Oaxaca de Juárez Things to Do Tips by kandl1

Mexico City has Teotihuacan, the Yucatan has Chichen Itza (among others), Guatemala has Tikal, and Oaxaca has Monte Alban. It is located 10 minutes from downtown Oaxaca, high on a plateau.
Originally built around 500-200 BC, most of the buildings visible now were built in the 200-500 AD period.
It is a wide open clearing, with many pyramids and official residences.
On the day we went, it was clear and sunny so you could see for miles. It was after the rainy season, so there was green grass everywhere.
It's one of those places that you just wander around and soak it all in. We had a guide show us around and explain the significance of the tombs, observatory, houses and the danzantes, the carved stones images of figures that dot the site.
The danzantes (dancers) are some of the oldest features of Monte Alban, dating back to the time of the origin of Monte Alban.
The small, but nicely laid out museum, features much of the original artwork from excavated tombs and adds context to what you saw.

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Address: 6 miles out of town
Directions: Just ask and someone can tell you how to get there. Many people there are on guided tours.
But if you're shy just take a road named "Trujano", which leads out of town and onto the road to Monte Alban, about 6 miles away.

Ok, you'll understand the title when you go there...
The Tree of Tule in the town of Santa Maria del Tule (about 10 miles out of town, on the way to Mitla) is BIG...and OLD.
Locals say the tree is over 2000 year old and has a circumference of over 160 feet.
The town itself is a small village, with more greenery than any of the other villages in the area. Fountains, streams, grass and open gardens give the small town an open, relaxing atmosphere.
The tree itself is right next to the beautiful church.
Local children point out unusual figures one can see in the tree. With pocket mirrors reflecting the sun, the guides will point out figures such as the squirrel's tale and Carlos Salinas' ears.
A recent addition to the children's English-language lexicon is pointing out the "butt" of Monica Lewinski, though if asked who she is, the typical response is "an artist."
The kids reflect the mirror into the tree, then say "You See? You See? Kaman!" (come on) and you follow the child to the next part of the tree.
It's quite cute, actually.

Most visitors are on tours to (or from) Mitla, or Teotitlan de la Valle and the Tule tree is just a quick stop.

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Directions: approximately 13 km from the city of Oaxaca, on the road to Mitla.