Guide To Mitla Archaeological Park

About Mitla

In the gorgeous state of Oaxaca, just outside the stunning colonial gem of Oaxaca City lie two magnificent archaeological sites: Mitla, and nearby Monte Alban. You can discover them both with Mexperience.

Less prestigious than the nearby counterpart of Monte Alban, Mitla lies to the southeast of Oaxaca. You can also visit the nearby and very famous "El Tule" tree - said to be over 2,000 years old - making it as old as some of the archaeological ruins in the area. The tree is located in a town called Santa Maria del Tule, just a few miles outside of Oaxaca, on the road to Mitla. Also: See The "In Mexico" Diary for "El Tule" and see pictures of the tree.

About 15 miles southeast of Oaxaca, you'll find the ruins of Mitla, just outside the town of San Pablo Villa de Mitla.

The ruins are of Zapotec and Mixtec origin, and date back to around 600 BC. The architecture here is Mixtec: quadrangle buildings surrounded by patios and chambers, and very low roofs.

Mitla was religious center, run almost entirely by priests who spent most of their time undertaking human sacrifices; often by removing a live heart from the person being sacrificed, and depositing it in a pit of fire as an offering to the gods.

You should only need about an hour or two to see all of the main attractions at this archaeological site. Don't miss the Iglesia de San Pablo (Church of Saint Paul) in the town of San Pablo Villa de Mitla - with its three domes. You have to walk past it to get to the entrance of the ruins.

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Key Attractions

Grupo de las Columnas is the main attraction, which includes the Patio de Mosaicos (Patio of Mosaics), the Sala de las Columnas (Hall of Columns) and the Columna de la Vida (Column of Life).

Guidebooks

For further details about the attractions at this archaeological site, consult one of the mainstream Guidebooks, available via the Mexperience Bookshelf, or consult the local tourist office (see Practical Information below).

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Getting There & Around

Mitla is located about 15 miles southeast of Oaxaca.

By Air - The closest airport is Oaxaca - then take the short road journey to San Pablo Villa de Mitla.

By Car - Take Highway 190 South towards San Pablo Villa de Mitla. Also see additional information about Driving in Mexico and Mexico's Toll Roads on Mexperience.

By Bus - Regular buses make the trip from Oaxaca to Mitla. The entrance to the ruins are just a little under half a mile behind the main church.

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Practical Information

Opening Days & Times: Tuesday-Sunday 9 am to 5 pm. Admission used to be free for everybody on Sundays, but this rule was changed in February 2003; now only Mexican Citizens and foreign residents (with proof of residency) can enter free. All children under 13 and those over 60 can still enter free of charge.

Photography & Video: A permit is required if you want to use a tripod to take photographs at the archaeological site. A small fee is made for the use of hand-held video equipment. Read the section on Mexperience Travel Essentials about Video & Photography at archaeological sites in Mexico.

Ideal Clothing & Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes with a non-slip sole. Dress with light clothing that allows your skin to breathe.

Travel Insurance: We recommend that you are adequately covered with travel medical cover and/or travel assistance cover when you are visiting Mexico. Read the Mexperience guide to Travel Insurance in Mexico for full details and links to specialist insurance suppliers.

Tourist Information Office: Connect to the Mexperience Travel Center for details of the nearest Tourist Information office.

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Nearby Places & Attractions

Major Cities: Mexico City (closest)

Colonial Cities: Oaxaca, Puebla, Veracruz

Nearest Beaches/ Resorts: Huatulco, Puerto Escondido, Cancun, Cozumel, Isla Mujeres, Playa del Carmen

Other Archaeological Sites: Monte Alban, Chichen Itza, Coba, Uxmal, and Tulum

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Local Climate

Mitla is hot and humid. Dress with light clothes that enable your skin to breathe. Bring sun cream, insect repellent and a hat.  Take and drink plenty of water at all times.

Live Weather Report: (Oaxaca)

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