The name of the city can be spelled with either an “m” or an “n” as the final letter because of a difference in the Nahuatl suffix, with -pam meaning “valley of” and -pan meaning “place of”. Both spellings can be seen on signs and maps and both are considered correct. The present village was established by 500 BCE. Cuilapan developed as an independent city state until the rise of Monte Albán. At the height of its power, Cuilapan had a number of its own subject settlements, which included Camotlán, Etla, Huitzo, Guaxaca, Macuilcóchitl, Tlacochahuaya, San Sebastian Teítipac and Ocotlán. After the decline of Monte Alban about 850 AD, Cuilapan returned to being an independent city-state but never regained the power and status of its earlier golden age.

ZAACHILA Zaachila is named after Zaachila Yoo, the Zapotec ruler who lived in the late 14th and early 15th century. The town is unusual in that its street names are in Zapotec rather than Spanish. Ting Cosijoeza and his son, Cosijopii, were ruling when the Spanish arrived in the Valley of Oaxaca in about 1523. At the time both were revered by their people for having held off the encroaching Aztecs, who mounted several unsuccessful military campaigns to gain control of the trade routes to Guatemala and Belize. One of Cosijoeza’s daughters, Donaji, is the subject of a favorite local legend. The reputations of both leaders was later greatly diminished because they welcomed the Spanish, were baptized, and adopted Spanish names, dress and customs. In subsequent times they were looked upon as traitors to their people. Zaachila has an archaeological site just off the main square. Most of the site has yet to be excavated. However the tomb of Lord Nine Flower was discovered in 1964 and is one of the best examples to be found in the region. Artifacts from the tomb are on display at the national museum of archeology in Mexico City.  It is imperative to bring a hat or umbrella with you as well as extra water on this hike. 

There is an additional fee to enter the  archeological zone. so do bring some extra cash. 

Time frame: 8:30 depart / 1:15 return to Oaxaca. 

Rating: Easy