Prehistoric Caves of Yagul and Mitla in the Central Valley of Oaxaca Historical Site

Archaeological caves and rock-cut features in Oaxaca valley

The Yagul and Mitla complexes in Oaxaca combine cave deposits, Zapotec architecture and funerary monuments; archaeologists and visitors examine cave shelters, terraces and stone tombs in the Central Valley.

Guila Naquitz cave.jpg

Prehistoric Caves of Yagul and Mitla in the Central Valley of Oaxaca at a Glance#

Website: https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1458

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How to Get to Prehistoric Caves of Yagul and Mitla in the Central Valley of Oaxaca#

Both Yagul and Mitla are accessible from Oaxaca city by road - Mitla is about 45-60 minutes southeast on Highway 190; Yagul is closer to the town of Tlacolula. Buses and colectivos serve the towns; private car or guided tours from Oaxaca are convenient.

Tips for Visiting Prehistoric Caves of Yagul and Mitla in the Central Valley of Oaxaca#

  • Book tickets to guided cave tours in advance - access to some prehistoric chambers is limited to protect rock art.
  • Visit the nearby town of Mitla for complementary Zapotec heritage and easier accommodations.
  • Bring a good headlamp for lesser-lit cave walkways; cameras may be restricted in sensitive rock-art chambers.

Best Time to Visit Prehistoric Caves of Yagul and Mitla in the Central Valley of Oaxaca#

Best in the dry months (Nov-Apr) for comfortable hiking to and between cave sites and for clearer access to archaeological trails.

Dry season
November-April · 12-28°C
Cooler and drier - better for hiking and visiting open-air sites.
Rainy season
May-October · 16-30°C
Warmer and humid; some cave approaches may be slippery but the landscape is green.

Weather & Climate near Prehistoric Caves of Yagul and Mitla in the Central Valley of Oaxaca#

Climate

Prehistoric Caves of Yagul and Mitla in the Central Valley of Oaxaca's climate is classified as Subtropical Highland (Dry Winter) - Subtropical Highland (Dry Winter) climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 10°C to 30°C. Moderate rainfall (687 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 51 Moderate
Best Time to Visit
FebruaryJanuaryMarch
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
37°
Warmest Month
0°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Ideal 10° - 26° 18° 2 mm mostly sunny 75% 2.8 m/s 1.8 very high 11.1h
February Ideal 10° - 27° 19° 5 mm mostly sunny 68% 3.0 m/s 2.2 extreme 11.5h
March Ideal 12° - 29° 20° 8 mm mostly sunny 62% 2.9 m/s 2.5 extreme 11.9h
April Ideal 13° - 30° 22° 29 mm mostly sunny 59% 2.7 m/s 2.5 extreme 12.4h
May Excellent 15° - 29° 22° 90 mm partly cloudy 67% 2.5 m/s 2.3 extreme 12.8h
June Good 15° - 26° 20° 146 mm overcast 81% 2.3 m/s 2.2 extreme 13.0h
July Very Good 14° - 25° 20° 92 mm overcast 86% 2.4 m/s 2.3 extreme 12.9h
August Good 14° - 26° 20° 112 mm overcast 87% 2.2 m/s 2.2 extreme 12.6h
September Good 14° - 25° 20° 125 mm overcast 89% 2.1 m/s 2.0 extreme 12.1h
October Excellent 13° - 26° 19° 56 mm partly cloudy 88% 2.3 m/s 1.9 very high 11.7h
November Ideal 11° - 26° 19° 17 mm mostly sunny 85% 2.5 m/s 1.8 very high 11.2h
December Ideal 10° - 26° 18° 5 mm mostly sunny 79% 2.5 m/s 1.7 very high 11.0h

Nearby Attractions to Prehistoric Caves of Yagul and Mitla in the Central Valley of Oaxaca#

Yagul
Yagul
Pre-Columbian Zapotec archaeological site near Oaxaca
Nature Reserve 3.2 km
Mitla
Mitla
Pre-Columbian Zapotec archaeological site with intricate stone mosaics
Archaeological Site 4.4 km