National park · Mexico
Atzompa Archaeological ZoneZona arqueológica de Atzompa
Enter Atzompa for about MXN 30 – 50 per person (check), then walk the main trail (≈1 km (0.6 mi), easy) in the morning; best weather Oct–Apr, avoid rain in May–Sep.Enter Atzompa for about MXN 30 – 50 per person (check), then walk the main trail (≈0.6 mi (1 km), easy) in the morning; best weather Oct–Apr, avoid rain in May–Sep.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify
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Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
1 km² (0 sq mi)0 sq mi (1 km²)
approximate
Established
2012
Best months
Apr, Oct–Nov
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- Mexico ↗Check entry rules for your passport with Mexico's National Migration Institute (INM) or your nearest Mexican consulate; keep proof of your entry (stamp or digital record) until you leave.
- Mexico ↗Security advice differs by state: some governments advise against travel to parts of several states. Check your own government's advice for each region on your route.
- Mexico ↗Do not drink tap water; use bottled or filtered water and ice from reliable places.
- Mexico ↗Foreign visitors to Quintana Roo (Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Bacalar, Holbox) pay the state VISITAX online at visitax.gob.mx only; lookalike sites add fees.
At a glance
- Country
- Mexico
- Area
- 1 km² (0 sq mi)0 sq mi (1 km²)
- The protected zone covers roughly 0.5 km² of archaeological remains (check official boundaries).
- Established
- 2012
- Best months
- Apr, Oct–Nov
- Permits
- For some areas
Atzompa is a Zapotec hill‑top complex opened to the public in 2012, featuring a 50‑ft stucco frieze, extensive ballcourts and murals, and offering panoramic views of Monte Albán and the Oaxaca valley.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- No UNESCO listing; national park since 2012.
Size and age
1 km² (0 sq mi)0 sq mi (1 km²) · national park since 2012
The protected zone covers roughly 0.5 km² of archaeological remains (check official boundaries).
Why go
- See a well‑preserved Zapotec hill‑top complex with a 50‑ft stucco frieze.
- Enjoy panoramic views of Monte Albán and the Oaxaca valley.
When to go
- JanGo
- FebGo
- MarGo
- AprBest
- MayCaution
- JunCaution
- JulCaution
- AugCaution
- SepCaution
- OctBest
- NovBest
- DecGo
- JanDry, mild
- FebDry, mild
- MarDry, warming
- AprDry, warm
- MayStart of rains
- JunAfternoon showers
- JulFrequent rain
- AugFrequent rain
- SepRainy, cooler
- OctDry, clear
- NovDry, pleasant
- DecDry, mild
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Urban and garden birds (e.g., sparrows, finches)All year | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
From Oaxaca city
Taxi, Uber or R13 city bus to Santa María Atzompa (≈10 min drive).
10–15 min
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Main archaeological area | Gate, map, main trail past Casa de Oriental, Casa de Altares, Casa de Sur, ballcourts. | Open with entry ticket. |
Sketch map
Take the points offline
3 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Coordinates from Wikidata centre of the archaeological zone; approximate for map orientation.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry fee | MXN 30–50 (≈ US$2–3) | person | official fee (check) |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Site entry permit or guide
Park rules
- Guides
- Optional; local Zapotec guides may be hired at the gate.
- Drones
- Not allowed without INAH permission.
- Photography
- Allowed in most areas; flash may be restricted inside structures.
Where to stay
Near the park
Santa María Atzompa town
Family‑run guesthouses and small hotels, 5‑10 min walk to the site.
Near the park
Oaxaca city
Wide range of accommodations, 20 km (12 mi) (≈30 min) by car.Wide range of accommodations, 12 mi (20 km) (≈30 min) by car.
Safety
Heat low
Rain‑slippery stones medium
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- Gate area reachable by car; short paved paths.
Visiting lightly
- Support local artisans in Santa María Atzompa.
- Do not remove any artifacts or stones.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Atzompa?
The entry fee is about MXN 30 – 50 per person (check the latest INAH price).
What are the best hikes in Atzompa?
The site is a short, easy walk of about 1 km covering the main structures; no longer hikes are defined.
When is the best time to visit Atzompa?
Dry season October to April offers sunny, warm weather; avoid the rainy months May to September.
Can I reach Atzompa by public transport?
Yes, the R13 city bus from downtown Oaxaca stops at Santa María Atzompa; taxis and rideshare also work.
Are guided tours required?
No, the main trail is self‑guided, but local Zapotec guides are available for a fee.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
Show the detailsHide
Sources
- officialINAH Atzompa page (archived)
- secondaryWikidata – Atzompa
- secondaryWikivoyage: Atzompa, revision 5323814 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Ask about Atzompa Archaeological Zone
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