Timeline
09:00
Arrive at Mitla when it opens to beat the heat and the crowds. Head straight to Tomb 1 to see the famous 'Column of Life.' Spanish is helpful here as the ruins officials can explain how to use the column correctly to find out how many years you have left to live.
10:30
Check the route for a nearby spot to eat or drink a snack. The ruins are 55 km east of Oaxaca, so plan for a short break after your exploration.
11:30
Return to the site for a second look at the Mesoamerican buildings intermingled with the modern town. The Zapotecs called it Lyobaam, 'Place of the Dead,' and the atmosphere is best appreciated in the late morning light.
Local tip
Bring water and sun protection. The site is open during the day, but the midday sun can be intense. If you speak Spanish, engage with the officials at Tomb 1 for the best experience with the Column of Life.
Check before you go
- Verify opening hours for Mitla ruins on the day of your visit.
- Plan your transport from Oaxaca city, which is 55 km away.
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Oaxaca (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).