The Archaeological Site of Monte Albán sits on a mountaintop in Santa Cruz Xoxocotlán, in the state of Oaxaca, Mexico. It is the site of an ancient Zapotec city, and it is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visitors come for the setting as much as the ruins: the site rises above the Oaxaca Valley, so the surrounding landscape is visible from almost every part of the grounds.
What you will see
The site preserves pyramids, tombs and ball courts. These remains date from roughly 500 BC to 800 AD, a long span that gives the place a sense of depth. Walking between the structures on the open, elevated ground lets you follow how the site was laid out and how it related to the valley below.
Planning your visit
- Location: Monte Albán, Santa Cruz Xoxocotlán, Oax., Mexico.
- Setting: an archaeological site on a mountaintop, with views over the Oaxaca Valley.
- What to expect: pyramids, tombs and ball courts from the Zapotec civilization.
- Contact: +52 951 516 1215.
Because the site is elevated and largely open, it suits visitors who enjoy walking outdoors and taking in a wide view. Checking the contact number before you travel is a sensible step, particularly if you are planning around specific times or conditions.
The city of Oaxaca lies in the valley below, so a visit to the ruins can be paired with time in the wider region. For many travellers, the combination of an ancient site and the valley around it is the main reason to make the journey.