Guiengola

About 15km/9.3mi west of Tehuantepec a country track branches off from the MEX 190 to the right and leads to the ruins of Guiengola. At the end of the 6km/4mi long track a path leads up the mountain slope through a picturesque landscape of rocks, bushes and cacti to a summit (ascent about one hour). Here, about 400 m (1312 ft) above the valley and situated on the mountain of Guiengola, are the ruins of the Zapotecs' last great fortress.

The remains of a 3m (10ft) high and 2m (6.5ft) wide wall, which once encircled the whole mountain, have been preserved. On the great square stand the remains of a large pyramid-shaped temple on four levels, three smaller cult buildings and a ball court. On the slope there once stood the palace of the Zapotec king, Cocijo-eza, who successfully defended this fortress in 1496 against the attacks of Aztec invaders. From the cliffs there is a wonderful view across the valley of Tehuantepec.