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Edificio de los Danzantes
This structure combines an early (Monte Albán I) building, which contained famous carvings known as Danzantes (Dancers), with a later structure that was…
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Monte Albán
The city from which the ancient Zapotecs once ruled Oaxaca's Valles Centrales, Monte Albán towers 400m above the valley floor from a hilltop a few kilometers west of Oaxaca. This is one of Mexico's most culturally rich archaeological sites, with the remains of temples, palaces, tall stepped platforms, an observatory and a ball court all arranged in orderly fashion, with wonderful 360-degree views over the city, valleys and distant mountains.
Monte Albán traces its roots to 500 BC and its 1300-year history is usually split into five archaeological phases. The city reached its apex between AD 300 and 700, but was abandoned long before the Spanish arrived in the 1520s.
While busy compared to other Oaxaca archaeological sites, Monte Albán avoids the tour bus circus of some of the better-known ruins around Mexico City and Cancún.
Explore Monte Albán
- EEdificio de los Danzantes
This structure combines an early (Monte Albán I) building, which contained famous carvings known as Danzantes (Dancers), with a later structure that was…
- PPlataforma Norte
The North Platform is almost as big as the Gran Plaza, and affords the best views. It was rebuilt several times over the centuries. The 12 column bases at…
- PPlataforma Sur
The 40m-high South Platform, with its wide staircase, is the tallest in Monte Albán and is great for a panorama of the plaza and the surrounding mountains…
- EEdificio J
Arrowhead-shaped Building J, constructed about 100 BC and riddled with tunnels and staircases (unfortunately you can’t go inside), stands at an angle of…
- EEdificio P
Building P was topped by a small pillared temple and was probably an observatory of some sort. The sun shines directly down into a small opening near the…
- JJuego de Pelota
The stone terraces of the deep Ball Court, constructed about 100 BC, were probably part of the playing area, not seats for spectators. It’s thought they…
- GGran Plaza
About 300m long and 200m wide, the Gran Plaza is the heart of Monte Albán. Some of its structures were temples; others were elite residential quarters…
Top attractions
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Monte Albán.
See
Edificio de los Danzantes
This structure combines an early (Monte Albán I) building, which contained famous carvings known as Danzantes (Dancers), with a later structure that was…
See
Plataforma Norte
The North Platform is almost as big as the Gran Plaza, and affords the best views. It was rebuilt several times over the centuries. The 12 column bases at…
See
Plataforma Sur
The 40m-high South Platform, with its wide staircase, is the tallest in Monte Albán and is great for a panorama of the plaza and the surrounding mountains…
See
Edificio J
Arrowhead-shaped Building J, constructed about 100 BC and riddled with tunnels and staircases (unfortunately you can’t go inside), stands at an angle of…
See
Edificio P
Building P was topped by a small pillared temple and was probably an observatory of some sort. The sun shines directly down into a small opening near the…
See
Juego de Pelota
The stone terraces of the deep Ball Court, constructed about 100 BC, were probably part of the playing area, not seats for spectators. It’s thought they…
See
Gran Plaza
About 300m long and 200m wide, the Gran Plaza is the heart of Monte Albán. Some of its structures were temples; others were elite residential quarters…
Guidebooks
Learn more about Monte Albán
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