Discover the pyramids of Oaxaca in Monte Alban, meaning ‘White Mountain,’ located on a vast mountaintop expanse with spectacular 360-degree views of Oaxaca Valley. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with Oaxaca City, the pre-Columbian archaeological site is considered the most magnificent of the region’s ancient ruins. On this guided tour by coach from Oaxaca, explore the complex filled with pyramids, ceremonial rock carvings, a huge ball court and 170 excavated tombs. Hotel pickup and drop-off included.

Tour of Monte Alban ancient archaeological ruins from Oaxaca
Gaze at panoramic views from a hilltop location
Discover magnificent temples, pyramids and tombs at this UNESCO site
Learn about the Zapotec culture from your professional guide
Hotel pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned coach included

What's Included

Local English- and Spanish-speaking guide
Hotel pickup and drop-off

Food and drinks
Gratuities

Meeting And Pickup

You can head directly to the meeting point, or request pickup

Meeting point

Oaxaca
Oaxaca, Oaxaca, Southern Mexico
calle 5 de Mayo esquina con Murguia, Centro, cp. 68000 o en el lobby del Hotel Quinta Real

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

Start time

08:00 am

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Pickup details

Due to the pandemic, the archaeological site is receiving a certain number of visitors, so we start the collection at 07:00 am to be among the 400 visitors allowed per day. Please write the name of your hotel in the comments, otherwise we will assume that we will meet at the Quinta Real hotel at the time confirmed by message This could be from 7:15 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. (It is important to confirm the tour one day before) we will wait 2 hours in line before entering the tour is from 10am to 1:30 pm approximately

What To Expect

Enjoy midmorning pickup from your Oaxaca hotel and travel by comfortable coach for about 20 minutes to Monte Alban, a UNESCO site located on a mountaintop boasting panoramas of the city and Oaxaca Valley.

Upon arrival at the archaeological site, explore with your guide the Grand Plaza, a large open area on the flattened plateau. Hear engaging facts about Zapotec history and culture as you gaze at ceremonial platforms, including a series of rock carvings called The Dancers (Los Danzantes). You’ll see some of Monte Alban’s 170 tombs, whose excavations revealed a range of paintings and stone carvings.

Visit pyramids, temples, altars and the I-shaped ball court constructed in 100 BC. Make your way up the South Platform (Plataforma Sur), a large area known for its wide staircase and great views.

Enjoy some free time wandering the well-preserved site on your own and capturing memorable photos. Your Oaxaca pyramids tour of Monte Alban ends with drop-off back at your hotel.

Zona Arqueologica de Monte Alban

2 hours 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
It is recommended that you wear comfortable shoes and clothing
Wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible
Service animals allowed
Near public transportation

Infant seats available
Transportation is wheelchair accessible
Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Travellers should have a moderate physical fitness level
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travellers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.

Traveller Photos

Reviews

4.5

192 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travellers.

Showing 1-10 of 192 reviews

A must do

Madie_G, Mar 2023

Our guide was so energetic, fun and really cared about the history and culture which shown through in his information. He gave us about 1.5 hours to explore the ruins at our own pace which was nice and good for those who may have not wanted to climb certain parts. It’s half day which is nice and you go early before it gets too hot (if you’re touring in spring/summer). Highly recommend! I will say for anyone elderly or with mobility issues: it is a fair walk, rocky ground and ALOT of steps. This could be difficult for you especially in the heat!

Memorable trip to this world renowned site.

Peter_L, Mar 2023

The excellent information provided by the guide. The length of time to explore the site was adequate. Comfortable vehicle for travel.

Antonio, our guide, made this a fantastic experience

Greg_G, Mar 2023

Antonio, our guide, was spectacular. He has extreme depth of knowledge of the history of the area. He speaks English to Spanish flawlessly. And, Monte Albán, the archeological site, is amazing. Much more impressive than Chichen Itza in my opinion. We highly recommend this tour.

Wonderful trip to Monte Alban

Alice_W, Mar 2023

Antonio was a wonderful guide. Had great background knowledge from his training as an archelogist. Really brought the site to life. Half day was perfect for us. Pick up was right on time. Would definitely recommend.

Highly recommend for touring Monte Alban

Aleka_S, Mar 2023

Antonio is amazing. Was a privilege to be under direction of a guide with indigenous background (of multiple groups native to Oaxaca) and he is well versed and keeps up with the modern archeological and anthropological literature. Considerate of the group dynamics despite having a large group ~20+ people and always patient for any questions we had.

Awesome time and knowledgeable guide

Ana_S, Mar 2023

Our guide Antonio was so knowledgeable. This tour was perfect, I was looking for a trip to Monte Albán but wanted a half day tour to be able to explore Oaxaca the rest of the day. It was a great time and felt like we had plenty of time to explore the ruins on our own after our guide walked us through the history and importance of the different structures. I highly recommend this tour especially if you want to streamline your visit.

Learned so much!

Kimberly_H, Feb 2023

We had a great day. Very knowledgeable guide and it was nice to have time at the end to explore on our own.

Disappointed

Jonathan_S, Feb 2023

Viatour told me the group would be 12-15 people, but there were 22! That was disappointing. I felt misled

Fascinating Tour!

Paulette_M, Feb 2023

Very informative and interesting tour! Highly recommend! Make sure to bring a hat and water as it gets really hat.

Monte Alban

Kate_H, Feb 2023

Really good explanation of history and culture and very well. The company was very good about organizing schedules and keeping everyone up to date. Jorge was knowledgeable and engaging

The guide was very...

Claireanne_W, Feb 2023

The guide was very informative and engaging. There was a little confusion with the tickets at the time of departure but all was fine. I highly recommend making Monte Alban a destination during your stay

Great Tour

Adam_R, Feb 2023

Our guide was very knowledgable and interesting. The place was amazing. Everything was smooth. Stayed for the full day your and was introduced to many traditional arts

Informative experience

BJ_F, Feb 2023

The highlight was our guide, Antonio. He has a wealth of experience guiding tours and it is apparent. We considered visiting on our own but we’re really glad we selected this tour. It was about the right length of time and very educational. Antonio is worth seeking out.

Guide enriched the experience.

Jack_B, Feb 2023

Our guide was fantastic. His education and experience were obvious and he communicated to us very well.

We had a wonderful...

Monica_P, Dec 2022

We had a wonderful experience during our tour. The sites were incredible, but our guide was very knowledgable and made the experience very remarkable. We learned so much about the history, but also about modern-day Oaxaca and Mexico. Highly recommend. The drier was punctual in picking us up and bringing us back to Oaxaca City. It was an easy, stress-free, and highly enjoyable experience.

Nice tour

CHRIS_C, Nov 2022

The half day tour was great. They picked us up at our Airbnb early and the drive was quick to the ruins.

Best tour guide we could have asked for!

Karessa_s, Nov 2022

Jorge was an amazing tour guide. His knowledge was remarkable and only overshadowed by his kindness.

Great half day out!

Claire_G, Nov 2022

Antonio was a FANTASTIC guide. He made it very clear that we don't know for sure how the Zapotecs or other cultures lived and that it is all a matter of very educated guesses. The site itself is amazing and the way Antonio led us around ensured we had tons of information and opportunities to take photos. We got back to Oaxaca town in time for a late lunch. Highly recommend.

Rode on a very...

Blanca_M, Nov 2022

Rode on a very comfortable van to Monte Albán. The guide was wonderful and very knowledgeable. About 45 minutes were given to us to explore on our own, visit the museum or gift shop.

My family and I had a...

Karla_M, Sept 2022

My family and I had a great experience and the tour guide was very knowledgeable. I highly recommend.

...

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