Located on a cactus-covered hill, the Yagul ruins were once a leading Valles Centrales settlement, after the decline of Monte Albán. Whatever you see here was mostly built about 1,250 years ago. As you approach the site from the entrance, the first part you will reach is Patio 4, which is down to the left, and this is surrounded by four temples. On the east of this there are some stones carved to look like jaguars. Another notable place here is the Juego de Pelota, or the Ball Court, which is the second-biggest in Mesoamerica. Near this is Patio 1, together with the narrow Sala de Consenjo or Council Hall. Besides that, you must also see the complicated Palacio de los Seis Patios, which was probably the leader’s residence. For even better sightseeing, climb to the top of the Forteleza and the Tumba 28.

Getting there
It is located 1.5km north of the Oaxaca-Mitla road. Most of the time people prefer to walk here because the setting of the ruins is really worth seeing. If you’re driving there, the sign-posted turnoff is 34km from Oaxaca.