Guiengola has two meanings, the first derivative of the Isthmus Zapotec, composed of the words: stone gola: big or old "Big Rock" and the second "big or ancient hill" according Danyroó. Importance Cultural La Guiengola city was built by the Zapotecs in a natural elevation, which together with constructions made by its inhabitants, created a difficult settlement being overrun. According to ethno historical and archaeological data, this place was occupied by Mixe, Zoque, Chontal huaves and, when attacked by other groups that came from the highlands and southern Mesoamerica. It is believed that the city was still functioning at the time of Spanish contact.

In addition to the scene of a major battle between Zapotecs and Mexica, it contains significant architectural evidence. the total area of the city is unknown because little has been explored; the visible architectural ensembles highlights the main square consists of two pyramidal bases and the ballgame accompanied by other smaller buildings, these buildings were destined to public and ceremonial activities, and by regularly were associated with the worship of the gods, but other relevant groups such as the Palace that can be defined as the seat or place inhabited the ruler or priest class and consists of a series of platforms, patios, rooms, warehouses, tombs and ladders, and even wells water or sweat lodges where the degree of development and refinement of architecture predominates. Its main timeline is Posclásico by the year 1350 d.

The hilltop fortress of GUIENGOLA 15km north of Tehuantepec, was the Zapotec stronghold on the isthmus, and in 1496 its defenders successfully fought off an Aztec attempt to gain control of the area, which was never fully incorporated into their empire. It continued to be a centre of resistance during the early years of the Conquest and was a focus of Indian revolt against Spanish rule throughout the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.

At the site you’ll see remains of pyramids and a ball-court, but the most striking feature is the massive defensive wall. By definition, Guiengola’s superb location makes it somewhat inaccessible and it’s probably best to take a taxi, though buses to Oaxaca do pass the turn-off to the site, 8km from Tehuantepec on the main road (look out for the “Ruinas Guiengola” sign). From here it’s a seven-kilometre walk uphill.

Services available in the area: The Archaeological Site not have any type of services or infrastructure for sightseeing, however, custodial staff, provides support and as far as possible guided tour of the area.

Hours: Monday to Sunday from 9:00 to 18:00 pm

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

CP Manuel Rufino Aguilar, Chief of Security and Oaxaca INAH Center archaeologist. Cuautle Augustine E. Andrade, Coordinator of the Department of Archaeology.

Recommendations: It is important to visit the area, with comfortable clothes and shoes, from very early in the day, because you have to walk 45-90 minutes a gap, and the atmosphere in the shade temperature in this zone comes to exceed the 38 ° C. Very important to bring enough natural water and go with very little luggage.

To get to the archaeological site is accessed by the Pan arriving Oaxaca-Tehuantepec highway, passing the town of Jalapa del Marqués, about 15 km are crossed, until the place called "The Texas", where the deviation is. to Guiengola, located to the east. It passes on a dirt road for 5.3 km., until you reach a fork, where you take a left and continue along a path sloping up to the end of it, which is conditioned to park vehicles. From this point walking through a gap, for about an hour to reach the monumental area Guiengola.