Monte Alban and Arrazola

Trip information!

This trip takes place on Tuesday, March 26.

Monte Alban served as the ancient capital of the Zapotecs between 500 B.C. and 800 A.D. At its height the city was inhabited by more than 40,000 residents. Today, visitors can explore the site. Points of interest on the Grand Plaza include: temples and palaces; bas-reliefs of human figures known as the danzantes; a ball court; an observatory; and tombs that once held gold, silver, jade, alabaster and turquoise treasures (now housed at the Centro Cultural de Santo Domingo in Oaxaca City).

Arrazola, known for its alebrijes, or colorful hand-carved and painted animals that are seen in markets and tourist shops in and around Oaxaca. Students have the opportunity to visit local homes where the wooden creatures are produced.