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Monte Albán Archaeological Site: Ancient Zapotec Capital & Cultural Hub

Monte Albán, which served as the capital city of the ancient Zapotec people, was built in Oaxaca's central valley and was deeply linked to Teotihuacán, as evidenced by the style of its buildings, ceramic, and murals.

 

The archaeological zone is divided up into 10 areas. As such, we suggest giving yourself enough time to explore all of its vestiges. You can start at the Gran Plaza (Great Square): a 200-meter (656-foot) wide plaza. The Gran Plaza is a fantast place from which to give yourself an idea of the importance of Monte Albán, one of the main cities in Mesoamerica and roughly the size of the city of Oaxaca.

 

Building H is the largest building. It is composed of two sections, a staircase, two tombs, and a temple. The famous jade mask of the Bat God was found here, and is exhibited in Mexico City's Museum of Anthropology.

 

The Los Danzantes building features hand-carved tombstones that boast human figurines with physical features not unlike those depicted by Olmec art.

 

Before departing, take some time to explore Tomb 7, which is the site of the greatest archeological wealth ever discovered in Mexico. Gold pectorals and bracelets, a skull lined with turquoise, jade earmuffs, rings, and fake nails, and polished crystal goblets were part of the great discovery. You can admire these artifacts at the Museum of Oaxacan Cultures, located in the Santo Domingo cultural center.
Tourist Attraction
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    The day is sunny, there is good weather to visit and know every part of the Zona Arqueológica Dzibanché, located more than 80 kilometers from Chetumal. Its establishment dates back to 200 BC. Dzibanché means in Maya “writing on Wood”. The name refers to the wooden lintels with calendar inscriptions in the structure known as Temple VI. When you get to the place you can see the buildings which seem proud to stand upright for more than two thousand years. The site occupies an area of abou

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    Discover the archaeological treasures of Chiapa de CorzoChiapa de Corzo still conserves vestiges of its first inhabitants, the “Zoque”, who were farmers and built the ceremonial center that can be visited today. One of the most important pieces of this place is a stele on which is engraved the date of the year 36 BC, the oldest date found among the vestiges of Mesoamerica. Other structures that you can see in the area are a series of platforms that give the idea that on these they built tem

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    The biggest Mayan settlement in the south of Quintana Roo was Chacchoben, a region that is conformed with small villages that enjoyed its heyday in the year 300 b.C. When you visit the Archaeological zone of Chacchoben, you will be amazed by the Gran Basamento that is trapped in the jungle. We are talking about a staggered pyramid that used to work as a place for religious activities and public gatherings. One of the stairs allows the access to the basement where the Monumento 1 is located.