According to Ignacio Bernal and Lorenzo Gamio, Yagul means "tree" or "Palo Viejo". Cultural significance Yagul is located on a steep hill in the Tlacolula Valley east of the city of Oaxaca. Yagul emerges as the governing center in this area after the decline of Monte Alban, so it is identified as part of the city-states characteristics or Epiclassic Late Classic. The main structures and buildings Yagul were distributed at various levels following the slope of the hill north to south.One of the most interesting aspects of Yagul is the presence of mural painting in floors and walls of their structures, an element that has attracted the attention of scholars not only archeology but also art historians. On the other hand, around Yagul it found evidence of human occupation of very early; particularly in the adjacent rock masses to the existing road (site Caballito Blanco) where they found traces of rocky shelters with cave paintings linked to nomadic groups of hunters and gatherers who inhabited the Valley of Oaxaca 7000 years. Chronology 1500. C. to 1521 d. C. Location main chronological: Early Postclassic 900-1200 d.

Services at the archaeological site of Yagul parking, locker and wardrobe.

Hours: Monday to Sunday from 8:00 to 17:00 pm


Contact: Centro INAH Oaxaca 01 (951) 5 13 33 46.

Its location, atop a large, cactus-dotted plateau overlooking the entire Tlacolula valley, is its major draw. The large site spreads expansively across a superb defensive position, and although occupied by the Zapotecs from a fairly early date, its main features are from later on (around 900–1200 AD, after the fall of Monte Albán) and demonstrate Mixtec influence. On the lowest level is the Patio de la Triple Tumba, where the remains of four temples surround an altar and the entry to the Triple Tomb, whose three funereal chambers show characteristically Mixtec decoration. Immediately above the patio, you’ll see a large and elegantly simple ball-court, and a level above this, the maze-like Palacio de los Seis Patios. Probably a residential complex, this features six small courtyards surrounded by rooms and narrow passages. Climbing still higher towards the crest of the hill and the fortress, you pass several lesser remains and tombs, while from the fortress itself there are stunning views, and a frightening rock bridge to a natural watchtower.

The area is accessed from Oaxaca City on the Panamerican Highway. About 1.2 km., Ahead of the population of Tlacolula is the deviation leading to the site. By public transport you can reach the site by taking a bus that addresses the Isthmus or Mitla, from Tlacolula deviation from which is necessary to walk about 1,500 meters to the site is located.