Atzompa Voyage Tips and guide

Atzompa is an archaeological zone in central Oaxaca (state). Perched on a hilltop, the ruins afford a commanding view of the countryside with distant vistas of Monte Albán and Oaxaca. A highlight of the site is a monumental 50-foot, stucco frieze dating from the site's early period in the 7th century, it portrays in pictures tales of Zapotec power and mythology. The site is much smaller and less developed than Monte Alban, but a traveler with a keen interest in archaeology will want to see it, particularly since it is so close to the larger, more famous site.

The site was built by the Zapotec indigenous civilization as early as 650 AD but was not seriously studied and documented until the 21st century. There was a limited attempt to document the site in the 1930s, but the first significant exploration began in 2009. Administered by the National Institue of Anthropology and History (INAH), the site was opened to the public in late 2012. As excavations and restoration continue, additional areas are expected to be opened.

As an outpost of Monte Alban, Atzompa is presumed to have played a defensive role in serving as a forward observing post and troop garrison to protect the larger city. It is also presumed to have been a source of resources to sustain Monte Alban's large population and is assumed to have been a significant producer of ceramics.

Significant structures at the site include:

• Casa de Oriental (East House)
• Casa de Altares (House of Altars) - in early 2026, the tombs at the Casa de Altares were found to contain red, green, blue, and white murals and clay funerary urns that contain offerings
• Casa de Sur (South House) - this is where the 50-foot limestone and stucco frieze was discovered in 2018. The frieze includes representations of revered animals, including the Jaguar, quetzal, and monkey.
• Central Shrine
• Ballcourts - three Mesoamerican ballcourts were discovered, including a 45-meter court that is the longest ballcourt found in the region, along with two adjacent smaller courts

The climate is the same as for the city of Oaxaca with mildly warm daytime temperatures and cooler nights. The dry season is October to April and will be sunny and warm. The wet season is May to September, when afternoon showers should be expected.

Official information, including hours and entry fees is on INAH's Atzompa site page.

From Oaxaca, you can take a taxi or Uber to the site, which is close to Monte Alban, and about 10 minutes by car. The R13 city bus runs from downtown Oaxaca to the nearby town of Santa Maria Atzompa with buses about 8 minutes apart throughout the day.

There is no fee to enter the site.

The entrance is open from 08:00 - 16:00 with the last entries at 15:00.

It's an archaeological ruins. You walk. A site map is available at the front gate and there may be Zapotec guides who can lead you to points of interest (including places not on the official map).

Anthropologists believe Atzompa has produced distinctive ceramics for more than 1,000 years, and the local Zapotec community of Santa Maria Atzompa continues to produce the green glazed pottery that has been their signature craft for centuries. The town is home to several artesanal pottery workshops with some noteworthy artists experimenting with different patterns and modern colors of glaze. Seek out the artisanal potters in town and they may invite you for a look at their workshops and offer some of their work for sale.

You can find food and drink and comfortable hotels in the city of Oaxaca. Be sure to bring a water bottle with you.

• Monte Albán
• Mitla
• Oaxaca