
Getting to Monte Alban is fairly straightforward and inexpensive. After about a short 20-minute bus ride up the mountains outside of the city, you will find yourself at this archeological site. The best part is, on the drive up to Monte Alban, you will be able to see all of Oaxaca City to truly appreciate its beauty. You will find a bathroom and restaurant at the entrance. The cost of entry is 85 pesos and entry is free to Mexican nationals on Sundays (like other archeological sites and museums). The archeological zone now closes early at 2:30pm, so be sure to arrive before 12pm to leave yourself enough time to explore.
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Two ancient hieroglyph stone carvings at Monte Alban, Oaxaca Mexico
Insider Tips for Exploring Monte Alban
Due to its proximity to Oaxaca City, a trip to Monte Alban can easily be a half-day trip. This leaves enough time to check off other items on your itinerary in the same day - for ideas check out my article on “Best Short Trip Itinerary on a Budget”.
Try to arrive at the archeological site in the morning when it opens. This will help avoid the crowds and mid-day Mexican heat (there is not a lot of shade at this site). I recommend visiting during the rainy season (July to October) because Monte Alban is much more beautiful when the grass is a lush green. As you can see from my pictures, I visited in the dry season when the grass was dry and yellow.
One thing I love about Monte Alban is that vendors are not permitted inside the archeological site, unlike other famous sites in Mexico (e.g., Chichen Itza in Yucatan and Teotihuacan outside of Mexico City). Once you get past the large groups of tour guides and vendors trying to sell you things, you can relax and peacefully take in the beauty of Monte Alban.
The Zapotec Ball Court at Monte Alban where the popular Olmec ball game was played (Oaxaca, Mexico)
Hopefully this guide helps you prepare for your trip to Oaxaca Mexico so you can make the most of your time while visiting this beautiful travel destination!
Stay tuned for more personal tales of past failures, current wisdom, and tons of travel tips to get you on your way to solo travel and the nomadic lifestyle!
If one of your travel goals is to sit atop a pyramid at least once in your life, you don’t want to skip a trip to the famous pyramids of Monte Alban in Oaxaca, Mexico.
Pin this to your travel board and refer back to it when planning your trip to the beautiful, sunny state of Oaxaca.
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