About this Tour: Second only to Monte Alban, Mitla has the most spectacular archeological ruins in the Valles Centrales. The religious center of the Zapotec empire after the demise of Monte Alban, the name Mitla is derived from the Nahuatl name Mictlán, meaning the "place of the dead”. Mitla is unusual in having whole structures intact, not just foundations. The intricate stone fretwork that decorates the buildings inside and out is thought to reflect Mixtec influence. Given its religious importance, it is a wonder the Spanish did not level the site, as they did the central temples in Tenochtitlan in 1521.

The palace ruins at Yagul are as beautiful as they are impressive. They are unusual in that they are situated in the countryside away from any pyramids or temples. The site is also known locally as Pueblo Viejo (Old Village) and was occupied at the time of the Spanish Conquest. After the Conquest the population was relocated to the nearby modern town of Tlacolula where their descendants still live. Most of the visible remains date to 1250-1521 AD, when the site functioned as the capital of a Postclassic city-state. The site was excavated in the 1950s and 60s by archaeologists Ignacio Bernal and and John Paddock.

Dr. Robert Markens, a local archeologist and friend of the Oaxaca Lending Library, will be our guide on this detailed tour of these important ruins.

Not included:  The group will enjoy lunch at one of any of the many restaurants clustered along the main street in Tule on the way back to Oaxaca. Expect to pay between 150 and 200 pesos for food and beverage.

Additional Costs:  There is an admission fee of 75-90 pesos at each of the sites

This tour will depart on time at 9:00 am  from the parking lot across from the south side of Llano Park. Plan to arrive 15 minutes before departure time. Unclaimed seats may be re-sold at boarding time.

If this tour is sold out, you can take a chance that seats may be available and come to the boarding spot 15 minutes before departure. These seats must be paid for in cash.

No Refunds will be available. If you are not able to attend the event, you are welcome to sell your reservation to others. Please notify the library of change of name for reservation.