Dainzu is a small archeological site that sits on  the floor of the Tlacolula Valley – the eastern of the three connecting  valleys that together form the Valles Centrales of Oaxaca state – about  25 kilometers (16 miles) from the capital. It was first occupied 700-600  BC, but the main phase of occupation dates from about 200 BC to 350  AD. There is a pyramidal structure built into a hillside that doubtless  once supported a temple. Nearby are foundations of a few buildings,  three tomb sites and a large ball court. The most remarkable feature,  though, is a series of bas-relief stone carvings that form a frieze  along the front wall of the main structure. As one would expect, most of  the panels are of Zapotec origin, but one is believed to be Mayan.  There is a resident caretaker who has lived on-site for many years and  will give a good explanation (in English or Spanish) of the site. 

Participants can eat sack lunches in the park next to the churchyard or grab a bit to eat at one of two small restaurants in the town center.

Additional Costs: There  is a charge of 40 pesos for the tour.

Time frame:  9:00 Lending Library / 9:45 arrive Dainzu / 11:00 start  overland hike / 12:00 arrive Tlacochahuaya church / 12:30 lunch in park /  1:30 depart Tlacochahuaya / 2:30 return Library.