About the Hike:  

The archeological ruins of Yagul are located on a hill overlooking  the Tlacolula Valley, 33 Km (21 miles) east of Oaxaca City. The royal  palace had a commanding view of the valley looking to the west. The  stone fortress above and behind the palace offers panoramic views in all  directions. Abandoned not long after Monte Alban, the site was  resettled later, probably because its fortress provided protection from  marauding Mexicas (Aztecs) from the north, who demanded tribute until  defeated by the Spanish in 1521.

The sleepy village of Diaz Ordaz lies four miles distant, barely  visible across the agricultural valley to the north of Yagul when viewed  from the highest point of the palace complex. Roads in this valley  originate in the town and radiate out into the fields, but none reach  all the way to Yagul. Our hike will follow footpaths from Yagul through  fields until connecting with dirt roads leading into Diaz Ordaz. There  is no comedor in town, so hikers are advised to pack their own sack lunches. Beer and cold drinks are readily available at several local miscelaneas, however.

Distance:  7.1 Km (4.4 Mi)  /  Elevation change: gradual ascent of 127 meters (418 feet)  /  Type:  point to point  /  Trail:  footpaths & dirt roads  /  Exposure: full sun  /  Rating: easy to moderate

Additional Costs: The admission fee at Yagul, which is open  daily from 8 am to 5 pm, is 75 pesos (as of 2019).  Admission is free to  those with an INAPAM card.(not included in ticket fee)

Time Frame: 8:30 am Parque Llano (parking lot across from the park on Dr Liceaga) / 3:30 pm return to Oaxaca. 

Distance:  7.1 Km (4.4 Mi)  Rating: easy to moderate

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