Best Archaeological Places to Visit in Oaxaca
If you’re looking for an interesting destination to visit that is rich in history and culture, look no further than Oaxaca. This Mexican state is home to some of the most important archaeological sites in the country. Here we will take a look at some of the most popular ones, what makes them so fascinating, and why Oaxaca is considered the best place in Mexico to visit these sites. We’ll also provide some tips on what to do when you’re there.
Monte Alban
The first site on our list is Monte Alban. This ancient city was once the capital of the Zapotec civilization was built around 500 BC. It is one of the most well-preserved archaeological sites in Mexico and has some beautiful temples and pyramids to explore. It is located on a hilltop overlooking the valley of Oaxaca and has stunning views. The main attractions here are the ruins of temples, palaces, and pyramids. You can also see the remains of a ball court where the Mesoamerican game of Ulama was played.
La Villita
La Villita is one of the most popular archaeological sites in Oaxaca. It’s located in the Etla Valley, and was occupied by both the Olmecs and the Maya at different points in history. You can still see evidence of both cultures at the site, which makes it a fascinating place to explore. There are plenty of ruins to explore, as well as a museum that houses some artifacts found at the site. La Villita is definitely worth a visit if you’re interested in archaeology.
Yagul
Yagul is an archaeological site located in the Oaxaca Valley. The site was once a major ceremonial center for the Zapotecs, and is known for its Palace of Columns and Temple of the Sun – both of which have been well-preserved. Yagul is definitely worth a visit for anyone interested in archaeology or ancient civilizations.
Mitla
Mitla is located in the Mixteca region of Oaxaca and is one of the most important archaeological sites in the state. It was once a major religious center for the Zapotecs, and is known for its intricate stone carvings, which can be seen on the buildings and temples here.
There are several things that make Mitla unique among Mexico’s archaeological sites. For starters, it’s one of the few sites where you can still see traces of ancient wall paintings. The stone carvings here are also some of the most intricate in all of Mexico.
Tule
Tule is a small town located in the central part of Oaxaca. The main attraction in Tule is the world’s largest tree trunk. The trunk is so large that it can only be fully appreciated from the air.
Other than the giant tree trunk, Tule is also home to some interesting archaeological sites. One of these sites is the ruins of a Zapotec temple. The temple is believed to have been built in honor of the rain god.
San Jose Mogote
Check out San Jose Mogote, which is a small village that was home to one of the most important Zapotec civilizations. It is known for its beautiful stonework. If you’re looking for an archeological site that’s a little more off the beaten path, San Jose Mogote is definitely worth a visit.
If you’re looking for an opportunity to learn about the history and culture of Mexico, there is no better place to visit than Oaxaca. These archaeological sites are just a taste of what this state has to offer. Be sure to add them to your list of places to see when you’re in Mexico.
Have you ever been to Oaxaca? What was your favorite archaeological site? Let us know in the comments below!