Prehistoric Caves of Yagul and Mitla in the Central Valley of Oaxaca
Location: Oaxaca Mexico
Year of Inscription: 2010
Criteria: (iii)to bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared;
Overview: The Prehistoric Caves of Yagul and Mitla in the Central Valley of Oaxaca includes a series of natural caves and rock shelters that contain evidence of prehistoric human occupation, as well as two important Mesoamerican archaeological sites. The site provides an important glimpse into the prehistoric and early historic cultures of the Oaxaca region, and is recognized for its outstanding universal value.
Prominent Features: Some of the most notable features of the Prehistoric Caves of Yagul and Mitla include:
History: The Prehistoric Caves of Yagul and Mitla have a long and rich history that dates back thousands of years. The caves and rock shelters were used by prehistoric peoples for shelter, and later served as important ceremonial sites for the Zapotec and Mixtec cultures. Yagul and Mitla were both important centers of political, economic, and religious power during the pre-Columbian era, and continued to be important cultural centers after the Spanish conquest.
Family-Friendly Activities: The Prehistoric Caves of Yagul and Mitla offer a range of family-friendly activities, including:
Fun Fact: The Zapotec people were skilled astronomers and architects, and many of the buildings and structures at Yagul and Mitla were aligned with astronomical events. The famous "Frieze of the Longest Night" at Mitla features a series of intricate geometric patterns that were used to track the movement of the stars and planets.
Entry Fees: The entry fee for the Prehistoric Caves of Yagul and Mitla varies depending on the type of ticket and whether or not you hire a guide. The basic entrance fee is 75 pesos (approximately $4 USD) for Mexican citizens and 417 pesos (approximately $21 USD) for foreign visitors. There are additional fees for using cameras or video equipment, as well as for hiring a guide.
How to Reach It: The Prehistoric Caves of Yagul and Mitla are located in the Central Valley of Oaxaca, approximately 40 kilometers southeast of the city of Oaxaca. There are several public transportation options available for visitors, including buses and shared taxis. It is also possible to rent a car and drive to the site.
From Oaxaca City, you can take a bus from the Central de Autobuses de Oaxaca (Oaxaca Bus Station) to the town of Tlacolula de Matamoros, which is the closest town to the caves. From there, you can take a local taxi or colectivo (shared taxi) to the caves. The journey takes about 45 minutes and costs around 20 pesos (approximately $1 USD).
By Taxi: Taxis are readily available in Oaxaca City and can take you directly to the caves. The journey takes about 45 minutes to an hour and costs around 300-400 pesos (approximately $15-20 USD) one way.
By Rental Car: If you prefer to have your own vehicle, rental cars are available in Oaxaca City. The drive to the caves takes about 45 minutes and the roads are generally in good condition.
Where to Stay: The town of Tlacolula de Matamoros, which is the closest town to the Prehistoric Caves, has a few accommodation options, including small hotels and guesthouses. However, most visitors to the area choose to stay in Oaxaca City, which has a wider range of options for all budgets and preferences.
In Oaxaca City, you can find everything from hostels and budget hotels to luxury resorts and boutique hotels. Some popular areas to stay in the city include the historic center, where you can find many of the city's landmarks, restaurants, and markets, as well as the surrounding neighborhoods of San Felipe del Agua and San Agustin Etla, which are known for their natural beauty and quiet atmosphere.
If you are looking for a more rural or traditional experience, you can also consider staying in one of the small villages near the caves, such as San Jeronimo Tlacochahuaya or San Pablo Villa de Mitla, both of which have a few small guesthouses and restaurants.
Next Stop: Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley: originary habitat of Mesoamerica
Year of Inscription: 2010
Criteria: (iii)to bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared;
Overview: The Prehistoric Caves of Yagul and Mitla in the Central Valley of Oaxaca includes a series of natural caves and rock shelters that contain evidence of prehistoric human occupation, as well as two important Mesoamerican archaeological sites. The site provides an important glimpse into the prehistoric and early historic cultures of the Oaxaca region, and is recognized for its outstanding universal value.
Prominent Features: Some of the most notable features of the Prehistoric Caves of Yagul and Mitla include:
- Yagul, an archaeological site that dates back to the pre-Columbian era and was once an important Zapotec city-state
- Mitla, an important center of Zapotec and Mixtec culture that features impressive architectural ruins and intricate stone mosaics
- A series of natural caves and rock shelters that contain evidence of prehistoric human occupation, including rock paintings and carvings, as well as tools and other artifacts
History: The Prehistoric Caves of Yagul and Mitla have a long and rich history that dates back thousands of years. The caves and rock shelters were used by prehistoric peoples for shelter, and later served as important ceremonial sites for the Zapotec and Mixtec cultures. Yagul and Mitla were both important centers of political, economic, and religious power during the pre-Columbian era, and continued to be important cultural centers after the Spanish conquest.
Family-Friendly Activities: The Prehistoric Caves of Yagul and Mitla offer a range of family-friendly activities, including:
- Guided tours of the archaeological sites, which provide insights into the history and culture of the Zapotec and Mixtec peoples
- Exploring the natural caves and rock shelters, which feature impressive rock paintings and carvings, as well as artifacts from prehistoric times
- Learning about traditional crafts and techniques, such as weaving and pottery-making, at the local markets and workshops
- Sampling traditional Oaxacan cuisine, which is known for its unique blend of indigenous and Spanish flavors
Fun Fact: The Zapotec people were skilled astronomers and architects, and many of the buildings and structures at Yagul and Mitla were aligned with astronomical events. The famous "Frieze of the Longest Night" at Mitla features a series of intricate geometric patterns that were used to track the movement of the stars and planets.
Entry Fees: The entry fee for the Prehistoric Caves of Yagul and Mitla varies depending on the type of ticket and whether or not you hire a guide. The basic entrance fee is 75 pesos (approximately $4 USD) for Mexican citizens and 417 pesos (approximately $21 USD) for foreign visitors. There are additional fees for using cameras or video equipment, as well as for hiring a guide.
How to Reach It: The Prehistoric Caves of Yagul and Mitla are located in the Central Valley of Oaxaca, approximately 40 kilometers southeast of the city of Oaxaca. There are several public transportation options available for visitors, including buses and shared taxis. It is also possible to rent a car and drive to the site.
From Oaxaca City, you can take a bus from the Central de Autobuses de Oaxaca (Oaxaca Bus Station) to the town of Tlacolula de Matamoros, which is the closest town to the caves. From there, you can take a local taxi or colectivo (shared taxi) to the caves. The journey takes about 45 minutes and costs around 20 pesos (approximately $1 USD).
By Taxi: Taxis are readily available in Oaxaca City and can take you directly to the caves. The journey takes about 45 minutes to an hour and costs around 300-400 pesos (approximately $15-20 USD) one way.
By Rental Car: If you prefer to have your own vehicle, rental cars are available in Oaxaca City. The drive to the caves takes about 45 minutes and the roads are generally in good condition.
Where to Stay: The town of Tlacolula de Matamoros, which is the closest town to the Prehistoric Caves, has a few accommodation options, including small hotels and guesthouses. However, most visitors to the area choose to stay in Oaxaca City, which has a wider range of options for all budgets and preferences.
In Oaxaca City, you can find everything from hostels and budget hotels to luxury resorts and boutique hotels. Some popular areas to stay in the city include the historic center, where you can find many of the city's landmarks, restaurants, and markets, as well as the surrounding neighborhoods of San Felipe del Agua and San Agustin Etla, which are known for their natural beauty and quiet atmosphere.
If you are looking for a more rural or traditional experience, you can also consider staying in one of the small villages near the caves, such as San Jeronimo Tlacochahuaya or San Pablo Villa de Mitla, both of which have a few small guesthouses and restaurants.
Next Stop: Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley: originary habitat of Mesoamerica