Monte Albán Tours and Tickets

Q: Who built Monte Albán?

Monte Albán, the ancient city perched on a hill in Oaxaca, Mexico, was crafted by the skilled hands of Zapotec architects and builders. Dating over 2,500 years, these ingenious minds sculpted a city that still stands as a testament to their architectural prowess and cultural legacy.

Q: Are there guided tours available at Monte Albán?

Yes. Guided tours at Monte Albán are a fantastic way to unravel the mysteries of this ancient Zapotec site. Knowledgeable guides bring history to life, sharing tales of the city's rise and fall. While the tours aren't mandatory, they add a layer of insight that transforms your visit into a captivating journey through time.

Q: What is the best time to visit Monte Albán?

The best time to explore Monte Albán is during the dry season, from October to April. With mild temperatures and clear skies, you'll have optimal conditions to marvel at the ancient ruins. Remember your sunblock and a hat for those sunny Oaxacan days—it's history, not a sunburn, you’re after.

Q: How do I get to Monte Albán from Oaxaca City?

Getting to Monte Albán from Oaxaca City is a breeze, as taxis and guided tours are readily available from the city center. Hop on a quick 15-minute drive or take a scenic 25-minute shuttle bus ride, ensuring you spend more time exploring ancient wonders and less on the road.

Q: What does Monte Albán mean in English?

Monte Albán translates to White Mountain in English. This Zapotec archaeological site in Oaxaca, Mexico, earned its name due to the limestone used in its construction. The site sits atop a mountain, offering a stunning view of the surrounding valleys and adding a touch of poetic charm to its historical significance.

Q: Can you climb the pyramids at Monte Albán?

Yes, you can climb select pyramids at the Monte Alban archeological site. Ascending the North and South Platforms provides panoramic views, offering a glimpse of the city's impressive scale. Be sure to walk carefully during your ascent and descent, as the steps are uneven, and some stones may be loose.

66 results

Best Seller

Monte Albán is an archaeological site in Oaxaca and this half-day guided tour is the perfect way to learn more about its history, the ruins and the first inhabitants. Close the travel guide and enjoy a guided adventure with commentary throughout the tour. To save time, the tour travels between sights in an air-conditioned vehicle, so you can cover much more ground than on a walking tour.

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4.8

(976)

Monte Alban Guided Half Day Tour

3 to 4 hoursFree Cancellation

from $32

Special Offer

Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the incredible archaeological site of Monte Albán with our team! We have certified guides dedicated to providing you with the best experience on every tour, ensuring your visit is truly unforgettable. With us, there’s no rush—we carefully plan the timing so you can enjoy every moment at a comfortable pace. We offer an experience that stands out for its excellent value for money, making every moment truly worthwhile.

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5.0

(9)

Monte Albán in the Morning

4 hoursFree Cancellation

from

$45

$53

Monte Alban, Ancestral Mezcal, Alebrijes and Black Mud Tour

Discover Monte Alban with a local bilingual guide who shares little-known truths about Zapotec culture. You taste ancient mezcal in an authentic palenque, seeing the traditional production process step by step. You know the craft workshops of black clay and alebrijes, with local artisans who work in front of you, preserving centuries-old techniques. Convenient transport between each point, collected from your accommodation in the historic center, so that all day is dedicated to living the Oaxacan culture.

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4.5

(22)

Monte Alban, Ancestral Mezcal, Alebrijes and Black Mud Tour

7 hoursFree Cancellation

from $36

Full day tour: Monte Albán, Alebrijes, Cuilapam y Coyotepec

From the mountaintop pyramids of Monte Alban to the Cuilapam Convent on the valley floor, learn all about the rich history of the Oaxaca Valley. This tour packs in four top destinations into one day. Discover the Zapotec pyramids and excavated ruins of UNESCO-listed Monte Alban, admire the mystical woodcarvings of San Antonio Arrazola, and meet resident artisans in San Bartolo Coyotepec, a town known for its beautiful black pottery.

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4.6

(215)

Full day tour: Monte Albán, Alebrijes, Cuilapam y Coyotepec

8 hoursFree Cancellation

from $42

Special Offer

Essence Zapoteca Monte Albán, Barro Negro and Alebrijes for a day.

This tour stands out for offering a complete and authentic Oaxaca experience in a single day with a certified guide that accompanies them. Combine the visit to Monte Albán, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with unique cultural experiences such as black mud and alebirjes, where you will get up close and personal with their artisanal processes. In addition, you will enjoy well-organized times, personalized attention and an experience that integrates history, culture and gastronomy in a comfortable and unhurried way.

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4.9

(197)

Essence Zapoteca Monte Albán, Barro Negro and Alebrijes for a day.

8 hoursFree Cancellation

from

$50

$59

Tour de medio dia a monte alban - idiomas separados

4.6

(428)

Tour de medio dia a monte alban - idiomas separados

4 hoursFree Cancellation

from $36

Oaxaca - Monte Alban, Alebrijes, Cuilapan & San Bartolo

Embark on a captivating tour that blends history, art, culture, and beauty as you visit Monte Albán, Arrazola, and San Bartolo Coyotepec. Explore the impressive ruins of an ancient Zapotec city, witness the vibrant craft of Alebrije woodcarving, observing artisans transform wood into colorful sculptures, and discover the intricate art of black clay pottery, experiencing firsthand the traditional techniques that have been passed down through generations. This journey offers a deep dive into Oaxaca's rich cultural heritage, providing a memorable experience that encapsulates the essence of the region.

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5.0

(1)

Oaxaca - Monte Alban, Alebrijes, Cuilapan & San Bartolo

9 to 10 hoursFree Cancellation

from $63

Monte Alban - Full Day Guided Tour with or without Food - Oaxaca

Discover the highlights of Oaxaca on a full-day sightseeing tour. Visit the Monte Albán archaeological complex, founded around 500 B.C., make three more stops, at local houses and craft workshops to see the process of: handmade black mud figurines and pieces; textiles and crafts woven by women on looms tied to their waists; finally, woodcut and painted pieces known as alebrijes. Learn about the rich history and culture of Oaxaca from your guide as you explore.

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4.9

(185)

Monte Alban - Full Day Guided Tour with or without Food - Oaxaca

8 to 9 hoursFree Cancellation

from $31

You will not only visit an archaeological area, you will live a trip to the past. You won’t have to worry about large groups or rushes – you can tour Monte Albán at your own pace, stop at the points that interest you the most and solve all your doubts. In addition to history and archaeology, we will share legends, curiosities and the cultural importance this site still has for local communities.

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5.0

(18)

Private Tour to Monte Alban Half Day

3 to 4 hoursFree Cancellation

from $251

Per group

Likely to Sell Out

Monte Alban Only - Half Day Guided Tour - Oaxaca

4.0

(4)

Monte Alban Only - Half Day Guided Tour - Oaxaca

3 to 4 hoursFree Cancellation

from $24

Tour Monte Albán, Hierve el agua, Teotitlán Del Valle and Mezcal

Private tour with all admissions and activities included. We are the only ones with new vehicles and certified guides to get you to know Monte Albán and Boerve water in one day. We also added a tasting of mezcal and the Teotitlan textile from the valley that are the most important we have in Oaxaca. Monte Alban is a magical place full of history, which you can listen to through our tour guide. Access included $210 Mx Boil the natural attractive water, place where you can take the time to swim or walk to reach the petrified waterfalls of 35 meters high. Access included $70 Mx Mezcal typical drink that is currently considered one of the most important alcoholic beverages in the world, You will have the opportunity to know its process and tasting with more than 10 types of agaves endemic to Oaxaca. Teotitlán del Valle preserves the tradition of its textiles with its natural dyes. We will stop for lunch (Does not include food)

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4.9

(205)

Tour Monte Albán, Hierve el agua, Teotitlán Del Valle and Mezcal

8 hoursFree Cancellation

from $316

Per group

Monte Alban Chesillo and handicrafts alebrijes and black mud

Let yourself go for a day full of flavors, colors and traditions that make Oaxaca unique. Start your experience with making Oaxaca cheese as it is called elsewhere and enjoying a breakfast with traditional memelitas (small corn tortillas), learning the secrets of local cuisine directly from the creators. Admire the grandeur of Monte Albán, the Zapotec city that dominates the valley with its ancient structures and breathtaking views. Enter San Antonio Arrazola, where artisans bring to life the colorful wooden figures called tones and nahuales — popularly known as alebrijes — and share with them the richness of their tradition. Finish in San Bartolo Coyotepec, home of the unmistakable black mud, and discover how clay is transformed into unique pieces through generations of techniques. You can take authentic souvenirs directly from the family workshops, preserving a piece of Oaxaca with you.

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5.0

(19)

Monte Alban Chesillo and handicrafts alebrijes and black mud

8 to 9 hoursFree Cancellation

from $316

Per group

Special Offer

Sustainable Mezcal Tour at an Award Winning Family Distillery

Existe en Oaxaca una experiencia exclusiva en la única destilería de mezcal con certificación 100% sustentable. Con mezcales galardonados internacionalmente, con producción sin uso de animales, reuso total de agua y aprovechamiento completo de residuos. Vive una experiencia VIP en la degustación de 5 mezcales Premium en compañía de maestro mezcalero, con la herencia mística de Monte Albán y la sabiduría ancestral que se transmite de generación en generación. Un viaje seguro, inolvidable y acompañado de expertos certificados en el Registro Nacional de Turismo.

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5.0

(1)

Sustainable Mezcal Tour at an Award Winning Family Distillery

5 hoursFree Cancellation

from

$25

$42

Monte Alban & artisan house workshop in Arrazola and Coyotepec

Ideal for travelers short on time, this tour visits four attractions outside of Oaxaca de Juárez, in a full day of sightseeing. After morning pickup, head to the Monte Albán archaeological zone—one of the most significant archeological sites in the Oaxaca Valley. After spending roughly two hours exploring the site, visit Cuilapan de Guerrero, Arrazola, and San Bartolo Coyotepec, where artisans create elaborate objects from black clay.

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4.5

(13)

Monte Alban & artisan house workshop in Arrazola and Coyotepec

3 to 8 hoursFree Cancellation

from $61

Experience the culture, history, and traditions of Oaxaca on a private sightseeing tour of the area designed for travelers who want a meaningful local connection. Enjoy a curated itinerary that blends archeological wonders, artisan workshops, vibrant markets, family artisan workshops, and the region’s most iconic landscapes. Explore at your own pace, discover the stories behind Oaxaca’s heritage, and enjoy a personalized experience with a passionate guide.

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5.0

(282)

Oaxaca Conmigo Private Tours

3 to 9 hoursFree Cancellation

from $316

Per group

Combo two-day tours, Hierve el Agua Full day and Monte Alban full day

Ideal for first-time visitors to Oaxaca, this combination 2-day tour offers a comprehensive look at the region and its most popular attractions. Visit the archaeological site of Monte Albán, the Cuilapam Convent, and San Bartolo Coyotepec to see black clay pottery. On the second day, admire "El Arbol del Tule" and the petrified waterfalls of Hierve el Agua and explore Teotitlan del Valle, which is known for its colorful weavings.

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4.9

(13)

Combo two-day tours, Hierve el Agua Full day and Monte Alban full day

2 daysFree Cancellation

from $90

Monte Alban, Coyotepec and Villages Full-day

Ideal for travelers short on time, this tour explores the UNESCO-listed archaeological zone of Monte Alban and surrounding attractions in one day of sightseeing. Highlights include stops at the Monte Alban Archeological Site, the town of Coyotepec, the Convento de Cuilapam, and the village of Arrazola for a traditional wood-carving workshop. This experience includes round-trip, air-conditioned transportation from Oaxaca City.

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4.0

(1)

Monte Alban, Coyotepec and Villages Full-day

9 hoursFree Cancellation

from $89

Monte Alban, Alebrijes & Black Pottery: Oaxaca Essential Day Tour

The ancient Zapotec city and UNESCO World Heritage Site of Monte Alban sits about 6 miles (9.6 kilometers) west of Oaxaca. With this tour, explore the hilltop archaeological site with a guide and enjoy views overlooking the Oaxaca Valley. That leaves enough time to visit the artisan towns of Arrazola, Cuilapam de Guerrero, and San Bartolo Coyotepec. Plus, round-trip transportation from your hotel in downtown Oaxaca is included.

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4.5

(99)

Monte Alban, Alebrijes & Black Pottery: Oaxaca Essential Day Tour

8 hoursFree Cancellation

from $42

Roots of Oaxaca: Monte Albán and ancient art.

When you choose our tour, you immerse yourself in an exclusive experience, designed to offer unforgettable experiences at every moment. You will enjoy a comfortable tour, with expert guides who will take you to discover the cultural richness of each site: from the stunning ruins of Monte Albán to the unique craftsmanship of each destination of this tour. You will also have an authentic connection with the history, culture and traditions of Oaxaca. You’ll also have included tickets, certified guide and convenient transportation for a complete cultural experience, with no surprises in destination.”

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4.9

(15)

Roots of Oaxaca: Monte Albán and ancient art.

9 hoursFree Cancellation

from $51

Embark on an exploration of Mexico's ancient past with our renowned walking tour at Monte Albán, one of the country's oldest cities. This enriching experience features transportation, a certified tour guide, and the entrance fee to Monte Albán—all for just $30 USD per person. Ensure a comfortable journey by wearing suitable shoes, and don't forget to bring your inquisitive spirit along.

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5.0

(6)

Only Monte Albán Tour

4 hoursFree Cancellation

from $45

Explore Monte Albán, a pre-Columbian archaeological site in Oaxaca, on this all-day guided tour. The ruins offer a glimpse into Zapotec and Mixtec culture. Also, visit an alebrije workshop to watch artisans carve and paint Mexican folk art sculptures and stop to see black clay ceramic pottery being produced. Plus, enjoy a buffet of traditional Oaxaca food (not included in the price). Hotel pickup is included for your convenience.

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4.7

(148)

Tour Monte Albán "clasico"

9 hoursFree Cancellation

from $42

After the footsteps of Nacho Libre in Oaxaca

Experience the only tour in Oaxaca inspired by Nacho Libre! Explore real-life settings from the film as you immerse yourself in the history, culture and magic of Oaxaca. It begins at the charming Church of Las Peñitas, where Nacho found his faith (and his style!). Follow Monte Albán, the Zapotec jewel where the epic final scene was recorded. In a handcrafted palenque, discover the ritual of mezcal, used in the film to “consecrate the soul”. Then, in Teotitlan, learn how artisans transform wool with natural pigments — the blue that Nacho must have worn in his suit! And to close, visit the mythical aqueduct where Nacho and Esquel lived unforgettable moments. It’s more than a tour, it’s an adventure between cinema, tradition and laughter! Limited place — book today and be part of this unique story!

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5.0

(13)

After the footsteps of Nacho Libre in Oaxaca

8 hoursFree Cancellation

from $227

Per group

Private custom Oaxaca tour – Design your perfect day

This is not a traditional tour, it is a completely personalized experience designed around you. Instead of following a fixed itinerary, you will have the freedom to choose the places that most interest you: from archaeological areas and traditional villages to artisan workshops and natural wonders. What really makes this experience unique is the guide behind it. The main attractions of Oaxaca are distributed in different valleys, so not all can be combined in a single day without sacrificing the quality of the tour. Our team is in charge of designing the best route according to your interests, ensuring a well organized and unhurried experience. Designed for private groups, this tour offers flexibility, comfort and a much more authentic way to discover Oaxaca. More than a tour, it’s having a local expert design your perfect day.

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5.0

(32)

Private custom Oaxaca tour – Design your perfect day

8 to 12 hoursFree Cancellation

from $310

Per group

Private Family Tour to Visit Monte Albán, Alebrijes and Barro Negro

Enjoy a Private Tour with family or friends; ideal for groups of 4 to 19 people. Fall in love with incredible landscapes and take the ideal photo with plenty of time and without haste. Make a visit at your own pace with extended time if you wish, without depending on the itinerary of a mass group. During this Private Tour you will be accompanied by a guide and driver in a modern Mercedes Benz Sprinter vehicle. In addition, if you are Mexican, you can take advantage of the discounts for nationals at each site (only if applicable) such as student discount or free entry on Sundays. We will pass by you to your hotel to visit the most emblematic places of this route such as the Archaeological Zone of Monte Albán, Arrazola (craft town where they create Alebrijes), the Ex-Convent of Cuilapan de Guerrero, Zaachila (indigenous village with multiple restaurants of typical food) and San Bartolo Coyotepec (creators of the Black Clay) to finally return to their hotel.

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4.8

(4)

Private Family Tour to Visit Monte Albán, Alebrijes and Barro Negro

8 to 9 hoursFree Cancellation

from $225

Price varies by group size

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What are people saying about Monte Albán

Tour Monte Albán "clasico"

Alice_K, Nov 2025

We had a lovely time! Luis was awesome! Thank you!

Great tour, we enjoyed the whole experience! Especially the surprise mezcal tasting and learning about the monte Albán history!

Tour Monte Albán, Hierve el agua, Teotitlán Del Valle and Mezcal

David_F, Nov 2025

Wonderful Full Day Tour Of Oaxaca's Cultural Areas

This was a wonderful tour of Oaxaca and cultural sites. Our guide Yareth was awesome and really educated us about the history of Oaxaca and each place we went. The van was nice, spacious and clean. The sites we visited were all interesting and many were beautiful (ie: great photos!) Would highly suggest this!

Monte Alban Guided Half Day Tour

Ellen_W, May 2026

Miguel was an excellent...

Miguel was an excellent guide. The tour was educational, courteous/accommodating for the group and conscientious of the heat. We learned a ton and all of our questions were answers.

Monte Alban Guided Half Day Tour

ruan_i, May 2026

knowlegeable guide,...

knowlegeable guide, flexible, good ride. interesting site, small museum and expensive restaurant. wished they offered water bottles on the bus. once you re out of the paid site, no access to restrooms, food or water and no shady places

Monte Alban - Full Day Guided Tour with or without Food - Oaxaca

Thomas_M, Apr 2026

Excellent value

This is a very worthwhile tour. Our tour guide was extremely knowledgeable, we learnt a lot about the history of this region. The tour was very varied and we covered many different areas, each one interesting and informative. We were shown the black pottery workshop and given a demonstration, and a workshop to see beautiful works of art being hand woven. Definitely well worth the cost.

Tour Monte Albán, Hierve el agua, Teotitlán Del Valle and Mezcal

RENE_B, Apr 2026

Oaxacaking

It was great. Sites were beautiful. Bring swim suit if you want to swim at hieva agua. Yaris was very knowledgeable but the tour at monte alban was rushed. We weren’t anle to visit the museum. We weren’t given too much info about hierva. We had a mexican buffet for lunch. Mescal tasting was very informative. We got to taste the harshest and smoothest mezcal

Tour de medio dia a monte alban - idiomas separados

Lawrence_N, Mar 2026

Wow! Well worth it!

Roberto was our excellent driver with Moses our excellent tour guide. Moses is fluent in Spanish and English. He is very knowledgeable and his explanations very informative. Moses also has a great sense of humour. A terrific half day tour which allowed us plenty of time to explore. We thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

Monte Albán

5.0

(3,084)

Oaxaca

Know before you go

The signage at Monte Albán is in Spanish.
There’s a small on-site museum and a gift shop.
There is very little shade at Monte Albán, so bring a hat, sunblock, and water.
Wear comfortable shoes; Monte Albán is an expansive site.
Children aged 13 and under enter for free.
Monte Albán is not fully wheelchair accessible due to uneven ground.

Monte Albán Tours and Tickets

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What are people saying about Monte Albán

Monte Albán

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