Zaachila
Villa de Zaachila
The last capital of the Zapotec kingdom, with a large Thursday market and carved Zapotec tombs you can visit in the town center.
Zaachila lies about 15 km south of Oaxaca City. Before the arrival of the Spanish, it was the last political center of the Zapotec kingdom. The archaeological area behind the church in the town center preserves two Postclassic-period tombs, whose entrances and walls feature stucco reliefs of owls and other figures. Every Thursday an open-air market sells livestock, farm produce, and traditional snacks. The local barbacoa and mole restaurants are also well known. It can be combined with the Cuilápam monastery and Arrazola into a half-day southwestern loop.
Opening hours
Archaeological area approx. 09:00–17:00
Nearby sights
- San Bartolo Coyotepec
- Ex-Convent of Santiago Apóstol, Cuilápam
- Monte Albán
- San Antonio Arrazola
- Mercado 20 de Noviembre
- San Martín Tilcajete
- Mercado Benito Juárez
- Zócalo & Oaxaca Cathedral