Best of Monte Albán and Visit Two Villages Arround

Discover the captivating history and vibrant local culture of Oaxaca on this comprehensive tour. Explore the impressive pyramids and archaeological wonders of the ancient Zapotec city of Monte Albán, guided by experts who share insights into its cultural significance. Then, learn about the traditions of two nearby villages, Arrazola and Coyotepec, renowned for their iconic alebrijes and unique black pottery respectively. This tour offers a perfect blend of historical exploration and immersive cultural experiences, leaving you with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the rich heritage of this remarkable region.

Key Points

• Comprehensive guided tour of the ancient Zapotec city of Monte Albán, showcasing its historical and architectural marvels.
• Visits to the nearby villages of Arrazola and Coyotepec, known for traditional crafts like alebrijes and black pottery.
• Opportunity to witness artisans demonstrating their centuries-old techniques and browse local workshops for unique handmade souvenirs.
• Includes transportation, entrance fees, and an English/Spanish-speaking guide, providing a seamless and informative experience.
• Tour may not be suitable for individuals with altitude sickness or mobility issues due to the high elevation and significant walking required.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Monte Albán, the most significant ancient city of the Zapotec civilization. Priced from $32.89 per person, the 10-hour experience includes English and Spanish-speaking guides, hotel pickup, and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Visitors will tour the impressive archaeological site, learning about the civilization’s rich history and discoveries. The tour also visits nearby towns renowned for traditional crafts like alebrijes and black pottery.

Lunch is included, though drinks and tips are extra. The experience isn’t suitable for those with altitude sickness or mobility issues, and drones aren’t allowed.

The tour runs rain or shine, so travelers should wear comfortable shoes.

Exploring Monte Albán

Situated atop a vast mountaintop, Monte Albán stands as the most significant ancient city of the Zapotec civilization.

Visitors will explore this impressive archaeological site with expert guides, learning about the city’s rich history and numerous discoveries. The guided tour provides insights into the ancient civilization’s glory, architecture, and cultural relevance.

Guests will marvel at the impressive ruins, including the iconic pyramids, plazas, and ball courts that offer a glimpse into the Zapotec’s sophisticated society.

This experience allows travelers to enjoy the captivating past of one of Mexico’s most important pre-Columbian sites.

Guided Tour Highlights

Expert-guided tours of Monte Albán immerse visitors in the captivating history and architectural marvels of this ancient Zapotec city. Knowledgeable guides share insights into the site’s significant discoveries and the glory of the civilization that once thrived here.

Guests learn about the city’s religious, political, and administrative functions, as well as the impressive engineering feats behind its pyramids, plazas, and palaces.

The tour also includes visits to nearby towns renowned for their traditional crafts, such as Arrazola’s alebrijes and Coyotepec’s black pottery.

Throughout the experience, visitors are provided with a comprehensive understanding of Monte Albán’s cultural legacy and its enduring significance.

Visiting Arrazola

After exploring the impressive ancient ruins of Monte Albán, the tour ventures to the nearby town of Arrazola, renowned for its artisanal crafts.

Visitors will have the chance to witness the intricate process of creating alebrijes – brightly colored, fantastical wooden sculptures. Local artisans proudly demonstrate their techniques, offering insights into this centuries-old tradition.

Guests can browse the vibrant workshops and purchase unique handmade souvenirs to take home.

The stop in Arrazola provides a fascinating glimpse into the region’s living heritage, complementing the historical journey at Monte Albán.

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Discovering Coyotepec

From Arrazola, the tour continues to the charming town of Coyotepec, renowned for its traditional black pottery. Visitors learn about the intricate process of creating these distinctive, matte-black ceramics, a tradition dating back centuries. The skilled artisans demonstrate how they shape, fire, and finish each piece by hand, using techniques passed down through generations.

Pottery Type	Description	Price Range
Vases	Elegant, tapered vases in various sizes	$20 – $80
Bowls	Deep, wide bowls perfect for serving or display	$15 – $50
Figurines	Whimsical animal and human figurines	$10 – $40
Plates	Flat plates with intricate designs	$12 – $35
Jars	Decorative storage jars with tight-fitting lids	$25 – $75

Visitors have the opportunity to browse the local workshops and markets, finding unique souvenirs to take home.

Included in the Tour

The tour includes a comprehensive package that covers the highlights of the day. It provides hotel pick-up and drop-off, along with transportation throughout the tour.

Visitors can expect a certified tour guide who’ll lead them through the ancient ruins of Monte Albán, providing insights into the Zapotec culture and its historical significance. The entrance fee to Monte Albán is also included, ensuring a seamless experience for participants.

However, meals, drinks, and tips aren’t part of the package, allowing travelers to explore the local cuisine and customs at their own pace.

Important Considerations

One important consideration for this tour is that it may not be suitable for individuals susceptible to altitude sickness or with mobility impairments.

The tour involves exploring the ancient city of Monte Albán, which is situated at a high elevation. Plus, visitors should come prepared with comfortable shoes, as the tour involves significant walking.

Drones are also not allowed during the tour, so those planning to capture aerial footage may need to make alternative arrangements.

Despite these considerations, the tour promises an immersive experience, allowing visitors to explore the rich history and cultural significance of Monte Albán and the surrounding villages.

• High elevation of Monte Albán
• Extensive walking required
• Drones prohibited

Tour Schedule and Policies

The tour operates on a flexible schedule, with pick-up times typically arranged to accommodate participants’ needs.

The tour lasts approximately 10 hours, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Pickup and drop-off are included, and drivers will wait 5 minutes after the scheduled pickup time.

This tour isn’t recommended for individuals with altitude sickness or mobility impairments.

Guests are advised to wear comfortable shoes, and the use of drones isn’t permitted.

The tour operates rain or shine, ensuring that visitors can explore the ancient city of Monte Albán and nearby villages regardless of the weather.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour may not be suitable for young children as it involves walking at an ancient archaeological site. However, older children interested in history and culture may enjoy the experience with proper planning and supervision.

Can I Take Photographs During the Tour?

Yes, you can take photographs during the tour. The tour overview states that drones are not allowed, but it does not mention any other restrictions on photography. Guests are generally free to take photos throughout the experience.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have any age restrictions. Children of all ages are welcome to join the tour. However, the tour may not be suitable for individuals with mobility impairments or altitude sickness.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

According to the ‘Exclusions’ section, meals and drinks are not included in the tour. However, guests are free to bring their own food and drinks to consume during the tour.

Do We Have Breaks During the Tour?

The tour includes a stop for lunch during the day, providing a break for participants to rest and refuel. However, the tour operates rain or shine, so guests should be prepared for the full duration of the experience.

Recap

This captivating tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the ancient Zapotec city of Monte Albán, followed by visits to the vibrant villages of Arrazola and Coyotepec. Enjoy the rich history, cultural significance, and renowned craftsmanship of this unique region, providing a perfect blend of ancient heritage and contemporary traditions.

You can check if your dates are available here: