[2025 Santa Maria Atzompa Attraction] Travel Guide for Monte Alban (Updated Jul)

#timetotravel Monte Albán is a set of ruins located in Oaxaca Mexico and it's believed that the name of this place came because when the Spaniards arrive the mountain was full of white trees so they called it Monte alban. After some exploration they realize that they were a lot of ruins of an ancient city under the trees and they called the site by that name the place is beautiful there is a ticket to buy and it's not easy to get there but usually when you take a tour they will take you there and they will show you around there is a lot of history a lot of centuries all constructions also you can see some very interesting paintings and designs that are craved on the stones. #tripblazers

Leaving Mexico City, I arrived in another city—Oaxaca. The moment I set foot in Oaxaca, I fell in love with this colorful little town. Tourism here seems to be well-developed. While waiting for my luggage at the airport, I tried to book a ride-share service but couldn’t find any available cars. It turns out that the local area has a convenient “shared shuttle service.” You can buy tickets directly at the airport, with fares based on your destination zone. They’ll take you to your specified location, and it’s even cheaper than ride-hailing apps. Earlier, I had seen online posts about the atmospheric Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebrations, such as cemetery visits and concerts, which are held in Oaxaca. Although the festival period had already passed, the vibrant ribbons were still fluttering in the air, and Día de los Muertos figurine installations stood at almost every street corner in the old town. Strolling through the town during the day, you can still feel the lingering festive spirit. Monte Albán is one of Oaxaca’s key tourist attractions. It is a massive city ruin from the classical period of the Zapotec civilization in Mesoamerica. Both the historic center of Oaxaca and the Monte Albán archaeological site are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and are considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The name "Monte Albán" was given by the Spanish when they first arrived in Oaxaca, and the original name of the hill where the ancient city is located has been lost to history. Located on a hill 10 kilometers southwest of Oaxaca, Monte Albán was founded in the 5th century BCE and flourished around the 1st century CE. The current site covers an area of 4 square kilometers and includes terraces, dams, canals, pyramids, and artificial mounds, all carved and constructed on the hill. The central plaza features temples. Over the years, archaeologists have unearthed many valuable artifacts, some of which are displayed in a small exhibition hall at the entrance, while many others are housed in the National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City. Around 750 CE, after thriving for over a millennium, the Monte Albán complex was suddenly abandoned, and the reason remains a mystery. The tour guide explained that the people of that time believed in divine will and chose to establish their capital at Monte Albán, a central high point overlooking surrounding tribes. After centuries of prosperity, they gradually abandoned the city according to divine guidance. They believed that human life is cyclical, like the sun rising and setting each day. This cyclical view of life is perhaps what draws me so much to Inca culture. 🎈Monte Albán I joined a local tour group, which was decent. Most of the group members were from Europe or America. Be sure to specify an English-speaking tour; if you know Spanish, joining a Spanish-speaking group is even cheaper. 🎈For a day trip that includes Hierve el Agua, the itinerary often features a visit to a cenote where tourists can swim. Remember to bring swimwear, sunscreen, and a hat. The archaeological site has many mosquitoes, so it’s best to buy local mosquito repellents for better effectiveness. 🎈The day tour also includes a visit to traditional craft workshops. For Monte Albán, we visited a workshop for the colorful alebrijes (spirit animal figurines) often seen during Día de los Muertos, as well as a traditional textile workshop.

In the south of Mexico, there is a city that is gently caressed by time - Oaxaca. It is like an ancient book, with every page filled with stories, waiting for travelers to open it. The Monte Alban ruins are the beginning of the profound history of Oaxaca. This ancient Zapotec civilization center, surrounded by mountains, quietly tells of its past glory. When you step onto this land, huge pyramids and mysterious ball court ruins come into view. They have witnessed the changes of the world over thousands of years, and every stone carries the wisdom and beliefs of the ancients. When the afterglow of the setting sun shines on the ruins, the golden light outlines a sacred outline for it, as if one can hear the echoes of history, making people indulge in this dialogue across time and space. Oaxaca's central square is the vibrant heart of the city. Here, colors and passion are interwoven into a moving melody. The buildings around the square are colorful, with pink, yellow and blue walls setting off each other, like a fairy tale world. The street performer played the guitar and the cheerful melody floated in the air. Local residents and tourists stroll leisurely or sit in street cafes, enjoying fragrant coffee and special delicacies. The fountain in the square sparkled with crystal water under the sunlight, adding a bit of liveliness to the lively scene. The Church of Santo Domingo is undoubtedly the artistic pearl of Oaxaca. This Baroque-style building has a solemn exterior and extremely luxurious interior. Exquisite wood carvings, magnificent altars, every detail demonstrates the craftsmanship of the craftsmen. The sunlight shines through the stained glass windows onto the ground, forming colorful light and shadows, creating a mysterious and solemn atmosphere. Here, religion and art are perfectly integrated, allowing people to appreciate the beauty while feeling the shock of their souls. When you come to Oaxaca, you can't miss the bustling Sunday market. This is a paradise for food and handicrafts, with a dazzling array of stalls that are dizzying. The freshly baked tacos are fragrant, and the sauces of various flavors add a rich layer to them. Hand-woven blankets and colorful pottery, each one embodies the creativity and love of life of the local people. Walking through the market, feeling the rich atmosphere of life, it is a double feast for taste buds and vision. Oaxaca, this charming city, leaves indelible memories for every traveler who visits with its unique history, culture and enthusiasm.

Monte Albán was amazing! I Ruins are located on top of the hill, and the views were incredible. I could see the whole valley below me. I spent over four hours there, exploring every corner and imagining what life must have been like all those years ago. I went early to avoid crowds, which was perfect. The place felt so peaceful. I'm happy that I had my comfy hiking shoes on because there’s a lot of walking. Tip: sunscreen and a hat are a must because there not much shadow. It's better to bring water and some snack with you. #northamericatrip #oaxaca #mexico

Felt the majestic spectacle of the Aztec civilization🪨 It's like the cover of National Geographic magazine slapped on my face As the last character on the stage of ancient Mexican culture The Aztecs created the brilliant Aztec civilization Started the most prosperous period of the Aztec tribe Seeing one of the three ancient civilizations in America The past glory to the present ruins I can't help but sigh that humans are too insignificant in the face of historical changes