About the Hike: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. Our hike starts here and travels on a packed dirt road through agricultural land through the the town to Tlacochahuaya.

Transit Rime: 45 minutes

Type/Rating: Archeological Countryside / Easy

Hike Type: point to point

Distance: 4.8 km

Elevation change: + 105 m / - 48 m

Additional fees: Shared Taxi (about $100 pesos), Dainzu entrance fee $100, mototaxi $10 pesos, bus back to Oaxaca $10 pesos

Meal: Tortas by the churchyard or one of two small restaurants in the town center.

Time Frame: 8:15 am - 1:30 pm.(Ending time is approximate)

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