This site was inhabited over a period of 1,500 years by a succession of peoples – Olmecs, Zapotecs and Mixtecs. The the terraces, dams, canals, pyramids and artificial mounds of Monte Albán were literally carved out of the mountain and are the symbols of a sacred topography. Monte Albán represents a unique architectural achievement, similar to that of Machu Picchu in Peru and was for more than a millennium one of the most relevant cities in Mesoamerica.

Monte Albán flourished for thirteen centuries, from the year 500 B.C to 850 A.D. when, for reasons that have not been established, its eventual abandonment began. The reason for its decline was most likely due to political conflicts. Monte Alban was a thriving metropolis by the time Teotihuacan was founded in 100 BC then it was expanded and consolidated as a state, eventually reaching a population of approximately 35,000. The monumental architecture of the site shows a big influence of the Teotihuacan culture.

The ruins extend over the peaks at the convergence of three mountain ranges in Oaxaca’s central valley at an altitude of 1,600 meters (about 5,200 feet) above sea level. When you visit, be prepared for extensive walking during your explorations.

The main part of the ceremonial centre forms a 300 m esplanade running north-south with a platform with several structures like: Los Danzantes, a three-section building with the famous carvings known as Danzantes (Dancers). Their message, or purpose, is probably going to remain a mystery, for the vast majority of the Danzantes hold no clues to indicate who or what they represent. There are other important structures such as the ball court, which has the peculiarity of having the slope of its walls and Tomb No. 7, explored in 1932 by Dr. Alfonso Caso, this is one of the richest burial sites ever encountered in pre-Columbian Mesoamerica with a fabulous collection of 500 objects.

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