Guide To Mitla Archaeological Park

About Mitla

In the gorgeous state of Oaxaca, just outside the stunning colonial gem of Oaxaca City lie two magnificent archaeological sites: Mitla, and nearby Monte Alban. You can discover them both with Mexperience.

Less prestigious than the nearby counterpart of Monte Alban, Mitla lies to the southeast of Oaxaca. You can also visit the nearby and very famous "El Tule" tree - said to be over 2,000 years old - making it as old as some of the archaeological ruins in the area. The tree is located in a town called Santa Maria del Tule, just a few miles outside of Oaxaca, on the road to Mitla. Also: See The "In Mexico" Diary for "El Tule" and see pictures of the tree.

About 15 miles southeast of Oaxaca, you'll find the ruins of Mitla, just outside the town of San Pablo Villa de Mitla.

The ruins are of Zapotec and Mixtec origin, and date back to around 600 BC. The architecture here is Mixtec: quadrangle buildings surrounded by patios and chambers, and very low roofs.

Mitla was religious center, run almost entirely by priests who spent most of their time undertaking human sacrifices; often by removing a live heart from the person being sacrificed, and depositing it in a pit of fire as an offering to the gods.

You should only need about an hour or two to see all of the main attractions at this archaeological site. Don't miss the Iglesia de San Pablo (Church of Saint Paul) in the town of San Pablo Villa de Mitla - with its three domes. You have to walk past it to get to the entrance of the ruins.

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Key Attractions

Grupo de las Columnas is the main attraction, which includes the Patio de Mosaicos (Patio of Mosaics), the Sala de las Columnas (Hall of Columns) and the Columna de la Vida (Column of Life).

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Getting There & Around

By Air - The closest airport to Mitla is Oaxaca. For detailed information about flights and flying, see the Mexperience guide to Air Travel in Mexico.

Airport Shuttles: If you're arriving in Mexico by airplane, you can book your airport transfer in advance. Shuttle services are available from all of Mexico's key airports and offer the choice of either a Standard or VIP service level. Standard shuttles will transport up to ten people and their baggage in a modern and comfortable surburban van to/from local hotels; the VIP service provides transportation exclusively for your party, taking you and your belongings directly to/from your local hotel. Connect to the Mexperience Travel Center for details and to reserve your Airport Shuttle in Mexico.

By Car - Mitla is located about 15 miles southeast of Oaxaca. Take Highway 190 South towards San Pablo Villa de Mitla. Also see additional information about Driving in Mexico and Mexico's Toll Roads on Mexperience.

Car Rental: To explore the local area around Oaxaca, consider renting a car locally. Having your own car will give you more flexibility than using public transport options and, in some cases, offer you access to places which are otherwise difficult to visit without the use of a car. Read our guide to Car Rental in Mexico to learn what you need to know about car rental in Mexico and connect to the Mexperience Travel Center to reserve your Rental Car.

By Bus - Regular local buses make the trip from Oaxaca to Mitla. The entrance to the ruins are just a little under half a mile behind the main church. Oaxaca is easily accessible by bus from all main cities in the region as well being a fast and efficient journey from Mexico City on a modern, tolled, highway. For detailed information about bus transportation read the Mexperience guide to Bus Travel in Mexico.

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Practical Information

Opening Days & Times: Tuesday-Sunday 9 am to 5 pm. Admission used to be free for everybody on Sundays, but this rule was changed in February 2003; now only Mexican Citizens and foreign residents (with proof of residency) can enter free. All children under 13 and those over 60 can still enter free of charge.

Local Tours: Mexperience offers access to local tours and activities in the Oaxaca region of Mexico. Tours and activities are organized and run by well-established, professional and fully-insured operators. You can search for tours by location or category and make reservations online or by telephone. Buying tours in advance is more convenient and secure, and your spaces on the tour are guranteed. Connect to the Mexperience Travel center to browse and reserve Local Tours in Mexico.

Photography & Video: A permit is required if you want to use a tripod to take photographs at the archaeological site. A small fee is made for the use of hand-held video equipment. Read the section on Mexperience Travel Essentials about Video & Photography at archaeological sites in Mexico.

Ideal Clothing & Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes with a non-slip sole. Dress with light clothing that allows your skin to breathe.

Travel Insurance: We recommend that you are adequately covered with travel medical insurance and/or travel assistance insurance when you are visiting Mexico. Read the Mexperience guide to Travel Insurance in Mexico for full details and links to specialist insurance suppliers.

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Nearby Places & Attractions

Major Cities: Mexico City (closest)

Colonial Cities: Oaxaca, Puebla, Veracruz

Nearest Beaches/ Resorts: Huatulco, Puerto Escondido, Cancun, Cozumel, Isla Mujeres, Playa del Carmen

Other Archaeological Sites: Monte Alban, Chichen Itza, Coba, Uxmal, and Tulum

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Local Climate

Mitla is hot and humid. Dress with light clothes that enable your skin to breathe. Bring sun cream, insect repellent and a hat.  Take and drink plenty of water at all times.

Live Weather Report: (Oaxaca)

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