About the Hike:  Zaachila has been an active Zapotec commuity since approx. 2,000 BCE. After the decline of Monte Alban, around 800 CE, it rose to become the political center of Zapotec authorit until the Spanish invasion. Hikers will have the opportunity to see the weekly Thursday market in Zaachila before hiking to Cuilapam. Once we arrive in Cuilapam, we can visit the local historical museum, housed in the monastery.

Wall art abounds in Zaachila. Many streets in the community are adorned with murals, but none more so that the street leading from the parish church to the cemetery. This is the route used by funeral processions, and many buildings along the way display remarkable examples of “Day of the Dead” art. The archelogical ruins in Zaachila contained notable treasure in the tomb of Lord Nine Flower, now housed in Mexico City and the cultural museum next to Santo Domingo church in Oaxaca. Visitors are able to enter the burial chambers and wander the rest of the archeological site; but note that the archeological site is still considered sacred ground and is actively used for various rituals by some locals. Please be extremely deferential if you happen upon a shaman conducting a cleansing ceremony or other inhabitants gathered for prayers or to make offerings.

Driving Time: 60 minutes

Type/Rating: Archeological & Sunny Countryside (bring water, a hat and sunscreen) / Easy

Distance: 7.4 km.

Elevation Change: + 73.6 / - 9.7 m

Starting Elevation: 5038 feet/1535 meters

Trail Map: https://ridewithgps.com/trips/71334879

Additional Fee: Small fee for entrance (about $100 pesos each) to the archeological site in Zaachila and museum in Cuilapam

Meal: Lunch in Cuilapam at the comedors in front of the Ex-Convent

Time frame: 8:00 to 2:00 pm. Please arrive at the boarding location at least 15 minutes before departure.

Meeting Point: Calle de Los Libres, between Zarate and San Martin, directly behind the Grand Americana Hotel. See map on the hiking introduction page.