• HOME
  • ABOUT
  • CONTACT
  • WORK WITH ME
  • COURSE
  • Nav Social Icons

  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • HOME
  • ABOUT
  • CONTACT
  • WORK WITH ME
  • COURSE
  • Mobile Menu Widgets

    Connect

    Search

Bucketlist Bri

Bucketlist Bri

Adventurous Slomad Travel

  • Start Here
  • Destinations
  • Bucket List
  • Digital Nomad
  • Slow Travel
  • Van Life

How to Visit Monte Albán Near Oaxaca City (Zapotec Ruins)

Last Updated: April 1, 2022 · Oaxaca

Share
Pin
Tweet
Share
Share
2 Shares

Overlooking the scenic Oaxaca Valley, the mountaintop Monte Albán archaeological site—once the capital city of the thriving Zapotec indigenous group of Mexico—is a testament to Oaxaca’s rich cultural heritage and beauty.

All who come to Oaxaca City cannot miss out on a half-day excursion to Monte Albán. Because of this, it is unlike many Mayan ruins across Mexico in style, significance, location, and design.

Monte Albán reigned for 1,300 years as the powerful capital of the Zapotecs. However, as you’ll come to discover, the Olmecs and Mixtecs were no strangers to Monte Albán. As such, the archaeological site of Monte Albán has transitioned through several phases and peoples in its 1,500-year-old existence.

In this guide, I’ll detail how you can visit Monte Albán from Oaxaca, whether self-guided or with a tour. Either way, visiting Monte Albán is pretty easy to do from the city.

Read more below to get a sneak peek of the Monte Albán ruins and learn how you can explore this ancient Zapotec capital overlooking the Oaxaca Valley and surrounding mountains!

Guide: Monte Albán in Oaxaca, Mexico

Overlooking the Main Plaza of Monte Albán in March

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links that may earn me a small commission should you decide to click through and make a valid purchase (at no extra cost to you). Thanks so much for your support!

Woman standing overlooking the Zapotec archaeological ruins of Monte Albán near Oaxaca Mexico.

Practical Essentials

⏰ Hours: 10am to 3:30pm

🚙 Directions: Located 20-minutes southwest of Centro Oaxaca on Carretera a Monte Albán.

🇲🇽 Guided Tours: Book on Viator (cheaper) or on GetYourGuide

🌞 Best Time to Visit: November-April for the best weather, but the grounds are greener after the rainy season from May-October.

🎒 What to Pack: a sunhat, plenty of water, high SPF sunscreen, and sunglasses — there is very little shade at Monte Albán and it gets hot!

⚠️ Notes: Due to the health crisis, only 400 visitors maximum are allowed each day. No drones allowed. The on-site museum is currently closed.

Admission Cost

Admission into the Monte Albán archaeological site costs $85.00 MX pesos per adult. Children under the age of 13 enter for free.

On Sundays, Mexican nationals and internationals living in Mexico get free admission—so don’t forget to bring your ID or residency card!

Entrance sign with "Monte Albán Zona Archaeologica" in Oaxaca
Sign of Monte Alban cost and hours

Getting to Monte Albán From Oaxaca

Monte Albán is actually very close to the city of Oaxaca, taking only 20 minutes to reach by car. It is about 4.5 miles or 7km from the Zocalo. Here’s how you can get to Monte Albán by bus or taxi.

  • Bus: The cheapest way to get to Monte Albán, with the teal-green city buses costing only $0.08 pesos per person one-way. You can grab these as they pass by the main square (Zocalo).
  • Taxi: Taxis are the most convenient yet most expensive option to reach Monte Albán. On the Didi app, one-way journeys will set you back nearly $200 MX pesos (around $10 USD). On the way there, we paid $150 by asking a random taxi passing by our street (we live outside the city center, though). On the way back from the ruins, we paid only $100 pesos (but I think we got lucky with a really honest man).
  • Group Trip: If you book a half-day tour of Monte Albán online, then your round-trip transportation from your hotel in Oaxaca will be included in the cost.

Can you walk or hike to Monte Albán?

A lot of people wonder if you can hike or walk to Monte Albán, with it being only 4.5 miles away. (We were seriously contemplating this ourselves.)

While the road to get there is pretty straightforward, it does cross a busy intersection and then winds aggressively up and around the mountain. There is little shade the whole way and it’s not a very pleasant or scenic walk from what I could tell.

I was glad to have not expended all my energy just getting there via walking/hiking because it already takes 2–3 hours to visit the ruins on foot, in the sun, which is tiring enough as it is.

Monte Alban pyramids
Edificios H & I
Tree and Zapotec ruins on the Monte Alban archaeological site in Oaxaca

Getting Back to Oaxaca From Monte Alban

Unless you came to Monte Albán with a tour, you’ll need to get back to the city center by either bus or taxi.

Taxis on the Didi app are not likely to come from town to pick you up out here, so you’ll need to rely on negotiating in person with one of the few taxis on standby in the parking lot waiting for tourists who need a ride back into town.

That said, the first (actually, the only) taxi guy available quoted us $200 pesos. Since we had paid $150 on the way there, we didn’t want to overpay and kindly declined. So we waited for the bus instead which is supposed to come every 15 minutes.

But right before it arrived, another taxi pulled into the parking lot and dropped off a family. I had Paul quickly go over to ask, and the driver initially offered only $100 pesos. Moral of the story? Patience pays off!

Where to Stay Near Monte Alban

All of the best places to stay fall in the heart of Oaxaca, just about 4 miles from Monte Albán.

  • Selina Oaxaca (Budget): the usual clean, bohemian-style rooms you’d find at Selina!
  • Hostal de Las Américas (Budget): simple, modern private/dorm rooms with breakfast included.
  • Pug Seal Oaxaca (Luxe): for vacationers looking for luxurious comfort in the heart of downtown (breakfast also included).

If you are a digital nomad or solo traveler, both Selina and Hostal de Las Amércias are fabulous options.

Courtesy of Selina Oaxaca

What to Wear to Monte Alban

Make sure you wear a sun hat, sunglasses, and breathable clothing that covers your shoulders when visiting Monte Alban.

Apart from a few trees, the Monte Albán archaeological complex is wide open and in full sun all day. It is easy to overheat quickly so pack and drink plenty of water. You will be exposed for around 2–3 hours and the Mexican sun does not play jokes.

Do not make the same rookie mistake I did when you visit Monte Alban. While I did wear loose, breathable clothing (a romper), it had thin spaghetti straps and I didn’t bring a hat. Meaning, I was frying. Thankfully, I had cloaked myself with a high SPF sunscreen before leaving (however, it almost wasn’t enough and I did start to burn).

So pack the essentials, including your reusable water bottle, and store it all in a cute day backpack.

Girl wearing hat at the Zapotec ruins in Oaxaca
Reading the signs at Monte Alban with sun hieroglyph
Paul kindly let me wear his cap because my forehead was burning, lol 🥹

Monte Albán Tours

There are three ways you can experience Monte Albán:

  • A self-guided tour
  • Guided day trip you book online
  • Hiring a local certified guide at the entrance of the archaeological zone
Man reading a sign of the sunken patio at Monte Alban Zapotec capital in Oaxaca
El Patio Hundido, “The Sunken Court”

Self-Guided Tour

Can you visit Monte Albán without a guided tour? Of course! This is what Paul and I ended up doing, but there are pros and cons to visiting on your own.

Pros

It’s cheaper, obviously, and you have the flexibility to roam as you please; taking photos and wandering the site at your own pace.

Cons

We had read prior to our visit that there are several signposts in both Spanish and English in front of each pyramid or structure. And while that is the case, the descriptions describe nothing more than the architectural design—stuccoed walls, carved stones, a “40 meter-wide stairway leads to a patio and two pyramidal platforms.”

The most interesting part of any archaeological zone, at least for us, is the stories behind it; the hidden meanings—this is what guided tours or a certified local guide can offer.

Man reading sign in front of Zapotec pyramid at Monte Albán in Oaxaca
El Patio Hundido in Monte Alban

Guided Day Trips

There are plenty of half-day tours and even full-day excursions available on Viator or GetYourGuide that you can book in advance.

These tours include roundtrip air-conditioned transportation from Oaxaca, your admission fee, and a bilingual guide who will lead you around Monte Albán for 2.5 hours. While you are not required to tip, it is often suggested.

Top Tours:

  • Half-Day Monte Albán (Viator): This tour is the best-rated and most affordable option for visiting Monte Alban with a tour. You will be taken care of by the company Turismo el Convento de Oaxaca. Trip rating 4.5/5 stars with 94 reviews. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance.
  • Full-Day Monte Albán + Villages Tour (GetYourGuide): On this full-day tour, not only do you visit Monte Alban but you also visit art and crafts workshops in the small towns of Arrazola, Culiapan de Guerrero, and San Bartolo Coyotepec.
Hieroglyphs at Zapotec Monte Albán in oaxaca

Hiring A Certified Guide

If you don’t want to book a tour in advance but end up changing your mind once you arrive, don’t worry. There are certified guides available near the ticket office at the entrance of the archaeological site who can give you a tour.

We opted out of this option, but prices seem to range around $75+ pesos per person or $250 for a small group. This does not include transportation or your admission fee—you only pay for the guide itself (plus a tip).

So, when all is said and done, the question remains:

Do you need a guide for Monte Alban?

Not technically, but I would highly suggest it if you wish to learn about the history and significance of this complex and put meaning to what you’re seeing in front of you. Just note that whether with a guide or without one, it will take around 2–3 hours to visit Monte Albán.

You can read more below for an overview of Monte Albán’s history, phases, and pyramids.

The main plaza with ancient temples and pyramids at Monte Albán archaeological zone

A Brief History of Monte Albán

Monte Albán was once a thriving capital city with, at one point, over 35,000 inhabitants. It was founded and ruled by the Zapotecs from around 500 BC to 800 AD — a span of 1,300 years. As such, Monte Albán was one of the most important cities in Mesoamerica.

There are at least five phases of the development of Monte Albán which have been traced from the Early Classic to Postclassic periods and are represented by the ruins of its ball game court, complex temple structures, tombs, and hieroglyphic inscriptions.

Obelisk statue from Monte Alban Zapotec ruins
Girl standing atop a pyramid in Monte Alban
Sign with stairs of Northern Platform in Monte Alban
Ancient stelae atop mound in Monte Alban ruins

It is said that its numerous tombs, canals, dams, pyramids, etc, were quite literally carved out of the mountain and symbolize sacred topography.

Ultimately, Monte Albán underwent many structural changes including politically, economically, and environmentally. While it was the Zapotecs who dominated the region for centuries, eventually, influence from other indigenous groups—the Olmecs, Mixtecs, Aztecs, Teohuiticans, and Mayas—slowly transformed Monte Albán.

UNESCO, together with the Historic Center of Oaxaca City, declared Monte Albán a World Heritage Site on December 11, 1987.

Sources: UNESCO and INAH Mexico

Monte Albán Pyramids & Structures

South Platform and pyramid with climbable stairs at Monte Alban Oaxaca
South Platform
Pyramid at Monte Alban in Oaxaca with lone shady tree
Edificio III on top of Platforma Sur
map of Monte Albán by INAH Mexico
Source: INAH

The archaeological zone and protected area of Monte Albán are much larger than you’d imagine — it spans about 8.5 square miles (hence why it takes 2–3 hours just to walk around!).

So what can you see in Monte Albán?

  • North Platform Pyramid
  • Gran Plaza (Main Plaza)
  • Building “J” / Astronomical Observatory
  • South Platform Pyramid
  • Los Danzantes carved stones
  • Sunken Plaza
  • Obelisks/Stelae
  • El Palacio
  • Ballcourt
  • Tombs, Altars, Water Wells

While there are many ceremonial temples and complex structures in ruin at Monte Albán, the main crowd-pleasers are the North and South Platforms overlooking the Main Plaza and the Danzante Gallery.

Can you climb the pyramids at Monte Albán?

Yes, but we only saw people climbing the stairs to the South Platform. You can also climb and explore within/on the Sunken Court and also on the North Platform but the central stairs are blocked off.

Ancient pyramid with carved stones "Los Danzantes de Monte Albán"
Los Danzantes Gallery of Monte Albán archaeological site in Oaxaca City
Los Danzantes Gallery, “The Dancers”

When you enter the archaeological zone, you’ll most likely approach the left/backside of the North Platform.

From here, the best way to explore Monte Albán on your own is by visiting the structures clockwise. Stick to the eastern temples, tombs, and elite residences in ruin, then climb up the Southern Platform, and return back to visit the central and western temples. You can also do it counterclockwise if you wish!

Here is another map of Monte Albán to help orient where you can find these buildings.

map of Monte Alban archaeological zone in Oaxaca Mexico
Source: The History Hub

Once you’re finished visiting the ruins, you’ll have more time to explore and learn about the area inside the museum. Visitors can also use the bathrooms and stop for a coffee or lunch at the on-site cafe.

Zapotec ruins and pyramid of Monte Albán overlooking the Oaxaca Valley
Monte Albán overlooking the Oaxaca Valley
The Main Plaza of Monte Albán Archaeological Site in Oaxaca, Mexico
Ancient ruined ball court at the Monte Albán archaeological site in Mexico
Mesoamerican Ballcourt

Is Monte Albán on Your Bucket List?

I have been fortunate enough to see various pre-Columbian archaeological sites across Mexico, Guatemala, and Colombia. But I think Monte Albán has become one of my favorite ruins, along with the Calakmul ruins in Campeche, Mexico.

Whether you are in Oaxaca for a couple of days, weeks, or months, make sure to take advantage of this archaeological gem. It will transport you back in time.

If you have any more questions about visiting Monte Albán, feel free to drop a comment below! If this guide helped plan your trip, please pass it on to friends and family!

📌 Pin this ultimate guide to Monte Albán on Pinterest

By: Bri · In: Oaxaca

you’ll also love

Woman posing in front of the Tree of Tule in MexicoTree of Tule in Oaxaca, Mexico: How to Visit the Widest Tree in the World
Best Mezcal Tours in Oaxaca to Learn About & Taste Artisanal Mezcal
Plant-filled corner with chair and mustard yellow painted wall at a café in Oaxaca City.8 Best Coffee Shops & Cafes (With Wifi) in Oaxaca City

Join the List

Stay up to date with the latest adventures and travel guides.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Tomas says

    April 1, 2022 at 7:29 pm

    Im in Oaxaca right now, your guide is super helpful! Will check it out tomorrow, I just bookmarked this page 🙂 Thanks for the great info!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Next Post >

How to Spend the Perfect 2 Days in Lisbon

Primary Sidebar

hello!

I’m Bri, an adventurous digital nomad living abroad full-time since 2015. It is my hope to inspire you to live a life of adventure, seek out meaningful experiences, and travel slowly and mindfully!

About Me

Connect

join the list

Featured Posts

best travel blogger camera lens sony a7ii

Lessons From My First Year of Travel Blogging

Girl overlooking San Pedro volcano and Lake Atitlan towns

10 Amazing Towns to Visit Around Lake Atitlán, Guatemala

hidden beach riviera nayarit

9 Ways to Promote Sustainable Tourism for a Greener Future

QUICK LINKS

  • HOME
  • ABOUT
  • CONTACT
  • WORK WITH ME
  • COURSE

Search

Follow Our Adventures

@bucketlistbri

National Park Week has got me feelin’ a serious National Park Week has got me feelin’ a serious case of nostalgia for our 2-week Southwest USA road trip! 🏜

The NP’s we visited on this trip:

📍Arches National Park
📍Canyonlands National Park
📍Zion National Park
📍Bryce Canyon National Park
📍Grand Canyon National Park (North & South Rims)
📍Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

+ Valley of Fire State Park, Red Rock State Park, & Monument Valley Navajo Park!

Head to my blog bucketlistbri.com for the full 2-week itinerary plus detailed guides & itineraries to each NP!*

*except for BCotG

.
.
.

#nationalparkweek #utahrocks #zion #bryce #southwestusa #roadtripusa #desertvibes #archesnationalpark #moab #canyonlands #roadtripamerica #grandcanyonnationalpark
"From Santa Catarina Palopó" 💜 I saw her gigg "From Santa Catarina Palopó" 💜

I saw her giggling and chatting with a friend from across the street and, despite my shyness, waltzed over to ask if I could take her photo. 

She was simply radiating sitting there; an amateur portrait photographer's dream. Except I don't even own a portrait lens and this was only the second time ever in my life that I whisked up the courage to ask for something that feels so... intimate. 

But without hesitation, she gazed into my lens and pierced my heart. It was like being drawn to a joyous light that I just couldn't resist. So I dared to ask. 

As soon as she said yes, I hurriedly clicked a few shots; rushing so as to not waste her time. After showing her portraits to her, she gave me a big nod and said softly, "de Santa Catarina Palopó" with immense pride.

I think her sweet smile & kind eyes speak for themselves... ✨ 

You can read more about the indigenous Kaqchikel Maya and the colorfully painted town of Santa Catarina Palopó, Guatemala on my blog @bucketlistbri 💜
10 years together 💛😱 It’s not our annive 10 years together 💛😱 

It’s not our anniversary (it was technically last month, depending on who you ask) and we're not even celebrating Valentine's Day today, but...

I just wanted to remind the internet that I have a pretty badass partner (& not to mention the best cat dad) who puts up with both my silly madness and my need to live around the world in pursuit of adventure. 

If I have any advice for love and long-term relationships, it's this:

Keep choosing each other;
again, and again, and again,
over everything else, no matter what you go through. 

❤️❤️❤️

Can you guess which one of us first "friend-requested" the other all those years ago? 😉

#internationalcouple #ourlove #travelcouplegoals #10yearstogether #digitalnomadcouple #adventuretogether
On every adventure, I’ve thought of you. I am On every adventure, I’ve thought of you. 

I am the granddaughter of a guiding light, a woman so lovely and gentle and spiritual and strong that she attracted to her all walks of life. 

I was the butterfly enamored by her glow. The ship lost at sea that found safety at her shores. 

On every adventure, I’ll think of you. On every adventure, you’ll be with me. 

🦋 ✨
Add this hike to your Caribbean bucket list! ☀️ 

Guadeloupe is rich in breathtaking, diverse landscapes — La Pointe des Châteaux is no exception! Magnificent rocky pillars jut out of the ocean & create a magnificent view that’s best experienced at sunrise from atop Morne Pavillon, the hill marked by the large cross on its summit.

TIPS FOR VISITING:

🚗 Like everywhere in Gwada, you'll need a rental! Parking is free.
☀️ Sunrise and sunset are around 6am and 6pm
🥾 The hike itself only takes 15-20 minutes and is easy!
🦀 Watch for wildlife and other critters (this is a protected heritage site!)
🌊 Plenty of beaches are nearby, including a nude beach and a private beach with cool wave splashing action called "La Douche" (meaning shower 🚿) 

Read more about this epic spot + other must-see places in Guadeloupe on the blog @bucketlistbri 🌴

.
.
.
#guadeloupeislands #caribbeanisland #pointedeschateaux #wanderlusttravel #caribbeanlife #caribbeanvibes #gwada #hikingtheworld #islandphotography #travelaesthetic
I'M READY FOR YA, 2022 ✌️ HERE'S WHY: ✍️ I'M READY FOR YA, 2022 ✌️ HERE'S WHY:

✍️ 2022 is going to be the year I become a published author. 

💛  It's the year I celebrate 10 years of love & adventure with my best friend. 

💻  It's the year I register my LLC and level up my business. 

🌎  It's the year I hit my bucket list of "slow living in 10 countries" as a nomad and the year I travel and discover even more destinations. 

And some folks will think (do think), "overnight success." But the reality is (as my sweet friend @redwhiteadventures reminded me), it's been about putting one foot in front of the other -- just like on a hike up a mountain (or in this case, to the cliffsides overlooking the Caribbean and Atlantic!). 

2022 is going to be the view from the top!! (Sure, I may get there, and see another summit I want to climb. But I'm so ready for the challenge(s), the journey, & the adventure!) ⛰ 

What are you excited about in 2022?! 

📍Hell's Gate / Porte d'Enfer, Guadeloupe (click the link in my bio to read about this hike!)
Follow My Adventures

Footer

On the Blog

  • Start Here
  • Destinations
  • Bucket List
  • Digital Nomad
  • Slow Travel
  • Van Life

Info

  • Work With Me
  • My Course
  • Shop
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy

adventures await x

Copyright © 2022 · Bucketlist Bri | All Rights Reserved