Top Things to do in Oaxaca
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9 Ancient Ruins in Oaxaca That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Oaxaca, Southern Mexico including Zona Arqueologica de Monte Alban, Yagul, Zona Arqueologica Bocana del Rio Copalita, Zona Arqueologica Bocana del Rio Copalita, Zona Arqueologica de Atzompa, Ex-Convento de San Pedro y San Pablo Teposcolula, Zona Arqueologica de Mitla, Dainzu, Oaxacatours.
Restaurants in Oaxaca
1. Zona Arqueologica de Monte Alban
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4,737 reviews
The ruins of this ancient Zapotec capital make up one of the most important archaeological sites in all of Latin America.
Reviewed By zantb003 - Sybertsville, United States
Great site!! Great prehispanic temples and observatory. It’s a part of Oaxaca, Zapotecs. I enjoyed it, of course, we’re into history and archeology. It’s impressive-grand.
2. Yagul
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 69 reviews
This peaceful archaeological site provides a more picturesque counterpart to its more popular sister site, Monte Alban.
Reviewed By CHMassachusetts - Cambridge, United States
This is a simply wonderful archaeological site in Oaxaca. In contrast to Monte Alban and Mitla, it is relatively under-visited. Thus, the site is all yours to explore. The guard gave us an excellent orientation. The highlights are the multiple courtyards, and the large ball court. Equally important are the walks to the periphal spots of the site, including the fortifications. The views are spectacular.
3. Zona Arqueologica Bocana del Rio Copalita
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 124 reviews
Reviewed By dickandjackie
This site was a 40 minute walk from Secrets. We loved everything about it. They have a very nice museum ( could have used a english translation). The walk thru the site was entirely in shade. Make sure you finish at the highest point overlooking the Ocean for great pics of Bocana Beach.
4. Zona Arqueologica Bocana del Rio Copalita
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 228 reviews
Reviewed By b2run - Huatulco, Mexico
Copalita is one of the smaller archeological sites in Latin America but is still worth seeing. There is a small museum with explanations in Spanish. The rest of the site is a walk around flagstone or dirt trails. The signs here are in English and Spanish. There are three uncovered structures and the rest of the park is walking along the trails looking at the flora and fauna and spectacular views. We saw coatis, iguanas, bats, turtles, and lots of birds. Almost all the paths are flat except for the one that goes up to the lookout. It costs 80 pesos person to get in. There are friendly guides in the park to explain things but the ones we met spoke only Spanish. The are independent English speaking guides by the front gate that will take you through for a fee.
5. Zona Arqueologica de Atzompa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 118 reviews
Reviewed By paneb - Redwood City, United States
If you are into archaeology don't miss this gem. We were the only people there (no ticket). Restored observation post for monitoring the valley road. Nice ceremonial center and ball court, noble's house and some industry emplacements.
6. Ex-Convento de San Pedro y San Pablo Teposcolula
7. Zona Arqueologica de Mitla
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 731 reviews
The Zapotecs inhabited this ancient city after they were forced out of Monte Alban.
Reviewed By preironic
We came here by colectivo from Oaxaca which was an adventure in itself. A wonderful shop lady explained where to catch it on the way back - not where we were dropped off. Mitla is a pleasant little town and it's not a very long walk from the center to the ruins. We stopped along the way at Casa Zapoteca to have a bite for brunch. The ruins, while not large like Monte Alban, have extensive well-preserved brick mosaics, some with traces of paint remaining. There are a couple of places you can climb down inside and if you climb the very high steps inside the last courtyard you will be rewarded with being able to visit rooms with recreated roofs and more brick mosaics. The site is well maintained with cactus gardens and places to sit. You might want to download a map and explanations before you go, because signage is scarce. We had some wonderful ice cream right outside the entrance and the stalls there were pleasant places to shop.
8. Dainzu
9. Oaxacatours
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 3 reviews
