Monte Alban! What can I say about this gorgeous Zapotec archeological site. It is simply breathtaking, and photos do not do it justice. The hike up was worth it (although they do have a road you can drive up instead), and we had a guide to show us around. Built by the Zapotec people, Monte Alban is a series of pyramids and sites built for the higher ups, who would use their vantage point from the mountains to see any incoming enemies, or simply to observe the people.

Some of the pyramids were closed off.

My Arrazola homestay dad's dog decided to hike up with us.

Who could forget about all the dogs!

Signs all around the site provided information in three different languages: Spanish, Zapotec, and English

The man who "discovered" Monte Alban.

Some handicap accessibility at the site.

Our guide showed us this type of material still found at Monte Alban - unfortunately I don't remember what it's called but it's like thin colored glass.

Simply stunning. I wish a photo could convey how beautiful it was up there.

Our tour guide explained that if there were small rocks between the larger stones of a pyramid, then it had been restored to keep it from deteriorating.

After reaching the top of the mountain, you still have to walk further.

Near the museum there's this amazing sculpted "map" of Monte Alban, depicting all the pyramids at the site.

Check out the beautiful architecture.

One of the several pyramids.

Panoramic view from the mountain!

The mountain is what we have to hike up - here we go!

Despite the wear and tear of nature, these pyramids continue to hold up - a testament to Zaptotec engineering.

As our guide showed us around Monte Alban, there were several licensed vendors selling little statues and masks. This is just one of several we saw.

Along many stones were engravings/reliefs, though most had to be moved out of their original spot to preserve them. This one, as our guide explained, seems to represent a swimmer.

You use to be able to go into the pyramids, but because of littering, graffiti, and other destructive behavior, visitors are now banned from going inside.

More engravings, a lot which seem to denote dancing.

Several slabs out of original placing - unfortunately, this makes it harder to determine what the engravings represent.

Childbirth?

Zapotec writing.

Digestive system - perhaps these were ways of recording ailments?

Another breathtaking shot.

Although Monte Alban does not have its own water source, life manages to grow.

Once again another sign with the three languages offered.

An area where it is believed that the residents of Monte Alban held athletic events.

As we head up, the town gets smaller...

These little guys were everywhere during the hike.

Our guide showing us how stones provided natural dyes.

A fountain!