Monte Albán: A Surreal Step Into Zapotec Civilization 🏛️🌄

📍 The Basics Distance from Oaxaca City: 30-min scenic drive (winding mountain roads) Entrance Fee: 95 MXN (~$5 USD) | Free for Mexicans/residents on Sundays (ID required) UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987 ✨ Why It Feels "Unreal" Game-like vistas: Climb the Main Pyramid for 360° views of endless valleys Engineering marvel: Terraces and temples carved into the mountain (500 BCE) Sacred ball courts where ritual games decided fates 🍽️ Pro Tips ✔ Skip the on-site restaurant – overpriced with mediocre food ✔ Pack: Water, hat, and pesos (no card payments) ✔ Guided tours (~200 MXN) explain Zapotec astronomy and bloodletting rituals 😄 Cultural Moment When asked if you were "China Poblana": This refers to 17th-century Asian-Mexican icon Catarina de San Juan Today, her embroidered dress symbolizes Mexican identity 📸 Best Photo Spots Platforma Sur (perfect pyramid silhouette) Los Danzantes Wall (ancient "dancer" carvings) Sunset at Observatorio (golden hour magic) #MonteAlban #OaxacaTravel #MexicoUNESCO #AncientWonders