Tour Description: Mitla is the second-most important archeological site in the state of Oaxaca, exceeded only by Monte Alban. The site is located at the upper end of the Tlacolula Valley, one of the three cold, high valleys that form the Central Valleys Region. The ruins of ancient Mitla date from the final two or three centuries before the Spanish conquest in the 1520s, and comprise what was probably the most important Zapotec religious/cult center at the time, dominated by high priests who performed human sacrifices. There are 14 different designs thought to symbolize the sky and earth, a feathered serpent and other important beings, in sophisticated stylized geometric forms.

Yagul is an archeological site that was a former city-state associated with the Zapotec civilization. The site was declared one of Mexico’s four Natural Monuments in 1998, having been excavated in the 1950s and 1960s. The site is also known locally as Pueblo Viejo (Old Village) and was occupied at the time of the Spanish Conquest. After the Conquest the population was relocated to Tlacolula, where their descendants

still live. Yagul was first occupied around 500-100 BC and residential, civic and ceremonial structures were built at the site around 500-700 AD. However, most of the visible remains date to 1250-1521 AD. The site was excavated by archaeologists in the 1950s and 60s.

Lunch: La Choza Chef buffet restaurant

Additional costs: Cost of lunch; expect to pay about 200-250 pesos for food and beverage.

This tour will depart on time at 9:30am  from Calle Los Libres behind the Grand Fiesta Americana Hotel. Plan to arrive 15 minutes before departure time. Unclaimed seats may be re-sold at boarding time.

Online ticket sales end at 7 pm the day before the tour. If the tour is sold out, you can take a chance that seats may be available and come to the boarding spot 15 minutes before departure. These seats must be paid for in cash.

No Refunds will be available. If you are not able to attend the event, you are welcome to sell your reservation to others. Please notify the library of change of name for reservation.