Day trip from:

Copalita Eco-Archaeological Park

3,000-year-old Zapotec and Mixtec ruins where the jungle meets the Pacific—just 15 minutes from Huatulco

2-4 hours

75 MXN(Entry 50-100 MXN depending on guide services. Taxi from La Crucecita ~80 MXN. Open daily 9 AM-5 PM.)

Morning for cooler temperatures and best birdwatching. Dry season (November-May) for easiest access to all trails. Rainy season brings lush vegetation but some trails may be muddy.

Overview

Copalita Eco-Archaeological Park combines ancient history with stunning natural beauty at the mouth of the Copalita River, just 15 minutes east of La Crucecita. This lesser-known archaeological site features **3,000-year-old Zapotec and Mixtec ruins** including a ball court, temple platforms, and ceremonial structures—all with Pacific Ocean views. The site was an important pre-Hispanic trading post connecting the coast with the Valley of Oaxaca. Beyond the ruins, the park offers **crocodile habitat areas** along the river estuary, hiking trails through tropical deciduous forest, birdwatching (200+ species including parrots and toucans), and a beautiful beach at the river mouth. The visitor center has an excellent museum explaining the site's history and the region's ecology. This is a perfect half-day trip that most tourists miss—far less crowded than Monte Albán with a unique coastal setting.

Highlights

3,000-year-old Zapotec and Mixtec ruins with Pacific views

Ancient ball court and ceremonial temple platforms

Pre-Hispanic coastal trading post connecting to Valley of Oaxaca

Crocodile habitat areas along Copalita River estuary

Birdwatching: 200+ species including parrots and toucans

Hiking trails through tropical deciduous forest

Beach at Copalita River mouth—good for surfing

Excellent on-site museum with archaeological and ecological exhibits

Far less crowded than Monte Albán

Combine with nearby La Bocana surf beach

Practical Information

Suggested Duration

2-4 hours

Entrance Fee

75 MXN

Entry 50-100 MXN depending on guide services. Taxi from La Crucecita ~80 MXN. Open daily 9 AM-5 PM.

Best Time to Visit

Morning for cooler temperatures and best birdwatching. Dry season (November-May) for easiest access to all trails. Rainy season brings lush vegetation but some trails may be muddy.

How to Get There

TaxiCar/RentalOrganized Tour

Location

Open in Google Maps