Atzompa – More Information

The archeological ruins on the hilltop near the village of Atzompa slumbered undisturbed for centuries. The ruins are those of the Zapotec community that developed in the time (200-600 C.E.) when neighboring Monte Alban was in its prime and residents there needed more space. Serious investigation of the site did not begin until 2007. Over the next five years considerable work was done to unearth a number of significant features, including several temple platforms and plazas, several homes and workshops, a large ball court and a number of tombs. In the fall and winter of 2012-13 new roads, parking lots, walkways, museum and administration center were constructed.

Our hike will begin at the village church in Atzompa at 9:45 am and proceed up the hill to the archeological site from there. (Those adept at local transport will find their own way to the church. People new to Oaxaca and unfamiliar with colectivos and bus routes may assemble instead at the Lending Library at the usual time of 9:00 o’clock, and will then be escorted to Atzompa.)  It is 1.7 miles (2.7 km) from the church to the entrance of the archeological site, with a gain in elevation of 681 feet (207 meters) going up the hill. Once at the ruins, you may expect to walk about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) as you explore the site, climbing another 285 feet (87 meters). By the time you get back to the Atzompa church and break for lunch, you will have hoofed a total of 4.9 miles (7.8 km) and gone uphill and down a total of 966 feet (294 meters).

Time frame:  9:00 Lending Library / 9:45 meet at church in Atzompa / 10:30 arrive at archeological site in Atzompa / 12:00 leave archeological site / 12:30 visit Atzompa archeological museum / 1:15 arrive back at church in Atzompa / 2:00 return to Library & lunch in Oaxaca.

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