Guiengola

Isthmus of Tehuantepec


This panoramic old hillside Zapotec stronghold was where King Cosijoeza fought off the Aztecs in 1496. It's 7km north of Hwy 190, from a turnoff just past Puente Las Tejas bridge 11km west of Tehuantepec. The last 2km to the ruins are a sweaty uphill walk through tropical woodland from the end of the unpaved approach road.

There may or may not be any staff in attendance: ask at Tehuantepec's tourist office before going and to check opening times after the 2017 earthquake.

The unrestored site includes the remains of two pyramids, a ball court, a 64-room palace-type complex, several tombs, a thick defensive wall and several caves.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Isthmus of Tehuantepec attractions

1. Market

6.41 MILES

Tehuantepec’s dim indoor market is open daily on the west side of the plaza, and spills out into surrounding streets.

2. Ex Convento Rey Cosijopí

6.45 MILES

This former Dominican monastery, built in the 16th century, houses Tehuantepec’s Casa de la Cultura, where arts and crafts workshops and activities are…

3. Lidxi Guendabiaani'

19.88 MILES

The fate of this old colonial house and the 16th-century San Vicente Ferrer church beside it were literally hanging in the balance at last visit. The…

4. Parque Benito Juárez

19.98 MILES

Parque Juárez is the city's always interesting central square. This is where the city's vendors moved after the market was destroyed in the 2017…