A "White Mountain" city in the sky

Location, location, location! The adage often barked by realtors and businessmen when asked what the most important quality to ensure a home or enterprises success. Well, if it's true today, than why not for ancient Zapotecs (a tribe in Mexico) 2,500 years ago?

Perched high on the hills outside of modern day Oaxaca, the city of Monte Alban was arguable the most developed in Mexico, at least for their time. At the very least, it had some wonderful views over the valleys below. Some studies have suggested that a series of etchings carved into the stones were Mexico's first system of writing and attempts at a calendar. The highly developed, priest oriented society peaked around 300 to 700 A.D. The site is thought to have reached a population of 25,000. Quite substantial for it's time. But history has taught us that civilizations come and civilizations go. Monte Alban was no different, basically crumbling away from 800 A.D.

In a country filled with ancient ruins, Monte Alban just doesn't really compare. It certainly lacks the wow factor of the massive pyramids at Teotihuacan, or the cool jungle-esque setting of Chitzen Itza. While the elevated views over the surrounding country-side are pretty, they're hardly spectacular. Especially considering the usual high level of haze obstructing the view. What is different are the well preserved steles. Scattered around the site, as well as still in some of the building, the carvings make up for the lack of size of the buildings themselves. At the entrance to the site, a shockingly well built museum displays some of the rarer and prized artifacts. Although the displays are in Spanish only, the visuals are enough to carry the significance of the pieces displayed. And if you want souvenirs, you won't have to go far as hawkers and vendors will swamp you as you arrive at the site.

Getting to Monte Alban is a piece of cake. Buses depart every hour from the historic centre of Oaxaca. While many places can sell the 40 Peso return trip ticket, you'll need to go to the corner of Mina and Diaz Ordaz to get on the bus. the trip takes about 20 minutes. Sit on the right side of the bus going up for the best views. Once at the site, the 51 peso ticket gives you access to everything.

When travelling through Europe, it's easy to get tired of cathedrals. If in South-East Asia, seeing one more temple might push you over the edge. Mexico, and Central America, is a bit like that. There are too many astounding sites that places like Monte Alban just don't compare. With time in Oaxaca, for sure check it out, but it's hardly worth a special trip.

You can check out some video from the day at my other blog, Been There, Filmed That