ZONA ARQUEOLOGICA SAN JOSE EL MOGOTE
Archaeological museum · Guadalupe Etla ·

ZONA ARQUEOLOGICA SAN JOSE EL MOGOTE

Archaeological museum · Guadalupe Etla ·

Earliest Zapotec site with museum; great views

ZONA ARQUEOLOGICA SAN JOSE EL MOGOTE by Photo by Suzanne Barbezat

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Allende San Jose El Mogote 68256 Oaxaca de Juárez, 68256 Villa de Etla, Oax., Mexico Get directions

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Allende San Jose El Mogote 68256 Oaxaca de Juárez, 68256 Villa de Etla, Oax., Mexico Get directions

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Last updated

Dec 11, 2025

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"Earliest Zapotec Site Prior to the founding of Monte Alban, the large hill-top capital, the main center of the Zapotec civilization was in the Etla valley, west of where Oaxaca city is now. The site has several pyramid-platforms, a main square and a ball court. Excavations were carried out in the 1960s, but the site was never re-constructed to the extent of other sites in the Oaxaca valley, so a lot of it is difficult to make out, but it makes for an interesting stop on a day tour to Etla. You shouldn't miss the community museum, which has a few striking pieces from the site, including the "diablo enchilado," a brazier that is painted red, and the carved slab known as Monument 3, which is similar in style to the depictions known as "Los Danzantes" of Monte Alban. The museum is often locked, but if you ask someone in the community they will find the custodian who will come and open it for you."

Oaxaca's Ancient Civilizations
Photo by Suzanne Barbezat
ZONA ARQUEOLOGICA SAN JOSE EL MOGOTE

Mauricio P.

Google
Not much to see. Not developed. The museum would be a good place to visit but it was closed at the time of our visit.

Michl M.

Google
little excavated site, the mainly overgrown pyramid mound offers a nice view over the valley

吴锐恒（Ruiheng Edbalt W.

Google
Long history and great place for sunset.

Sam R.

Google
A hidden gem! It is a beautiful view from the top and it is kept clean. Awesome place

Prescott B.

Google
A single stepped mound from which you can see for miles. Realize that the people living in this neighborhood have been here for 3,000 years or more. View from the top and take a walk around the bottom, be sure to go to the excellent museum Ex-Hacienda El Cacique a block away to see artifacts and learn the history.

Dini M.

Google
Off the beaten track. No tourists. No entry fee. No signs. Great place to sit and meditate with the ancients. Apparently older than Monte Alban. There is a tiny museum in town where people are very friendly.

Raúl V.

Google
It's a fantastic place to have a good weekend. At the top of this archaeological site you could see a beautiful view of one part of Oaxaca city. It is incredible, I don't know exactly the story of this place but it's important that you read a little ,maybe this place is relationed with some activities either vigilance or market. Besides, from this point you will see at San agustin, Etla church., Another fantastic site to visit. Also, I would like to mention that it is free. By the way there is a big and historic tree, it might have been "tunas" . I was just surprised for this place in middle of nothing.

Mark f

Google
One of the earliest sites in Mexico. Set in the middle of a town. Not often visited as there is not much to see here compared to other sites in Oaxaca.