Monte Albán

Southwest of Oaxaca City, a narrow, twisting road leads up to the mountaintop city of the "cloud people," Monte Albán. Seeing this massive ancient metropolis is a mystical experience, especially if you are lucky enough to find one or more of the tombs open. South of the city lies a string of crafts villages. Atzompa, known for its green-glaze pottery, is a popular stop. It's on the road to Monte Albán, as is San Bartolo Coyotepec, where you'll find gorgeous black pottery.