The archeological ruins of Yagul are located on a hill overlooking the Tlacolula Valley, 33 Km (21 miles) east of Oaxaca City. The royal palace had a commanding view of the valley looking to the west. The stone fortress above and behind the palace offers panoramic views in all directions. Abandoned not long after Monte Alban, the site was resettled later, probably because its fortress provided protection from marauding Mexicas (Aztecs) from the north, who demanded tribute until defeated by the Spanish in 1521.

The sleepy village of Diaz Ordaz lies four miles distant, barely visible across the agricultural valley to the north of Yagul when viewed from the highest point of the palace complex. Roads in this valley originate in the town and radiate out into the fields, but none reach all the way to Yagul. Our hike will follow footpaths from Yagul through fields until connecting with dirt roads leading into Diaz Ordaz. There is no comedor in town, so hikers are advised to pack their own sack lunches. Beer and cold drinks are readily available at several local miscelaneas, however.

Time frame: 8:00 depart Oaxaca / 8:45 arrive Yagul / 10:00 start overland hike / 12:00 arrive Diaz Ordaz / 12:15 sack lunch in town center / 12:45 leave Diaz Ordaz / 2:00 return Oaxaca.

For more information about Yagul, see the following:

http://www.delange.org/Yagul1/Yagul1.htm

http://www.softseattravel.com/Yagul.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yagul

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