UNESCO in Mexico: Monte Albán

Located just a few kilometers west of Oaxaca’s city center (also a UNESCO World Heritage Site) is the ancient Zapotec capital of Monte Albán. Situated on a mountain top overlooking the city and neighboring towns, Monte Albán, meaning White Mountain, was first occupied around 500 BC, reached it’s peak between 300 and 700 AD and was later abandoned around 950 AD. The archaeological site was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, and today all that remains are impressive ruins of pyramids, temples, plazas, and other residential structures.

From the World Heritage inscription:

Monte Albán is an outstanding example of a pre-Columbian ceremonial centre in the middle zone of present-day Mexico, which was subjected to influences from the north – first from Teotihuacan, later the Aztecs – and from the south, the Maya. With its pelota court, magnificent temples, tombs and bas-reliefs with hieroglyphic inscriptions, Monte Albán bears unique testimony to the successive civilizations occupying the region during the pre-Classic and Classic periods.

Oaxaca is one of Mexico’s top culinary and cultural destinations. From the city’s downtown area it’s easy to visit Monte Albán. Several tour operators arrange for round trip transportation to and from the site and buses depart every half hour. Travelers headed to Oaxaca from other parts of the country or abroad will be pleased to discover that there are several daily flights to and from Mexico City as well as daily international flights arriving from destinations throughout North America and Europe. Visitors arriving on international flights may have a layover in Mexico City. As always, you’ll have the best chance of finding a cheap flight if you plan ahead and book early.

Tagged as: archaeological site, Oaxaca, World Heritage Sites