The strongholds of the classical Zapotec in the mountains of what today is the periphery of Oaxaca de Juárez are among the most impressive in Mesoamerica. The largest and most well-known of these is, of course, Monte Albán. Despite the grandeur of this capital, it by no means existed in isolation, depending on vassals across the region’s vast mountain chains. Among other advantages, these allied cities offered Monte Albán security from their enemies from practically every direction.
One of the largest and most important of these satellite states of Monte Albán was Atzompa, which was plenty grand and powerful in its own right.
The remains of Atzompa visitable today date to the late classical period, or sometime between the 5th and 7th centuries CE, though evidence of occupation at the same site dates at least several centuries before that.
In a straight line, the distance between Atzompa and Monte Albán is only five miles, but the narrow mountain passes and rugged terrain makes it feel a world away, even today. Getting to Atzompa from Oaxaca de Juárez (Oaxaca’s capital) is easy via taxi or ride-sharing services. But because the site is seldom visited by tourists, getting back to town may not be as easy. A good way to solve this problem is to hire a driver for a few hours who will wait for you while you are at the site.
Entrance to Atzompa is free, but the services offered by the INAH are limited to an eco-toilet, and there is often no running water in these bathrooms, so make sure to bring your own along with a little soap or sanitizing gel.
— Read the full article at Atzompa: casting a watchful eye over the Zapotec heartland (yucatanmagazine.com)
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