Worth a Journey

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The World’s 100 Best Archaeological Sites & Ruins

Monte Albán

Oaxaca, Mexico

  1. THE WORLD’S BEST RUINS & SITES WORTH A JOURNEY · 2026 ✦ ✦ N° 72 2026
Monte Albán

A mountaintop Zapotec city in the Sierra Madre above Oaxaca City, with wide views over the valley. Visitors cross the Gran Plaza, climb stepped pyramids and platforms, and see temples set around the central square.

Highlights

  • Gran Plaza
  • South Platform
  • North Temple

Good to know

  • Entry 210 pesos for foreigners, 105 for Mexicans
  • Free Sundays for Mexican citizens with ID
  • Guides at the entrance, about 200 pesos per person

Also in Mexico

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  2. Cantona N° 44 Cantona Tepeyahualco Ancient city
  3. Teotihuacan N° 62 Teotihuacan San Juan Teotihuacán Ancient city
  4. El Tajín N° 68 El Tajín Papantla Ancient city
  5. Chichén Itzá N° 84 Chichén Itzá Pisté Ancient city
  6. Tulum N° 86 Tulum Tulum Ancient city