We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox. Mac: Safari.
All 77 Oaxaca Attractions »

Monte Alban

Oaxaca, Mexico
951 516 1215
Ranked #4 of 45 attractions in Oaxaca
5.0 of 5 stars 157 Reviews
Type: Ancient Ruins, Religious Sites, Historic Sites, History Museums, Landmarks/ Points of Interest, Architectural Buildings
Activities: Walking, Group tours/walking tour
Traveller Description: Monte Alban is the premier archaeological site near Oaxaca.It is a Zapotec site built and used over a thousand year period . It remained sacred even... more »
Update attraction details
Write a Review

157 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    129
    20
    8
    0
    0
Date Rating
London, Canada
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 May 2012 NEW

We went with a guide, Juan Montes-Lara, who is the best guide you could have. He has such knowledge and respect for the indigenous cultures and can show you sites and give you background. Monte Alban is an amazing Mesoamerica metropolitan area. Well worth it. Go early in the day because of the heat. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by carolyn681 for Oaxaca
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 21 May 2012 NEW

Well going to Oaxaca and not going here is out of the question, it is about a 30-40 min. ride from town, and at the parking lot be sure to buy your big straw hat ( I bought one because it was gorgeous, I was a dark brown super big hat for $30 pesos, about $3.00 USD) and its the... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 4 more reviews by SofaDDL for Oaxaca
Washington DC, District of Columbia
Contributor
13 reviews 13 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 19 May 2012 NEW

No pictures you see will do Monte Alban justice. This is one of Mesoamerica's earliest cities and an absolute must when you go to Oaxaca. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 9 more reviews by monicaleticia for Oaxaca
Mexico City
Senior Contributor
22 reviews 22 reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
15 helpful votes 15 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 18 May 2012 NEW

This is one of the best pyramid sites , amazing conservation of the large site , beautifull location . The guides are better than most and add a valuable dimension . The location is out of town so need to go with a tour or own transport . Taxi is expensive . More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 6 more reviews by vagabondMexicoCity for Oaxaca
Melbourne, Australia
Contributor
16 reviews 16 reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 May 2012

The ruins were OK, but the vast surrounding landscapes were most impressive. From atop the mountain, one has a most impressive view of the surrounding Oaxaca hillside. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by AussieDizzle for Oaxaca
London, United Kingdom
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 May 2012

Great historical place. There is also a small museum, worth a visit. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by JNTK for Oaxaca
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Senior Contributor
25 reviews 25 reviews
Reviews in 14 cities Reviews in 14 cities
13 helpful votes 13 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 4 May 2012

Monte Alban was impressive and not busy when I went there in December 2011 (sorry for the late review!) Book a tour to go there with a minibus or at least a guide onsite to provide you with explanation and interesting historic facts) I had the choice between an English or a Spanish guide. I was starting to learn Spanish... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Senior Reviewer
10 reviews 10 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 2 May 2012

We drove to the site taking the old road which was an adventure in itself. Very much enjoyed the site although I was a little disappointed at not being able to get closer to some features. We hired a guide for $400 pesos which was a waste of time. The plaques at the various structures are in English and provided... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 6 more reviews by TravellerJJS for Oaxaca
Oaxaca de Juárez, Oaxaca, Mexico
Top Contributor
52 reviews 52 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 24 April 2012

Beautiful ruins about 15 minutes from the city center. Buses leave every hour to take you a little ways up the mountain. Bring water because it's very hot! On Sundays it's free for all visitors. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 29 more reviews by Charlotte N for Oaxaca
Senior Contributor
33 reviews 33 reviews
Reviews in 17 cities Reviews in 17 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 April 2012

Really enjoyed my visit to Monte Alban. I was travelling on an organised trip so did have the advantage of a knowledgable guide to hshow us around the site, but I think it could be done without as most of the information is in Spanish, Zapoteca and English. This place was still brimming with life despite having been abandoned over... More

Was this review helpful? Yes

Travellers who viewed Monte Alban also viewed

Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzman
5 of 5 stars 95 Reviews
Oaxaca, Oaxaca
Mitla
4 of 5 stars 82 Reviews
Oaxaca, Oaxaca
 
Zocalo
4.5 of 5 stars 115 Reviews
Oaxaca, Oaxaca
Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca
4.5 of 5 stars 38 Reviews
Oaxaca, Oaxaca
 

Been to Monte Alban? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage Monte Alban, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

Manage your listing
See all sites
Cruise Critic

The ultimate cruise resource: cruise reviews, deals, news and advice.

SeatGuru

The world's most comprehensive source for airline seats, airline info, & in-flight amenities.

Family Vacation Critic

The best family holidays start here.

Get the #1 travel app FREE>>
Take TripAdvisor with you

Find 50 million reviews & opinions of hotels, things to do, restaurants and more

GET IT
Named "#1 Travel App" by Frommer's